A new therapy group for adults with disabilities is empowering them with skills related to self-advocacy and social communication.
Speak Up! began earlier this year through the Communication Disorders Clinic, and was founded by Kelly David, a clinical instructor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. David says she was moved to organize the group after noting there were gaps in self-advocacy skills for many adult clients with communication disorders.
“Self-advocacy is all about communicating your needs, wants, and ideas,” David says. “It is so important to all of us as human beings to have our own voice be heard. These services empower our clients to take ownership of their communication with others, which in turn, facilitates independence in other areas of their lives.”
David serves as the supervisor of the graduate students in the CSD master’s program who facilitate the group. The students prepare individualized activities, and work alongside the clients as they engage them in exercises designed to foster their continued independence.
The group meets Mondays from 1 to 2:30 pm in Aphasia House. Contact Kelly David for more information.
