Outcome Research - Buzzards Bay Speech Therapy

Since 2015 we have been collecting outcome data on our Brain Builders Classes for Adults.

Quantitative and qualitative results reveal that Brain Builders Classes are effective at decreasing social isolation, encouraging the formation/renewal of friendships and the trying of new things, and improving confidence in communication skills. Additionally, data reflects that the factor most susceptible to change following participation in our classes is a feeling of optimism, born out of camaraderie within the class, gains in self-confidence and self-acceptance, and motivation to improve.

Our data has been presented at various conventions, conferences, and symposiums as follows:

Decreasing Social Isolation in Adults via a Cognitive Wellness Program

Mar 2019 Community Engagement Symposium at UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Poster describing our collaboration with Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. of New Bedford, MA to utilize cognitive-communication community based programming to improve social well-being

by Lisa Yauch-Cadden, Kari Star, and Paula Shiner.

See publication

Measuring and Reporting Outcomes in a Community Based Setting: Qualitative Results and Participatory Action

Mar 2019 Aphasia Access Leadership Summit 2019

Poster presenting follow up qualitative analysis and participatory action of our community based program

by Lisa Yauch-Cadden and Kari Star.

Measuring and Reporting Outcomes in a Community Based Setting: Quantitative and Qualitative Results

Nov 2018 ASHA Convention 2018

Poster presentation presenting follow up qualitative analysis of our community based program

by Lisa Yauch-Cadden and Kari Star.

Measuring and Reporting Outcomes in a Community Based Setting

Mar 2017 Aphasia Access Leadership Summit 2017

Poster presentation outlining quantitative outcomes of our community based programming

by Lisa Yauch-Cadden and Kari Star.

I can’t quite explain how deeply your group touched me today… You are a gift to people with brain injury/disease.”

JS Somerset, MA

Lisa has been a catalyst in my son’s recovery. Her knowledge, presence and expertise are powerful healing tools. I recommend her services to anyone wishing to improve and move forward with emotion, memory and self-esteem. An absolute gem!

GG Falmouth, MA

I think it would be nice if everyone in our community came to this class at least once. It would open the door to what we have and what we can do.

MT New Bedford, MA

I thoroughly enjoyed classes with our group. It gets you out and makes you think. I feel very happy when I leave class.

TA New Bedford, MA

I just wanted to thank you both for creating this group. It’s great that you keep it affordable, make it fun, and create a warm and welcoming environment in which folks can improve their speaking skills. It’s a wonderful and much needed program.

MB, Fall River MA