Purpose

The purpose of the Adult Clinic is to enhance and improve the communication and social skills of adults with communication impairments, feeding and/or swallowing disorders and support and educate their carers.

The Adult Clinic, as a Clinical Setting, provides services to individuals with:

• Aphasia after Stroke or other Brain Injury
• Acquired Cognitive Impairments after Traumatic Brain Injury, Dementia etc
• Dysphagia after a Neurological Impairment
• Dysarthria after Multiple Sclerosis or other Degenerative Diseases
• Voice Disorders e.g. vocal nodules, polyps, laryngectomy

Sessions are offered at an individual level or in groups.

Referrals from:

• Melahtro Agoniston EOKA rehabilitation Center
• Cyprus Neurological Society
• Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
• Cyprus Patients Federation
• “Ithaki” Association for people with Dementia
• School of the Blind
• Nicosia General Hospital
• Limassol General Hospital

The Aphasia Communication Team (TACT)

• The goal of the program is to develop social interaction, improve the conversation skills of people with aphasia, and give support to their families.
• The aim of the program is to develop social awareness for aphasia in society through social networks of information, brochures and activities.
• This program is designed, organized and carried out by the members of the SES (Special Educational Staff) and the Faculty (Teaching Research Staff) of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Admission Criteria for the Aphasia communication groups:

• Individuals with acquired neurological disorders who are experiencing communication problems in the chronic stage.
• Individuals who have completed the phase of individual speech therapy sessions and would like to continue receiving communication therapy.
• People with aphasia and cognitive disorders regardless of severity and type of aphasia.
• Individuals who complete an application form which includes social, medical and educational history and consent for the use of personal data.
• Individuals, who are independent for toilet needs and hygiene, have the appropriate transport and are always accompanied by a caregiver.

Adult Clinic Groups:

• Conversation and Communication Groups for people with Aphasia after Stroke- TACT group.
• Communication Groups for young people with traumatic brain injury – “Aphasia Cooking Club”.
• Communication Groups for young people with traumatic brain injury- “Computer Club”
• Aphasia Choir.

Collaborations of the Adult Clinic with:

• Cyprus Stroke Association for the development of Conversation and Communication Groups for people with Aphasia after Stroke – TACT group and the recruitment of patients for ongoing research projects.
• Theotokos Foundation- KHFA for the establishment of an external placement for augmentative and alternative communication on an individual or at the group level.
• Theotokos Foundation- Elderly People Section for the establishment of an external placement for eating and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) in adults with multiple disabilities.
• The Day Center of “Ithaki” Association for people with Dementia as an external placement
• “Prosvasi” NGO for adults with genetic syndromes, cognitive and learning disabilities.
• “PASYKAF” Cyprus Association for Cancer Patients and friends for Social and Communication Groups for people with partial or total laryngectomy.
• “FOLIA AGAPIS” Foster family foundation for the development of Social and Communication Groups for people with low communication and social skills, to minimize social isolation and promote social integration.

Research and Scientific Collaboration with International Bodies:

• Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE)                                                                                                                    
• World Stroke Organisation (WSO)
• Association Internationale Aphasie (AIA)
• Talkback Aphasia Inc Australia