Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP)

The Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) at the Barbara and Steve Kessler Aphasia Center at Burke Rehabilitation is the only one of its kind in Westchester County and offers expert, highly specialized therapy for individuals living with aphasia.

Burke Rehabilitation offers the ICAP program through its Outpatient Speech Department at the White Plains campus.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia (Uh-Fay-Zhuh) is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to speak, read, write and understand others, but does not affect intelligence.

It can result from conditions such as:

• Stroke
• Brain Injury
• Neurological Disorders

What is ICAP?

The Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) at Burke is based on evidence that greater intensity of treatment may enhance aphasia recovery in those with chronic stroke, brain injury or other non-degenerative neurological disorders.

The mission of the Burke ICAP is to:

• Improve language impairment
• Optimize participants and caregivers use of language skills at home
• Enhance participants and caregiver’s quality of life
• Increase understanding of aphasia, and its treatment and recovery

What to Expect?

The Burke ICAP is unique in its structure, offering a coordinated, immersive approach to aphasia rehabilitation. Participants engage in intensive therapy sessions, 5 days a week, 4 hours per day in a small group of 4-6 participants over a 4-week period.

ICAP participants engage in:

• Occupational Therapy
• Neurological Music Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Canine Therapy
• Daily computer-based language and cognitive activities
• An ongoing Communication Support Group following completion of the program

Most importantly, all activities in the ICAP program are designed to maintain a focus on language recovery.

A weekly Caregiver Support Group at the Marsal Caregiver Center provides a place to exchange resources and supports caregivers, while caregiver training in the ICAP reinforces treatment gains at home.

Benefits of the Burke ICAP

Intensive comprehensive rehabilitation for aphasia may help:

• Improve communication (reading, writing, understanding speech, and word finding)
• Increase confidence and quality of life for communicating
• Enhance socialization and communication opportunities

Outcomes:

Learn more about the ICAP program by watching this video created by the Healthcare Association of New York (HANYS).