Our Programs

Adult Day Program
Caregiver Support Groups
Aphasia Program
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Aphasia Program

Cost: See Full PDF Flyer

LOCATIONs: ARTC Brantford | Simcoe

OFFERED: In-Person or Virtual Groups

Program Overview

We run small, supported conversation groups for people with Aphasia. Our group members engage in conversation while sharing personal stories, opinions, and knowledge. We focus on practicing communication skills, in a supported and communicatively accessible way. We use Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) and the “Life Participation Approach to Aphasia” (LPAA). Our program empowers people with Aphasia to live life with purpose.

The ARTC Aphasia Program is one of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Regional Aphasia Programs.

Aphasia Programs and Services

  • Learn about the brain and Aphasia

  • Meet other people with Aphasia

  • Enhance communication skills and improve confidence

  • Share experiences and participate in conversation

 

Learn More

Additional groups and services offered to individuals participating in Supported Conversation Groups:

  • Skill Building Groups (i.e., Brain Crusaders Aphasia Advocacy Group, Working Minds Group, Coffee and Chat, and Specialty Groups)
  • Weekly Newsletter and Homework
  • Brain-Stroke Recovery Group
  • Services from our Client Support Worker

About Aphasia

Aphasia is a language impairment following a stroke, brain injury or brain illness. Aphasia is a communication difficulty. It does not affect thinking or intellect. Aphasia affects everyone differently. “People with Aphasia know more than they can say” (Aphasia Institute, 2023). Aphasia can affect speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. It can also affect numbers, drawing and gestures.

  • 1 in 3 stroke survivors have Aphasia.
  • Approximately 166,00 Canadians live with Aphasia.
  • Only 5.7% of people in Ontario know about Aphasia.

Q. Is Aphasia the same for everyone?

A. No. Aphasia affects everyone differently. It depends on where the brain has been affected and the severity of the damage to the brain.

Q. Does Aphasia change? Does it get better or worse?

A. For most people with Aphasia, communication gets better over time. Be patient. There are good days and bad days.

Q. Do other people with Aphasia feel frustrated? Do your family and friends feel frustrated?

A. It is normal to feel frustrated. Sometimes people do not understand Aphasia. Aphasia affects relationships. It takes two people to communicate. There are struggles for people with Aphasia and their communication partners.

Q. Can Aphasia be cured with surgery?

A. No, there is no surgery to cure Aphasia.

  • Learn to laugh.
  • Everyday can be different.
  • Progress with take time.
  • It is normal to have mood swings after a stroke. Talk to your Doctor.

Helpful Resources

Brochure
Aphasia Card
Radio Commercial

Who would benefit from the Aphasia Program?

  • Adults 18 Years or older who have Aphasia
  • Self-Referrals Accepted

Please fill out the Aphasia Program Referral Form to start the process to see if you are eligible for our program.

APHASIA PROGRAM REFERRAL FORM

For more information, please contact our Aphasia Program Coordinator:
 

Susan Harper

sharper@artc.ca
519-753-1882 ext. 104