CHAPTER 6: REHABILITATION lifestyle changes to become more self-sufficient and independent.
environment for relearning of previous skills and development of new compensatory strategies. Class exercises focus on auditory processing, memory, reasoning, language expression, problem solving, and organization. Non-credit, no-fee classes are taught by licensed speechlanguage pathologists.
Speech Therapy Programs Stroke may affect the ability to process language, reading, articulating or even the ability to swallow. These conditions may improve with speech and language therapy.
REACH Program (650) 690-5615 (Palo Alto) www.reachprogram.net REACH classes are taught by instructors who are licensed experienced specialists in physical therapy, occupational/living skills therapy and speech and language therapy. Classes in mobility and fitness, adaptive living, and communication, provide small group settings for sharing ideas, accomplishments, support, and encouragement with others who have had similar experiences.
Aphasia (uh-fay’-zhuh): an impairment of the ability to use or comprehend words, usually acquired as a result of a stroke or other brain injury. Apraxia of speech (verbal apraxia) is difficulty initiating and executing voluntary movement patterns necessary to produce speech when there is no paralysis or weakness of speech muscles.
Skills Plus (408) 423-3507 (Santa Clara) www.skillsplusprogram.org A program to help stroke survivors and other physically challenged adults improve functional social, physical, and cognitive skills. The program offers classes in communication skills, mobility skills, and independent living skills. Skills Plus is designed to complement, not replace, the benefits of traditional rehabilitation or therapy. Fee is nominal.
Dysarthria can affect the precision of speech sounds (pronunciation), the quality and loudness of the voice, and the ability to speak at a normal rate with normal intonation. Dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, may occur in up to 65 percent of stroke patients. If not identified and managed, it can lead to poor nutrition, pneumonia and increased disability.
Occupational Therapy Clinic at San Jose State University (408) 924-3070 www.sjsu.edu/occupationaltherapy The clinic offers occupational therapy services provided on a one-to-one basis by advanced occupational therapy students under professional supervision. Occupational therapy is a health profession that helps people who have been affected by accident or injury, disease, aging, developmental delay, or psychological disability to make the necessary www.PacificStrokeAssociation.org support@psastroke.org – (650) 565-8485
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