​ABOUT US

MISSION

To provide services and support to persons with neurological impairment, particularly persons with aphasia or other neurological communication disorders, in the Acadiana area, as they strive to regain independence in daily life.

VISION

A world where people living with neurological impairment, particularly persons with aphasia, have the resources and the opportunities continue living productive, purposeful, and meaningful lives.

LONG TERM GOAL

Increased options and locations for persons with neurological communication disorders and their families for social support and to increase participation in their lives/community.

Who are we?

  • The Aphasia Center is a non-profit organization designed to support individuals with aphasia.
  • The organization was started by Rose Shuff, a person with aphasia, and Jack Damico, PhD., CCC-SLP at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2010 and has continued to grow since.
  • Click here to read more about our story and who we are. ​

What do we do?

  • We provide services to people with neurological communication deficits following events such as stroke or brain injury who are trying to regain independence.
  • We do this through: 
    • ​Sponsorships with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Speech Language and Hearing Center ​to provide speech therapy services to people who cannot afford it or whose insurance may have denied them services.
      • ​We also provide MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING at UL Lafayette Speech Language and Hearing Center through these sponsorships.
    • Hosting support groups every month at various locations. 
    • Creating conversation groups (virtual and in-person) for people with aphasia to participate in for social interaction and for practicing communication in a real-life setting.
    • Hosting community groups throughout Acadiana to combat social isolation (and have a bunch of fun!)

Why do we do what we do?

  • We subscribe to the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.
  • The essence of LPAA is to "encourage clinicians and researchers to focus on the real-life goals of people affected by aphasia" (Chapey et al, 2000).
  • We strive to focus on the whole person and not just the deficits.
  • We believe that each person has the potential to grow and improve their participation in their lives despite aphasia. ​​

Research for a Reason

We partner with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Communication Disorders Department.
UL Lafayette's specialty is
"...applied research that solves real-world problems. Sustainability, healthcare, new economies, new technologies, new processes, new products, new ideas — those are today’s challenges."

This fits our vision to increase accessibility and treatment options for people with aphasia. 

Donate today!

Help Aphasia Center of Acadiana reach its goal of helping all people with neurological communication deficits participate actively in their lives!