SLI: First Philadelphia College-Related Affiliate of the National Aphasia Association

The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) of Salus University recently became an affiliate of the National Aphasia Association. Currently, SLI is the only university-related affiliate in the greater Philadelphia area.

Affiliates of the National Aphasia Association aim to provide resources, evaluation, treatment and support for those with aphasia, a communication disorder, which occurs because of damage to the parts of the brain containing language. It can lead to problems with speaking, listening, reading, writing and swallowing.

Organizations and professionals must apply to be considered affiliates and are selected by members of the National Aphasia Association. SLI clinical educator Alison Finkelstein, MA, CCC-SLP/L, initiated SLI’s application because she believes the clinical facility is a true resource for those with aphasia and their loved ones.

“We provide comprehensive aphasia evaluations and treatment plans including auditory comprehension, verbal expression, reading and writing,” she said. “We incorporate the goals of our clients and their families, formulating individualized treatment plans with a strong emphasis on the client's previous level of independence and regaining communication through the client's most effective modality. Additionally, our treatment plans always include supportive care for both clients and caregivers.”

Finkelstein views the National Aphasia Association as a strong asset for those with the disorder and their caregivers as its website includes a wealth of information about the condition, including various apps aphasia patients can use, informational videos for caregivers and information about assistive technology. 

She hopes SLI can assist an even wider audience of those who suffer from aphasia and their families as an official member of the National Aphasia Association’s provider network. 

“We are now a part of the National Aphasia Association's online resource directory for the aphasia community so they are able to find us and can easily contact SLI for an evaluation,” Finkelstein said. “In addition, our student clinicians frequently help families negotiate the National Aphasia Association website to select information that is most important to their client's care.”

Learn more about SLI’s services for those with aphasia here.