Perspectives Winter/Spring-2017

60 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Speech-Language Pathology FORT LAUDERDALE (CONT.) communication breakdowns, and guest lectures from professionals who support families with medical needs. One participant recently said, “You’re making me feel good about myself.” The clinic offers two aphasia treatment groups based on the client’s level of communication ability. Each group meets weekly, with one group meeting on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. until noon and the other on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. until noon. The treatment groups offer the clients and their loved ones an opportunity to communicate with each other within a supportive environment. Evidence- based treatment focuses on improving word finding, social communication, cognition, and expressive and receptive skills for activities of daily living. The National Stuttering Association Broward County Chapter meets on the second Wednes- day of every month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The group encourages individuals who stutter to join other adults, teens, and children who stutter—as well as their family, friends, and speech-language pathologists—to learn more about stuttering and explore new ways to cope. At each meeting, a speech-language pathologist can answer questions and provide helpful re- sources. During recent monthly meetings, child- ren and teens met other youngsters who stutter and felt less alone. Similarly, parents of children who stutter have found kindred spirits in other parents who are going through comparable experiences, and speech-language pathologists have gained information in order to expand their repertoire of speech-therapy strategies. The benefits that participants in the groups derive are immeasurable. Aside from the clinical practice that takes place in some of the groups with guidance from graduate students, group members experience universal- ity in dealing with communication disorders. They also feel the hope that comes from observing the strength of a person further along the path of coping, learn about them- selves, and support others in the process, creating and deepening bonds with other members that facilitate healing. For more information, call the Speech- Language Pathology Clinic at (954) 262-7726. n Fred DiCarlo, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, left, assistant professor and clinical supervisor, engages aphasia group participants and spouses with Onyx—a Great Dane service dog.