Abstract
Aphasia peer circles (APC) are one means of community-based rehabilitation for aphasics who have difficulties in daily life at home after discharge from the hospital. Unlike other public services, APCs are open to all aphasics without membership requirements. Both regular and irregular meetings can held on days convenient for members. According to a survey done by the Japanese Association for ADCs in 2000, about 70% of APCs have relationships with speech therapists to some degree. Speech therapists contribute to APCs by helping severe aphasics to communicate with others in the APC, helping APCs be active in programs suitable for its members, and coordinating supporters with different specialities. At the same time, participation in APCs allow speech therapists to study many problems they do not encounter in hospital training programs.
