2026 International Cognitive Communication Disorders Conference

Register Now

In-person Registration Fees 

Professionals: $200

Non-VUMC Students: $100

Virtual Registration Fees

Professionals: $100

Non-VUMC Students: $50

Optional Welcome Happy Hour

$45 per person- includes heavy hors d’oeuvres with a southern flare and an open bar.

Thursday, January 15, 2025

6-8PM

Location: Nashville Vanderbilt Moxy Hotel Lobby and Listening Room

1911 Belcourt Ave.

Nashville, TN 37212

Deadline to register for the happy hour is December 28, 2025.

For additional information please email Keli.s.lawrence@vumc.org.

Hotel Accommodations: 

Moxy Nashville Vanderbilt Area 

1911 Belcourt Ave.

Nashville, TN 37212

Group Rate: $129.00 USD per night 

Last Day to Book Group Rate: Monday, December 15, 2025. 

Email Jennifer Traurig at bnamoxy.dos@summitmgmtcorp.com for assistance with group rate reservations after December 15, 2025.

Book your group rate here

Nashville International Airport (BNA):is convenient to Vanderbilt University. The airport is served by Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, jetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United Airlines along with many other international carriers.

Directions to the Vanderbilt Commons from Nashville BNA:

• Head northwest toward Terminal Dr- 184 ft
• Use the left lane to merge onto Terminal Dr- 0.2 mi
• Use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left to stay on Terminal Dr- 1.1 mi
• Continue on I-40 to Wedgewood Ave. Take exit 81 from I-65 S- 6.8 mi
• Merge onto I-40- 2.5 mi
• Continue straight to stay on I-40- 2.1 mi
• Use the 2nd from the left lane to turn slightly left to stay on I-40 (signs for Huntsville/Memphis/Interstate 65 S)- 1.1 mi
• Use the middle lane to take exit 210B to merge onto I-65 S toward Huntsville- 0.9 mi
• Take exit 81 toward Wedgewood Ave- 0.2 mi
• Continue on Wedgewood Ave to your destination- 1.5 mi
• Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Wedgewood Ave- 1.2 mi
• Turn right onto 18th Ave S- 0.3 mi
• Turn left
• Destination will be on the right

Full 2026 ICCDC Schedule

Thursday, January 15, 2026

8:00-8:30 REGISTRATION

8:30-10:00 Common issues underrepresented in the field:

Frank Aphasia and TBI: What Do We Know and How Should We Manage This? 

Dr. Joanne Steel, Dr. Kimberly Frey, and Dr. Elise Bogart 

While there have been considerable conceptual advances in the understanding of CCD after TBI, there remains a lack of consensus on the nature of post-traumatic aphasia and the relationship of these two SLP diagnoses. Our panel invites discussion on conceptualization, terminology, and management of aphasia after TBI.

Social Cognitive Outcomes Following Concussion in Early Childhood

Perrier, M.-F. Degeilh, F., Bernier, A., Gravel, J., Burstein, B., Stang, A., Gagnon, I., Rose, S., Yeates, K.O., Beauchamp, M.H.

Concussion is common in early childhood, yet its short-term outcomes remain poorly understood. This study examines social cognitive outcomes within 1-month post-injury in 86 children (6 months - 6 years old) recruited across four pediatric emergency departments. Findings can inform clinical care to support young children and their families.

Optimizing clinical care and research for right hemisphere brain damage: Translating evidence into action 

Johnson, Melissa; Hewetson, Ronelle; Blake, Margaret Lehman; Durfee, Alexandra Zezinka; Ferré, Perrine; Greenwald, Margaret; Love, Amanda; Minga, Jamila; Murray, Laura; Sheppard, Shannon 

Despite the recognized prevalence of communication impairments in individuals with right hemisphere brain damage, the heterogeneity of these deficits remains poorly understood. To address this, two systematic reviews are being conducted, which revealed implications for clinical practice and opportunities for research on spoken and written language, and extralinguistic communication.

