Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the regions of the brain responsible for language (Brookshire & McNeil, 2015). Lack of awareness regarding aphasia and its chronicity negatively impact service delivery across the healthcare system (Simmons-Mackie, 2018). Aphasia can result in social isolation and decreased participation (Miller et al., 2010). This study was designed to examine the effects of participation in an intergenerational reading program for three individuals with aphasia. To that end, the HEART program (Helping Each Other And Reading Together) was founded through the articulation of three Applied Communication Sciences Lab programs run by faculty of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. The Quality of Communication Life Scale (QCL) (Paul et al., 2004), the Communication Confidence Rating Scale for Aphasia (CCRSA) (Babbitt, Heinemann, Semik, & Cherney, 2011; Cherney, Babbitt, Semik, & Heinemann, 2011), and language sample tasks were administered before and after intervention. A post intervention social validation/satisfaction survey was also conducted. Results were mixed for the QCL and CCRSA, with one participant???s scores declining while the others increased. Efficiency of verbal output was increased for all participants during post assessment. Social validation/satisfaction survey results were positive and indicated meaningful participation on the part of PWA. All PWA involved have asked to continue to participate in the HEART program, which has been continued by faculty members Dr. Darla Hagge and Dr. Robert Pieretti at California State University, Sacramento.
Author: Ibarra, Christina
Institution: California State University, Sacramento
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7038328160