Participants must have a diagnosis of aphasia secondary to stroke, traumatic head injury, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, or other medical condition.

Participants who also have a speech motor disorder such as apraxia or dysarthria, must be able to actively participate in activities and benefit from the Center regardless of their level of intelligibility.

Participants must not be disoriented, confused, demonstrate significant memory impairment or lack insight and awareness of their condition (i.e., dementia).

Participants must be able to sustain adequate alertness and demonstrate ability to focus attention on group activities for at least one hour.

Participants must not demonstrate behaviors that are disruptive or offensive to other members or staff (e.g., wandering, violent outbursts, inappropriate gestures).

Participants must demonstrate the ability to communicate information at a very basic level, albeit limited, using one or more methods of communication such as gestures, facial expressions, body language, drawing/writing, phonemes/sounds, and/or assistive or augmentative communication devices.

Participants must be independent with their personal toileting needs OR be accompanied by a care partner who is available to the participant at ALL times while attending the Center.