10-10:15 BREAK

10:15-11:45: Long-term outcome after severe TBI:

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Yelena Bodien

11:45-12:30 LUNCH

12:30-2:00 Cognitive-communication is just one piece of the patient puzzle:

Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in Children Ages 0-5 Years and Associations with Select Health Conditions and Services

Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa

Children ages 0-5 years have the highest rate of ED visits for traumatic brain injury and greatest risk for developmental impact. This submission describes caregiver responses to the 2020-2023 National Survey of Children’s Health. It will offer prevalence, cognitive-language effects, associations with chronic health conditions, functional indicators, and healthcare access.

Gender-Based Violence, Intimate Partner Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Program for Survivors with Cognitive-Communication Disorders 

Catherine Wiseman-Hakes, Eva Chen, Maham Qasim, Nikki Plant, Kelsy Dundas, Mandira Arnab Aich, Gifty Asare

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent form of gender-based violence (GBV). Survivors are at a heightened risk of physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological injury. This novel treatment program aimed to provide trauma and violence-responsive cognitive-communication support and intervention to survivors of GBV with TBI.

The Role of Executive Functioning in Substance Use Recovery Among Military Veterans and Service Members with TBI 

Tracey Wallace, Katy H O’Brien, Katherine L. McCauley, Tim P. Moran, Russell K. Gore

In this study of 155 military members, executive function changes following intensive TBI rehabilitation predicted substance use outcomes, particularly for individuals with higher baseline substance use. Post-treatment improvement in executive function was moderately associated with lower substance use. Results suggest substance use and executive function may best be addressed simultaneously.

2:00-2:15 BREAK

2:15-3:30 Caring for the patient in front of you:

 “Is it because I’m Black?”: Perceptions of healthcare experiences by Black Americans with brain injuries. 

Warren C. Brown, Louise C. Keegan, Jerry K. Hoepner

Healthcare experiences of Black Americans with TBIs remain largely nonexistent. Quantitative and qualitative evidence reveal that disparities significantly affect patient outcomes, emphasizing critical gaps in care. This study aims to demonstrate how rebuilding trust, encouraging meaningful communication, and ensuring equitable care are key for improving healthcare experiences in this population.

PANEL: Beyond Prescriptive Models: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Communication in Progressive Neurodegenerative Syndromes 

Kiiya Shibata, Leilani Acosta

We present an interdisciplinary, multidimensional clinical framework that moves beyond prescriptive “X under Y = Z” models. Integrating social-emotional and lifestyle factors, neuroanatomic, neuromechanistic, and disability justice perspectives, we illustrate a framework that is patient-centered, scientifically grounded, and justice-oriented. A case example is included along with practical recommendations for initiating and sustaining interdisciplinary collaborations in progressive neurodegenerative communication care.

3:30-3:45 BREAK

3:45-4:45 Dynamic Assessment:

 “One website change and it’s like starting from the beginning again”: User perspectives of dynamic assessment and digital communication in traumatic brain injury (TBI) 

Lu, Sheree; Power, Emma; & Bryant, Lucy

 We conducted a qualitative interview study to explore end-user perspectives on technology-mediated communication and dynamic assessment for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Interviews with people with TBI, support persons, and speech pathologists revealed critical reliance on technology, assessment challenges, and a need for individualized approaches to support digital inclusion.

Development of a dynamic assessment framework for technology-mediated communication tasks: A Delphi study 

Lu, Sheree; Power, Emma, & Bryant, Lucy 

A Delphi technique was conducted to obtain consensus from people with TBI, support persons, and speech pathologists on developing a dynamic assessment framework for technology-mediated communication. Preliminary findings support inclusion of core and extended digital tasks and collaborative assessment strategies, highlighting the need for ecologically valid, user-informed tools in TBI rehabilitation.

4:45-5:15 DAY 1 RECAP DISCUSSION

6:00-8:00 OPTIONAL WELCOME HAPPY HOUR

$45 per person- includes heavy hors d’oeuvres with a southern flare and an open bar.

