YDAC programs emphasize group activities that are adult-oriented and spark communication among the clients.

Clients also have a chance to practice and develop specific communication skills. These skills can provide clients with alternatives to speech or can augment speech. These skills can help clients improve listening abilities and understanding. The focus is on a different skill for each week of the month.

Typical Program Activities

Some typical activities include:

• News discussions, often using a newspaper picture as the starting point
• Getting to Know you discussions, when a new person visits the program
• Special Topics such as seasonal celebrations or topics of special interest to clients
• Sharing of client experiences through Life History Books. These books serve as a visual medium for all clients to tell their life stories

Typical Skill sessions:

• Music, is a right brain function and so, a client with aphasia and loss of speech (left-brain functions) can often, still sing. At the programs, clients often sing familiar, over-learned songs to wake up the brain and vocal cords. Singing also triggers the memory.
• Drawing/visual arts is also a right brain function, which a client with aphasia can develop and use as a way to get their message out. The goal is not to become an artist but to draw well enough to communicate.
• Reading is often impacted by aphasia. Reading abilities vary widely among clients. Some clients are able to read words or short phrases only. Other clients are able to read longer passages with support. Some programs have supported Book Clubs and aphasia-friendly stories.
• Writing is often impacted by aphasia and by the physical affects of stroke. Most clients are encouraged to perform some level of writing in the program. Some clients work on the mechanics of writing while other clients tackle creative writing.
• Public speaking, in the form of Gavel Club or Topic Talk. Many clients want to develop better public speaking skills. They find that these sessions help them to plan what they want to say, think on their feet, and help them gain confidence in public situations.
• Cards and Games provide clients with an opportunity to teach or learn from others and to understand/apply a set of rules.
• Cooking allows clients to use the 5 senses and the universal language of food, to communicate.