iTAWC (pronounced “I-talk”) is the first and only intensive aphasia program available in all of Western Canada, and has been running continuously since 2011. Located in beautiful Vancouver, we provide evidence-based, personalized, intensive aphasia therapy. Although our aphasia program location in Vancouver, British Columbia may provide especially convenient access to those in western Canada (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) and the western United States (Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah), we welcome clients from all corners of Canada, the United States, and beyond. We also offer M-iTAWC pronounced “My-Talk”, which stands for Modified Intensive Treatment for aphasia in Western Canada. This is for people who wish to take intensive aphasia treatment on an individual basis. Our program is an “ICAP” (standing for Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program) and is one of only a handful of such programs world-wide. Within iTAWC, we provide treatment that is recovery-based alongside treatment that is focused on increasing social participation. Technology is used as appropriate for our clients for reaching both of these goals. Please take A Closer Look at our program to learn more about the structure and approaches used. Upcoming Programs Our fall 2024 program, scheduled for November 4th – November 29th, is open for registration on a first-come-first-served basis. It will take place at our offices, conveniently located on West Broadway and serviced by rapid transit in Vancouver. For further registration details or information please check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us at itawc@columbiaspeech.com or 604-875-9100 to request an application package. Mission Statement At iTAWC, our mission is to provide evidenced-based therapy and treatment for people with aphasia, focused on both recovery of function and increased life participation; to build capacity for aphasia treatment by providing clinical training for future clinicians; and to provide a foundation upon which future research into aphasia treatment can be conducted. Core Values and Beliefs The ability to communicate is an essential component of an individual’s quality of life Each person with aphasia is an individual who must be respected as an expert in their own aphasia and their own aphasia symptoms; their treatment must be personalized to their goals and needs People with chronic aphasia can improve their communication regardless of time post onset, with appropriately focused and intense aphasia treatment The social network of people with aphasia is an essential part of their lives and their recovery in and out of therapy Future service delivery to people with aphasia will be enhanced by future clinicians receiving increased exposure both to people with aphasia and to current evidence-based treatment methods as part of their clinical training Future research into the efficacy of various aphasia treatment methods is necessary We are now accepting registrations for our Fall 2024 program on a first come first served basis....
iTAWC is an example of what has come to be known as an “ICAP” (an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program). This means that it is one of a handful of programs world-wide that offer a variety of treatment methods and approaches to people with aphasia, including those focused on recovery, social participation and technology, within an intensive treatment format. iTAWC is on the cutting edge of evidence-based aphasia treatment.
iTAWC runs for four weeks. The first and last days are filled with activities such as orientation, assessment, client and family interview, client/family/therapist meetings, and debriefing. For the remaining eighteen days, clients receive 3 hours per day (5 days a week) of highly personalized speech and language therapy.
The program is truly intensive. For this reason, it is very important for participants to have adequate stamina and endurance to enroll in our program. The daily schedule is 8:30 to 12PM (subject to change), with short breaks as necessary.
The approaches and methods used reflect the developers’ commitment to the key concepts of intensity, the primacy of verbal language, small numbers of participants, a high degree of personalization of both materials and goals, a high ratio of staff to clients and use of current research in the field, including research regarding neuroplasticity and social/life participation approach to aphasia. Up to date technology is used, including computer programs for speech practice, iPad applications as needed and email/tech/social media strategy/practice. Here are some highlights of iTAWC:
At iTAWC, we know that family and friends are an integral part of the life and recovery of people with aphasia. Hence, a family intake and exit interview are part of our treatment and assessment process. While family members are not required to be available throughout the entire five weeks, we do encourage interested friends and family members to participate if they and their family members wish. (There may also be some times when we ask that family members stay home, in order to provide our clients the opportunity for more independence in communication.) Assuming that the client with aphasia agrees, family members are included in the goal-setting and follow up training for their loved one.
Left: Family meetings include the whole team: SLPs, students, clients and family members.
Right: In the foreground, a client, her care worker, her sister, an SLP student intern and one of her SLPs explore relevant technology, while in the background, a client, his wife, a student intern, the senior SLP and the staff SLP assigned to him have a family “exit” meeting.
Call us today at 604-875-9100 or email itawc@columbiaspeech.com with your questions or to register.