Nashville Vanderbilt Moxy Hotel Lobby and Listening Room

1911 Belcourt Ave.

Nashville, TN 37212

Friday, January 16, 2026

8:30-10:00 Barriers, facilitators, lessons, and guidance (oh my!):

Narrative discourse ability in TBI: Influence of age, education, and sex

Authors: Karen Lê, André Lindsey, Carl Coelho, Joanna Fiszdon, Richard Feinn

This session describes a case-control design study examining the influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on narrative discourse comprehension and production of individuals with TBI compared to a non-brain-injured group. This study also investigated the potential influence of socio-demographic factors (i.e., age, education, sex) on narrative discourse performance.

Identification of the barriers and facilitators to the delivery of communication partner training in clinical practice: Focus groups of UK-based Speech and Language Therapists 

Behn, N., Joyce, O., Magdalani, C., Northcott, S., Kellar, I., Hilari, K., Togher, L., & Cruice, M. 

Communication partner training is an effective treatment for people with cognitive-communication impairments however, several challenges impact the clinical delivery of CPT. This study explores the experiences of UK speech and language therapists (SLTs) through focus group methodology informed by implementation science frameworks; and identifies strategies for future implementation of CPT. 

Hold the Phone! Lessons and Guidance on Integration of Technology in Cognitive-Communicative Therapy 

Sonia Mehta, Karen Lê 

This session examines the impact of digital technologies on attention and cognitive-communicative functioning in people with TBI. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, it highlights both therapeutic potential and risks, emphasizing the need for clinician guidance on boundary setting to optimize cognitive and mental health outcomes.

10-10:15 BREAK

10:15-12:00 Schools & Banks: Improving resources and education:

Caregivers, a TBI Team, and an SLP Walked into a School: Positive Progress in Brain Injury Educational Programming

Lundine, J.P., Dickerson, J., and Hardin, K.Y.

With the recent changes in Medicaid funding and disability-level support services, the educational landscape for children with brain injury (BI) is becoming increasingly difficult. This panel will focus on recent positive experiences in facilitating programming for students with BI and CCD and invite audience discussion about application within your own settings.

A new era for TBIBank: International consensus for the TBIBank 2.0 protocol

Bogart, Elise; Steel, Joanne; Power, Emma; Fromm, Davida; Togher, Leanne; Brunner, Melissa; Greenslade, Kathryn; Ramage, Amy; Stark, Brielle; Richardson, Jessica; Dalton, Sarah Grace; Norman, Rocio; Lanzi, Alyssa; Kong, Anthony; Minga, Jamila; Lindsay Johnson, Allyson; Birch, Ellie; Behn, Nicholas; Meulenbroek, Peter; Carragher; Marcella ; Murray, Laura & MacWhinney, Brian

The TBIBank protocol is an international cognitive-communication assessment for TBI. This study included a five-stage process with an expert advisory group to uncover key issues and solutions for an updated protocol. Key updates include retention of critical items, developing tasks of increased complexity and mapping the evidence-base.

PANEL: From Classroom to Clinic: Teaching Neurogenic Communication Disorders with TalkBank Grand Rounds

Anna K. Saylor, Elise Bogart, Brielle C. Stark, Jamila Minga, Alyssa M. Lanzi

TalkBank Grand Rounds (GR) are expertly developed online educational resources that offer illustrative case modules to foster discussion and evidence-based learning. This session will provide insights from GR developers and users on how to leverage these resources for knowledge exchange with graduate students, aiming to enhance adult neurogenic patient care.

12:00-12:45 LUNCH

12:45-2:15 Communication isn’t simple:

Multiparty Communication after Traumatic Brain Injury: Development and Validation of the Multiparty Communication Questionnaire (MCQ) 

Sophia Kekes-Szabo, Marianne Casilio, & Melissa C. Duff 

We developed and validated an initial version of the Multiparty Communication Questionnaire (MCQ) to capture perceived challenges of multiparty communication for individuals with and without TBI. Initial psychometric data suggest the MCQ has promise as a clinical and research tool to document, and possibly improve, multiparty communication ability following TBI.

