ARBI’s logo recently joined those of San Jose State University and the University of Alberta on two posters presented at the International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference in Philadelphia. The poster was entitled Impact of an Adapted Virtual Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (AVICAP): Communication Outcomes for People With Aphasia. The project explored whether an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program, which is effective but costly, can be scaled down and adapted. The results were encouraging both for the clients, and for non-profits that might like to offer such programs.

Former ARBI Speech Language Pathologist, Heather Tomlinson, and current ARBI Speech Language Pathologist, Erika Innes, were instrumental in executing the pre-, post, and follow-up assessments. Although the scholarly work can be difficult to interpret for a casual reader, Erika summed up the results nicely when she said, “Innovation and a shoestring budget do not have to be mutually exclusive.” That’s good news for ARBI clients with aphasia who are currently working on their rehabilitation goals and good news for ARBI’s reputation on the international stage.