WHAT IS TAP?

What is TAP?
When I meet someone for the first time, whether in a social context or professional endeavor, I am asked the same question, “What is TAP?”. Ironically, it’s often hard to put into words.

TAP, or the Triangle Aphasia Project, Unlimited, began as an independent nonprofit organization in 2003 with the mission “to serve individuals with aphasia, their families and the community through innovative life participation approaches that maximizes communicative potential and reduces barriers to social reengagement.”

For several years TAP offered a comprehensive range of support programs throughout Central North Carolina. As the number of individuals impacted by aphasia has grown, so did the need for additional services, financial support and resources. TAP was adopted by WakeMed Health and Hospitals in July, 2005.

A wonderful collaboration, TAP at WakeMed Rehab expanded further out into the community and decided to return to that independent, community status in the fall of 2009. We received our State recognition in December, 2009 and our 501 (c) 3 status in the fall of this year.

We are proud to have a wide range of programs including groups, training programs, reengagement plans, etc. Even more exciting is the pride we have to continue the collaborative relationships across the Triangle to serve individuals with aphasia and those that are impacted by this frustrating disorder.

With innovative therapy approaches, the program helps build bridges to assure return to social, vocational and recreational pursuits of the individual, while assuring adequate training and educational resources.

The following is a description of some of the groups that are part of TAP Unlimited at this time. Please contact TAP, Unlimited at aphasia@nc.rr.com for more information or to register for one of our programs.

Aphasia Groups
TAP, Unlimited offers one hour long therapy groups across the Triangle area of North Carolina. Currently, groups are offered in Raleigh, Cary, Clayton, Chapel Hill and Durham.

The goal of an Aphasia Group is to provide a weekly, ongoing program for individuals with aphasia from a stroke, brain injury, or brain tumor. The groups are as unique as the individuals that make up that group! Therapy goals are individualized, but focused on the use of language in all of its aspects (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and functional expression incorporating gestures, writing, drawing, etc.

TAP consultation is often necessary to determine which group is most appropriate for a particular client, given that some groups are considered high-level or specialized for younger clients. (RETURN TO TOP)

Aphasia Day
Aphasia Day was developed to meet the needs of individuals with aphasia seeking an intensive weekly program to work on their specific language skills. We have several Aphasia Day programs across the Triangle varying from 2 to 3 ½ hours.

After an initial large group introduction/presentation, persons with aphasia are divided into several breakout sessions depending on their individual needs and goals. All sessions utilize multimodal language stimulation and emphasize functional use of language, but may be targeted to focus on reading, writing, auditory comprehension, naming, etc.

Lunch offers both clients and their communicative partners/family members an opportunity to share experiences, build relationships and socialize.

An individual with aphasia must be independent in all self-care and toileting needs, or have someone to aid/assist them throughout the day. (RETURN TO TOP)

Toastmasters
Initially set up as a Gavel Club modeled after Toastmasters, International, this unique group works on building that essential communicative skill that is often our client’s most significant barrier … confidence!

Intensive training in communicative flexibility, presentation and mastery over what comes down to what we interpret a listener to be perceiving…is all part of this hour long group. This could be considered a high level aphasia group, where individuals support each other in their communicative challenges during the session and with tasks assigned for the week.

It is expected that many of the clients that participate in this group are highly motivated and may be actively pursuing social/recreational, volunteer or vocational interests. (RETURN TO TOP)

PPA Group
TAP Unlimited continues the tradition of offering a group therapy option for individuals diagnosed with PPA (Primary Progressive Aphasia). Primary Progressive Aphasia is a type of FTD (FrontoTemporal Dementia) and may appear in different ways for each individual.

For example, one person diagnosed with PPA may experience deterioration in naming, but maintain good reading abilities and articulation of the sounds used in speech. Another subtype will reveal slurred, hesitant or dysfluent speech, but intact writing abilities.

Individuals with PPA generally have no acute stroke or brain injury, rather they notice changes in communication abilities over several months or years. Consultation with a neurologist, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and speech pathology intervention is appropriate before beginning involvement in this group.

The PPA group has been built, modified, rebuilt and re-modified as group needs change. But the primary goal is two-fold, “holding back a moving train” and compensatory technique training or Augmentative/Assistive Communication Training. The progressive nature of this disorder is particularly frustrating for families, and thus the family education, support services and fellowship of this program is considered central to its functioning. (RETURN TO TOP)

How Do I Get Involved in TAP?
Getting involved in the program is simple. Download and complete the intake form and send it to the TAP office (the address is on the form.) A phone/personal contact will allow us to discuss what TAP programs you and your family may be interested in and allow you to ask questions or receive additional resources from the TAP Director.

Click here to download the intake form. (RETURN TO TOP)