Bama perks: the use of simulated context as treatment for adults with aphasia

There is a growing interest in examining the efficacy of aphasia treatment programs that examine meaningful real-life outcomes rather than therapeutic outcomes within structured intervention settings (Chapey et al., 2008). This study measured language abilities, social networks, and quality of life for nine patients with aphasia over a ten-week span during a simulated coffee shop social communication intervention called Bama Perks. Using an evaluative approach, strengths and weaknesses were examined and results supported the feasibility of Bama Perks as a supplement to traditional therapy. Clinician and caregiver measures indicated client improvement in language skills and social communication skills, a growth in social networks, and a reduction in burden of diagnosis. Daily rating scales taken during each Bama Perks session revealed variability with marginal growth across measures of communication function, flexibility, and overall communication production. These findings contribute to growing evidence supporting socially simulated environments as therapeutic contexts for individuals with aphasia.