Speech-Language & Literacy for Adults

At CHSC, our speech-language pathologists provide comprehensive services to help adults develop or regain effective listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Adults with various communication challenges seek our services. The individuals we serve may have developmental delays or communication problems frequently associated with medical conditions such as autism, Down syndrome or other genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, stroke or progressive central nervous system diseases (such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.). 

On the other hand, some adults who have no identified disorder seek our services to help them improve pronunciation of the English language or to improve their public speaking skills, vocal projection and other professional or interpersonal communication skills.

Common Adult Communication Disorders

There are many different disorders, including speech-language disorders, that may be associated with changes in communication abilities. Some, such as apraxia or dysarthria, affect speech-sound production; others, such as aphasia, may affect your ability to understand or use language, making it difficult to understand people or to express your own ideas. Common communication disorders include:

Treatment of Adult Communication Disorders

Individual treatment is provided with your input or that of the primary caregiver. An individualized treatment plan is developed to address your long-term goals and short-term objectives. This plan is reviewed frequently and modified as needed based on the client's progress.

Group treatment is utilized to improve communication skills, provide an opportunity for peer-learning and carry over skills with other communication partners. CHSC offers therapeutic and support groups including: 

Click here to download our Speech Services brochure. 

Free Virtual Monthly Support Group for Adults Who Stutter

Group members can choose to listen or participate in discussions at this virtual, monthly meeting and may also choose to work through self-introductions or work presentations in a supportive Zoom environment.

Beginning March 5, 2024
First Tuesday of Every Month
6:00 - 6:45 pm

For more information and Zoom link please contact:
Lauren Masuga, M.A., CCC-SLP at lmasuga@chsc.org

Click here to download the flyer

Northeast Ohio Adults Communicating Together (NEO-ACT)

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.

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

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 care partners 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
*Donations accepted

Virtual Adult Care Partner Support Group – Monday 5:15 – 6:15 pm

This group is designed for families, partners, and other people who give care to clients of Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center. This moderated group will provide a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for adults with communication disorders such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, brain injury, and other chronic health conditions. To learn the difference between a care partner versus a care giver, click here.

To download a Care Partner flyer, click here.

Virtual Book Club – Tuesday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

This group is held weekly in Spring, Fall, and Summer. The group focuses on reading, comprehension, and social communication through conversation. The books are chosen by the group members and are read over a 9-week period. Weekly discussions focus on questions relevant to the content of the book, life experiences, and current events.

Virtual Adult Communication Social Hour – Wednesday 1:00 – 2:00 pm

In this group, we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to practice communication skills. This unstructured group serves many purposes. This may include discussing small wins as someone living with a communication disorder, personal difficulties, keeping up on current events, and even occasionally playing some games. Adults struggling with communication at any skill level can join at any time. Our primary goal is to enhance quality of life and communication.

NEW! In-Person Adult Speech Therapy Group – Thursday 2:00 – 3:30 pm

We are pleased to offer an in-person opportunity at our Westlake and Lyndhurst offices. This group is designed to provide individuals with communication difficulties an opportunity to improve quality of life through participation in activities that provide enrichment for listening, speaking, reading, writing, and socialization. This group will offer functional activities in a supportive setting.

To download an In-Person Adult Speech Therapy Group flyer, click here.

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 download a NEO-ACT flyer, click here.

To sign up for the weekly NEO-ACT newsletter, complete our short form below.

 

 

Have a Question?

Additional Resources

Client Resources

Below you will find links to forms that you may be asked to complete prior to your visit, along with links to additional resources: 

Intake Forms

Scope of Services