Support Groups

Aphasia Patients Participate in New England Rehab's Talking Book Club and Support Groups

Steve Belanger, PhD, Speech Language Pathologist (L), leads a discussion to highlight a chapter read by the Talking Book Club at New England Rehab. Participants are (L-R) Tom Callahan, Tina Callahan, and Pat Olsen. Kathy Kroll, Recreational Therapist, refers to the chapter worksheet that keys into specific elements for discussion.

Talking Book Club participant, Tina Callahan, points to a paragraph that addresses the answer to a chapter question presented by Steve Belanger, PhD, Speech Language Pathologist.

Coffee, cookies and laughter are a normal occurrence for Book Club groups everywhere. But to stroke patients with aphasia who may have thought they would never again enjoy reading, such a gathering is a particularly special event. At New England Rehab Hospital's Talking Book Club, the coffee is fresh, the cookies are huge and the laughter is plentiful.

Aphasia is an acquired impairment of the ability to use and understand words. All individuals with aphasia have difficulty speaking. Auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing are also usually affected, although the degree of impairment varies. Aphasia therapy strives to maximize recovery of language abilities. In addition, practice using compensatory communication strategies (e.g., writing topic words, gestures, yes/no responses) is typically provided to both the patient and his or her communication partner. Treatment is offered in both individual and group settings.

New England Rehab started a support group for aphasic individuals and their families in October 2002. The group meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00. The group began with six members and has since tripled in size. Members are free to bring up and discuss any topic of interest. The group provides a unique opportunity for individuals with aphasia to engage in conversations in a supportive atmosphere no matter what the degree of language impairment. Occasionally educational programs on stroke-related topics are also presented and sometimes meetings are pure social events. In fact, the group is probably the only aphasia support group in the nation ever to host a baby shower! In March of 2004, the group hosted a baby shower for a member who was about to become a first time grandmother.

It was in that spirit of community that Steve Belanger, PhD, Speech Language Pathologist, and Kathy Kroll, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist, developed a spin-off support group for aphasia patients, combining therapy and fun - New England Rehab's Talking Book Club.

Steve and Kathy receive a list of books and prepared discussion material from the California Aphasia Center. Reading ramps were also provided. Reading Ramps are simplified plot outlines and summaries for each chapter of a selected book. Books on the list provided by the California Aphasia Center are available in unabridged audiotape format so that participants can follow the print book word-for-word, if desired. Tape recorders are provided by the Library of Congress for the participants to use at home. The group selects a book and Kathy obtains copies and audiotapes from the Portland Public Library for each participant. The overall criteria for selection is that the book be of interest to anyone, whether they are aphasic or not. Usually the book has been on the best-seller list.

In the privacy of his or her own home, the participant reads the assigned chapters and listens to the audiotape by a method that best suites his or her ability to comprehend the words. For example, one person may play the audiotape and follow along the printed book word-for-word. Another individual may read a chapter of the book first and then listen to the audiotape.

When the Talking Book Club meets, Steve and Kathy lead the group through structured discussions, focusing on improving initiation of conversation, turn-taking and clarification of ideas. The laughter usually starts when Steve and Kathy emphasize a participant's reactions to chapter highlights and any personal connections to the material.

The group is currently reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson, which references camping and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Steve's camping experience was limited to his parent's back yard while Kathy's experience with camping was limited to her time in the military. All Talking Book Club participants agreed that they probably were not the best candidates to actually hike the trail!

Reading promotes self-esteem, cognitive stimulation, and provides an outlet for general enjoyment and pleasure. New England Rehab's Talking Book Club creates an environment that is patient, supportive, and motivating while improving the skills of each individual.

For further information on aphasia visit the web at www.asha.org.