CNR is excited to announce our next Research Networking Event on Thursday 22nd October 2026

This is a forum in which researchers and clinicians are given the opportunity to talk to each other about questions they have on aspects of neurorehabilitation, and possible techniques to explore those questions. Research in neurorehabilitation often takes a long time to carry out, and even longer to publish, and this event will give us the chance to learn what research is underway and what is being achieved. It offers an opportunity to give input and feedback and may inspire more clinicians to get involved in research.

Programme and speakers can be found under ‘more info’ tab.

*In person event*

This event will take place in person from 18:00-19:30 with no online attendance option. Please join us after the event for refreshments and networking.

Rethinking Communication Competence in Global Aphasia

Dr Sharon Adjei-Nicol, Clinical Academic Speech and Language Therapist and Joint School Lead for Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation (REKM), Canterbury Christ Church University.

People with global aphasia are often defined by the severity of their language impairment, yet this may not fully reflect their communicative competence. Drawing on clinical and research examples, this presentation will discuss how conventional Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) approaches may overlook important aspects of communicative ability and participation in this population.

Novel assessment and intervention approaches will be described, including adaptations to Communication Partner Training. The focus will be on how we might better reveal the communication potential of people with global aphasia, support their participation, and equip those close to them to facilitate interaction more effectively. The presentation will conclude by considering how current SLT practice might need to evolve to better capture meaningful communication and change in those with more severe aphasia profiles.