FAQ

The Adler Aphasia Center is a social center for people with Aphasia and their family members/caregivers. We offer discussion groups and activities, facilitated by speech-language pathologists, trained staff and volunteers, and by some of our members. We do not provide individual speech therapy services. We run group programs for people with aphasia, using the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia as our guiding philosophy.

Because we do not provide typical speech therapy services, we do not bill nor accept private insurance or Medicare.

The quick answer is, “as long as you’d like.” The longer answer is that members remain at the Center as long as they are interested in participating in our programs, have aphasia, pay their tuition, and continue to fit the membership criteria. Our members do not graduate from programming or have a ‘term limit’.

The Center does not provide transportation. People travel to the Center in a variety of ways. Some people drive themselves. Others get a ride from a friend or family member. Still others use para-transit services available through the county, state, or private organizations. Additionally, some members use cabs or private transportation services and others take public transportation (NJ transit bus service).

Members comment on each other’s changing communication skills all the time. Anecdotally, we notice changes in many members’ communication. Sometimes that change is in the types of strategies used to communicate or in having the confidence to initiate a question in a group. Because we do not track members’ progress as is done in traditional speech therapy, we cannot guarantee that each member’s communication skills will progress or that speaking will improve. We continually conduct research into the effectiveness of our programs. Our research, conducted in-house, shows that after one year of participation in our program, members perceive a better quality of life.

The center does not provide personal care services. Any member who requires assistance with ambulation, using a wheelchair, using the restroom, or eating is required to attend the Center with a caregiver or aide.

Currently, there is not a waiting list to join the center, however, membership slots are subject to availability. In the event that timeslots on both sets of days (M/W & T/Th) are filled, a waiting list for membership may be initiated.

You can make a donation in one of three ways.

1. Click on this link to make a secure donation over the internet: DONATE NOW
2. Call 201-368-8585 and we will take your credit card information over the phone.
3. You can mail your check or credit card information to the Adler Aphasia Center, 60 W Hunter Avenue, Maywood, NJ 07607. We accept American Express, Visa, and MasterCard.

Call 201-368-8585 or email Stephanie Sigelkow at volunteer@adleraphasiacenter.org to speak with our volunteer coach and to schedule a tour and discuss volunteer opportunities.

Yes, the Adler Aphasia Center welcomes caregivers. We offer caregiver support groups as well as a place for caregivers to relax and visit with others. There is no additional charge for caregivers to attend with a member.

Yes, people with aphasia and their families are encouraged to attend our four day program. During that time, you will have the opportunity to learn more about aphasia, meet others living with aphasia and practice effective communication techniques that you can use at home. You will also have the opportunity to try computer software designed specifically for people with aphasia.