The Aphasia Communication Team (TACT): The Cypriot Experience

Abstract

The Aphasia Communication Team – TACT is a communication/ conversation group that involves stroke survivors with chronic aphasia. Aphasia is a debilitating communication deficit that affects comprehension and production of spoken and written language. TACT aims to provide stroke survivors support for learning and communication opportunities to promote living well with aphasia. Stroke survivors are recruited by the Cyprus Stroke Association (third-party stakeholder) and TACT is held at the premises of the Rehabilitation Clinic of the Cyprus University of Technology once a week, for one and a half hours. The group so far, has 6 stroke survivors with chronic aphasia and 6 communication buddies. Communication buddies are speech and language therapy students who serve as communication facilitators of each group member. TACT works on the barriers (areas of weakness of the person with aphasia and conversation partners that make communication difficult) and on what communication tools members could use to improve communication. TACT has a broad outlook for living well with aphasia and improve quality of life. Another goal targeted is the understanding that aphasia can be a long-term condition and that aphasia is a ‘family issue’—not just for the person with aphasia. TACT promotes full participation and engagement in activities of interest. TACT encourages a safe, positive, environment, and is inclusive to all. Therapy consists of a 12-week block of weekly sessions. Group members are initially assessed on psychometric measures (language, cognition and quality of life) at the start and at the end of each block of therapy. This is deemed necessary to measure improvement or change in behaviors post-therapy. Group members are encouraged to share experiences by using technology and tablets. They also practice total communication skills i.e. adding gesture, drawing, and writing to speech. The main topics of discussion is learning about/refreshing knowledge on stroke and aphasia, linking the information to members own experiences, asking questions and discussing stroke and aphasia. It is also important to members to share stories about life before the stroke.