Aphasia Initiative Added Improv Therapy Sessions

Columbus stroke survivors can now use improv games to practice communication skills at Pressey Hall.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Stroke

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring overlapping, colorful, semi-transparent speech-bubble shapes resting on a wooden table, symbolizing therapeutic communication. — The Aphasia Initiative at Ohio State has expanded its speech therapy offerings this fall, incorporating improv classes at Pressey Hall to boost communication skills for stroke survivors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe creative group activities are a valuable supplement to traditional speech therapy?

The Aphasia Initiative at Ohio State has expanded its weekly speech therapy program to include improv classes. These sessions, which began this fall, offer a new way for participants to engage in social interaction.

Why it matters

Improv classes aim to improve communication skills by boosting cognitive flexibility and social participation among stroke survivors. The program is designed to help patients rebuild neural pathways through interactive, assisted scenes.

Since launching in 2015, the Aphasia Initiative has provided group therapy, with these improv sessions representing a new curriculum addition. The efficacy of utilizing theater-based cognitive exercises for speech recovery is currently being observed in a clinical setting.

The players

The Aphasia Initiative

An Ohio State-based program that provides free weekly group speech therapy sessions for individuals managing communication challenges.

Eighth Floor Improv

A performance group providing instruction and lesson design for therapeutic improv games.

The details

Members of Eighth Floor Improv design simple, accessible lessons that allow participants to engage in improvisational scenes. To facilitate communication, participants utilize tools such as phones and whiteboards while paired with university students who receive academic credit for their assistance.

The Aphasia Initiative was founded in 2015.
Improv sessions were added to the program at the start of the fall 2026 semester.
Improv sessions occur at Pressey Hall every Tuesday afternoon.

Health Landscape

This development represents a departure from traditional, sedentary speech therapy toward active, social-based engagement models. It follows the established pattern of care set by the Aphasia Initiative's standard therapy curriculum.

If you or a loved one are managing aphasia, consider discussing with your physician whether social-based cognitive exercises could complement your current care plan. These sessions utilize specific tools like whiteboards to assist communication, providing a practical way to practice speech.

The takeaway

Improv therapy offers a creative, supportive environment to help stroke survivors practice communication and improve cognitive flexibility. Ask your care team about community-based speech programs that prioritize social participation alongside traditional clinical recovery.