Aphasia Boot Camp (ABC) is an intensive therapy programme guaranteed to show results and functional gains in patients who are motivated to improve! Evidence has shown that the brain needs a lot of repetition in a short amount of time to effect changes, especially after a brain injury. The Aphasia Boot Camp (ABC) programme will last for 3 weeks and comprises 4 hours of speech therapy daily, from Monday to Friday. The ABC programme is conducted by certified speech-language therapists (SLTs) and trained assistants. Using technology, group and individualised treatment, education, and other evidence-based therapy approaches, this is a first-of-its-kind intensive and comprehensive therapy programme for patients with aphasia in Singapore.

It costs S$45,000 to run a pilot Aphasia Boot Camp programme. The funds will go towards expenses including manpower costs (speech-language therapists & trained aides), rental of venue, printing & production costs.

Our beneficiaries are persons with aphasia (PWAs) and their caregivers/ families. Aphasia Boot Camp will enrol at least 15 suitable patients for its pilot programme.

What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a communication impairment that affects individuals after a brain injury such as stroke, head trauma, brain tumour, brain infection or progressive neurological conditions. Persons with aphasia (PWAs) suffer from difficulties in speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing which has great impact on their daily activities and reintegration to society. Many PWAs suffer from social isolation which results in psychological anxieties and depression. Research has shown that PWAs are 93% more likely than stroke survivors without aphasia to suffer from depression. Millions of people around the world suffer from aphasia; it is estimated that more than 3,000 adults are newly diagnosed with aphasia in Singapore every year. Aphasia can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or profession. A high-profile individual who has had to give up his life’s work because of aphasia is Hollywood actor, Bruce Willis. Aphasia is a debilitating condition that affects all aspects of a sufferer’s life and has a profound impact on their loved ones.

About Aphasia SG

Aphasia SG is the only non-profit organization that supports persons with aphasia (PWAs) and their caregivers in Singapore. It was formally registered as a CLG in May 2019 (Reg. No. 201915120R) and is run by a core team of speech therapist volunteers. Aphasia SG organises free and regular community programmes for PWAs and caregivers, to create safe spaces for them to practise their communication skills as well as opportunities for peer support. Our mission is to empower PWAs to lead meaningful lives while advocating for an inclusive, aphasia-friendly Singapore. Aphasia SG programmes include Chit Chat Café, Aphasia SG Choir, Aphasia Games/Craft Night and training workshops. All programmes are currently conducted online via Zoom due to the Covid pandemic. We have conducted about 250 online activities for our beneficiaries as well as members of the public since March 2020.

Contact: aphasiasg@gmail.com

Aphasia SG
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