Providing Innovative Aphasia Treatment

The Aphasia Center of California opened its doors in 1996, and was the first independent nonprofit organization in the nation dedicated to providing direct services to persons with aphasia. Today, our high quality, cutting-edge treatment programs offer a “lifeline” for participating individuals, their families, and caregivers—creating a community of people that support and understand one another—while providing stories of hope and success.

Dr. Roberta J. Elman, Founder and Executive Director, responds to thousands of inquiries a year for information and referrals. She also speaks nationally and internationally at conferences and workshops. Dr. Elman’s research provided the catalyst for this model agency, and continues to be a vital resource for rehabilitative service providers all over the world.

In 1994, Dr. Elman received national funding to conduct a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of group communication treatment. This research proved that there was significant value in receiving regular group “communication workouts,” as meaningful improvement could continue for years. Many individuals who participated in the program began to venture outside of their homes and return to community life for the first time.

Today the Aphasia Center of California continues to pioneer innovative communication therapies and is a source of expertise in the field. Through our community-based programs in Oakland and Menlo Park, California, and our highly experienced speech-language pathologists, we provide excellent personalized service, deep understanding, and compassion for those whose lives have been impacted by aphasia.

“Dr. Elman’s research provided the catalyst for this model agency, and it continues to be a critical resource for rehabilitative service providers all over the world.”