The National Aphasia Association (NAA) is proud to announce the official return of the Speaking Out Conference!
Conference Overview
When: Friday, October 3rd – Saturday, October 4th 2025
Where: Online – you can join from anywhere!
What is it about?
- This is a conference for people with aphasia
- You will hear from others living with aphasia
- There will be live and recorded sessions
- You can watch it anytime
Who Should Join?
- People with aphasia
- Carepartners
Also Welcome:
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Researchers
- SLP Students
Opportunities for Participation
Panels & Presentations
The NAA invites researchers who are Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to submit proposals for the Speaking Out 2025 online conference. This year’s conference continues the tradition of centering the voices and experiences of people with aphasia, while welcoming collaborative contributions from caregivers, clinicians, and researchers.
We are seeking research presentations that are collaborative, accessible, and relevant to the real-life challenges and needs of people with aphasia and their support networks. We will not have research presented as a single session. We want to “fold” the research into a general panel presentation that will include people with aphasia.
All proposals must clearly link research to one of the following conference themes (Please see the addendum for details):
- Connection
Research on how people with aphasia connect with others—online, in person, or in community groups. - Carepartners & Caregivers
Studies that highlight caregiver roles, needs, support systems, and overlooked aspects of caregiving in aphasia care. - Resources
Research addressing resource access beyond insurance coverage—legal advocacy, mental health support, counseling, and navigation of community services. - Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
Submissions focused on diagnosis, intervention, caregiver experience, or research into the lived experience of PPA.
Presentations
- Live or recorded
- 15–30 minutes long
- Must be aphasia-friendly
- Clear speech
- Good sound and lighting
- Use pictures or subtitles if needed
Panels
- 3-5 peple
- Up to 60 minutes
- Group discussion
- Live with Q&A
- Will be recorded and posted online
Short Videos
- About programs (3–5 minutes)
- Show what your group does (e.g., aphasia camps, service projects, advocacy, etc.)
- About people (5–10 minutes)
- Show someone living well with aphasia
- Could be about work, family, or life with aphasia
Watch Parties
Want to host a group? Let us know!
Your group can join live and share ideas during the Q&A. Your group can meet and watch a recorded session and discuss among yourselves.
Submissions
Submit your proposals by filling out the form below!
All proposals are due by August 30, 2025
