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....
Registered speech-language pathologists are clinical professionals, usually trained to the master’s level or beyond, who provide assessment and treatment of aphasia. Other important members of the rehabilitation team for people with aphasia may include their own family doctor, a neurologist, a physiatrist (rehabilitation medicine doctor), neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker and community organizations like the Stroke Recovery Association of BC.
The person with aphasia and their family members and close friends are always the most important members of the team and should be involved in treatment decisions. In British Columbia, most major hospitals and rehabilitation centres have at least one speech-language pathologist on staff; ask for a referral to this person. Many hospitals also provide outpatient treatment, where people can come in to the hospital for appointments after discharge in order to receive speech and language therapy.
Only a few public health units in BC have speech-language pathologists who treat adults with aphasia as most health units offer speech services only to young children. After discharge from hospital, many British Columbians with aphasia seek the services of private practice speech-language pathologists. In addition to iTAWC, Columbia Speech and Language Services, Inc. offers private therapy to people with aphasia in our offices in West Vancouver or Vancouver, or, for an additional travel fee, in people’s own homes.
Learn more About Aphasia
Learn more about the Causes of Aphasia
Learn more about Aphasia Recovery