For the first time, West Texas A&M University’s Speech and Hearing Clinic is conducting communication groups at the newly established Harrington Academic Hall – WTAMU Amarillo Center located at 720 S. Tyler Street.
The weekly clinics are focused on communication methods for adults living with Aphasia, Parkinson’s, or Dementia. Divided into three groups, participants are given specialized attention and support from the group as well as WT graduate clinicians supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists.
The Aphasia Group, focused on addressing difficulty with communicating after a stroke, will be at 9-10:30 a.m. each Wednesday. The primary goal of the group is to provide conversation based on personal goals of persons with aphasia after discharge from traditional therapy.
The LOUD Crowd, for those with Parkinson’s disease, meets 1-2 p.m. each Monday. The group functions to practice speaking techniques and support others with Parkinson’s. Participation is for those who have completed Speak OUT! courses focused on addressing decreased vocal intensity also offered by WT.
The Dementia Support Group, for both persons with dementia and their caregivers, meets 1-2:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Facilitators focus on fostering a network of social and emotional support among caregivers, who are encouraged to bring their loved ones with dementia if possible for concurrent socializing.
The clinic is located on the first floor of the Harrington Academic Hall – WTAMU Amarillo Center on the west side of the building. Group meetings are year-round with short breaks between semesters beginning May 1. For more information about participation, call the WTAMU Speech and Hearing Clinic at 806-651-5101.
-West Texas A&M University
