Individuals with acquired communication disorders are often left feeling
isolated and alone with little or no resources to improve their quality of life
even after therapy in a hospital or rehabilitation facility.
Until now.
Northeast Ohio Adults Communicating Together (NEO-ACT)
Facilitated by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, NEO-ACT is designed to help improve quality of life through participation in enrichment programs for listening, speaking, reading, writing and socialization. NEO-ACT can be an effective program for adults with communication disorders related to:
Stroke * Brain Injury * Aneurysm * Parkinson's Disease * Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease * Other Neurological Conditions
The first 3 months following a stroke are vital for recovery. During this time, the brain will have increased neuroplasticity, or the ability to adjust and learn new information. This period is critical for seeing gains in skill recovery by participating in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy sessions. It may take time but consistency is key.
At CHSC, we take a whole life, personal approach to stroke recovery - prioritizing individual goals and lifestyles. We know that communication is an essential piece to the whole puzzle of stroke recovery. Together, we strategize methods to increase the quality of life and enhance each person’s ability to participate in activities that are important to them.
We offer individual therapy services to address a variety of difficulties experienced after a stroke. We focus on building a treatment plan together with the client, their family, and caregivers to enhance their quality of life. A ‘whole life approach’ means we focus on providing therapy related to the things in life that are important to each person. If someone enjoys baking, we work on ways to create recipe cards that are easier to access. If someone has difficulty speaking and communicating in their current job - or when applying for a new one - we create a script for practice. Our primary goal is to enhance communication and participation in activities that are meaningful to each individual.
“The NEO-ACT program has made such a big difference in my mother’s life - not only does it aid in speech improvement, but the social aspect has been just as important.”
NEO-ACT Programs
NEO-ACT programs are provided at NO COST* and do NOT require insurance
All programs are offered virtually via Zoom due to the COVID pandemic.
*Donations accepted
Book Club - Tuesdays from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
The group reads a book over a 9-week period and weekly discussion focuses on reading comprehension and conversation.
Adult Communication Group - Wednesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 pm
This group was established to help people who have communication deficits related to stroke or other neurological disorders who, after completing traditional, individual speech-language therapy, found themselves having minimal contact with others. The group provides a support system that is geared toward communicating with others in a nonjudgmental environment.
For questions about NEO-ACT (or how to connect on Zoom), please contact Ali Verhovitz, Speech-Language Pathologist and group facilitator, at averhovitz@chsc.org
To sign up for the weekly NEO-ACT newsletter, complete our short form below.
To download a NEO-ACT flyer, click here.
For information other speech-language and literacy services at CHSC, click here