Aphasia Intervention Strategy: Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (ORLA)

 

 Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (ORLA): A Practical Guide for Improving Language Skills

A language disability known as aphasia impacts reading, writing, gestural expression, vocal communication, and comprehension. A stroke frequently results in aphasia. It can affect several linguistic processing levels, making it challenging for people to communicate and comprehend language.

Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (ORLA) is an evidence-based intervention approach. Which is designed to improve reading comprehension, fluency, and overall language skills in individuals with aphasia. This approach uses repeated (drill) practice of reading aloud to strengthen language processing and improve communication. 

Patient population___

ORLA is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate aphasia who experience challenges in:

• Word retrieval

•  sentence formation

• Reading comprehension

• Expressive language difficulties

It can also be helpful for people with aphasia by improving oral-motor skills and promoting language expression through structured practice.

Contraindications___

ORLA may be less appropriate for individuals with severe cognitive impairments that limit attention or memory, as these difficulties may be affected by the structured practice required in this approach.

Key principles & procedure___

The ORLA method underlines repeated oral reading practice in a supportive, structured setting. The therapist models fluent reading while gradually increasing the patient's independence.

How to do ORLA ..

Materials :

Select the sentence or paragraph (depending on the person with aphasia's ability )

 Step 01 📌 : Modelling by the clinician 

The clinician (Speech and language therapist) read the sentence aloud.

Step 02 📌: Reading together

The clinician and the person who has aphasia will read the sentence together

Step 03 📌: 

The clinician points to each single word when reading the sentence

Step 04 📌:Pointing the words 

The person with aphasia points to each single word when the clinician reads the sentence

 Step 05 📌: 

The sentences are repeated multiple times

 Step 06 📌: Naming the words 

When the clinician points to the word, the person with aphasia reads the word aloud

Step 06 📌: Read independently 

The person with aphasia then reads the sentences independently

📍Strategies to Encourage ORLA

• Pointing at words as you read.

• Highlighting important terms to increase comprehension.

• Using gestures or visual cues to make meanings clearer.

 Video demonstration ___

🎥:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10QfDZx95nN02j845lkiirBFyq0zsyjvh

 Sample outcome recoding sheet ___

 Home-based activities ___

Through repeated oral reading of words and paragraphs, the ORLA approach helps people with aphasia develop their language and reading skills. During the following activities, family members, friends, or caregivers can take part as communication partners.  

1. Practicing oral reading 

• Choose short, meaningful texts (e.g., news articles, familiar stories, religious texts, or a favorite story)
• Read aloud together: The person with aphasia follows along as you read, then reads with you, and finally attempts to read independently.
• Provide verbal modeling and encourage repetition to strengthen word retrieval and fluency.

2. Conversational Follow-Up

• Ask basic questions about the material after reading a paragraph

• If necessary, assist responses with choices, gestures, or images.

• Promote organic discussion about the subject.

 In conclusion___

People with minimal reading skills who want to improve their speech, prosody, and reading skills by using ORLA. People with nonfluent aphasia, such as Broca's aphasia, typically use it. For those with significant reading or comprehension problems, ORLA might be complex for them.