Automated Language Sample Analysis of Conversational Stories: Comparing Clinical and Reference Groups 

Katie Ekström Grenon, Ardyn Olszko, David Jangraw, Michael Cannizzaro 

Referencing parameters drawn from 40,422 non-clinical StoryCorps records, we analyze conversational stories including Alzheimer’s (n=95) and TBI (n=34) participants. We interpret results within the traditional discourse productivity/cohesion framework and using a communication co-construction lens. Findings underscore the value of accommodating dyadic complexity while facilitating sensitive differentiation of cognitive-communication impairments.

Using Attention Process Training–3 (APT-3) for Long COVID–Related Brain Fog: Design and Acceptability 

Magee, Cohen-Zimerman, Roth, Cherney

Brain fog is a common and challenging symptom of Long COVID, with limited treatment options available. This study introduces a novel and unique intervention using the Attention Process Training – 3 program and presents acceptability data from individuals experiencing Long COVID-related brain fog, offering insights into its potential as an intervention.

2:00-2:15 BREAK

2:15-3:30 POSTER SESSION

Co-constructing the story: Progress and new directions in the co-design of a storytelling intervention for inpatient rehabilitation post-Traumatic Brain Injury

Hoffman, Rhianne; Steel, Joanne; Spencer, Elizabeth; & Bogart, Elise

Narrative discourse intervention offers a promising avenue for speech-language pathologists to support inpatient cognitive-communication rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury. However, no inpatient interventions currently exist. This study reports on the co-design process, progress, and innovations arising during the development of a novel inpatient storytelling intervention.

Communication for safe healthcare: codesigning solutions to support communication access

Elise Bogart, Rahael Rietdijk, Melissa Brunner, Nicole Chapman, Sarah Dennis, Anya Johnson, Gillian Nisbet, Ju Li Ng, & Leanne Togher

People with cognitive-communication disorder are entitled to safe and quality healthcare. Unfortunately, there are many existing barriers to accessible healthcare. The aim of this project was to co-design a solution to improve communication access in healthcare, firstly understanding the issues from various interest holders and evaluating the implementation process.

“I’m sure I could be conned again somehow”: Pilot North American CyberABIlity Adaptation 

Riley Persike and Jerry K. Hoepner 

Individuals with cognitive communication disorders (CCD) are at increased susceptibility to cyberscams. Interventions are needed to address cyberscams in persons with CCD. CyberABIlity is an Australian evidence-based program that uses video vignettes from cyberscam victims with CCD. This pilot investigation examined transferability to a North American English context.

Academic Functioning and Service Utilization after Sport-Related Injury in College Students: Comparing Concussion and Musculoskeletal Injury Experiences

Mary R. T. Kennedy, Katy H. O’Brien

We compared academic functioning and service utilization between college students with sport-related concussion (n=41) versus musculoskeletal injuries (n=22). Despite concussion students experiencing greater academic difficulties and cognitive symptoms, groups showed similar service utilization, except more musculoskeletal students received physical therapy. Findings suggest gaps in cognitive rehabilitation and support services.

Building Capacity for Better Conversations: Implementing Communication Partner Training in Community-Based Brain Injury Care 

Hardin, K.Y., Behn, N., Nelson, K., Hoover, J. Lowry, K., & Brunner, L.

Colorado is working to improve impacts of its state-sponsored TBI funding, particularly as resources become scarce. Using an integrated quality improvement/implementation science approach, we tailored no-cost communication partner training for community-based TBI staff followed by 5-weeks of mentored SLP graduate student facilitation. Our processes and outcomes will be discussed.

Multilevel Narrative Discourse Analysis in Older Adults With and Without Mild Cognitive Impairment 

Faith Stagge, Matthew L. Cohen, Sarah Grace Dalton, Aaron J. Boulton, Anna K. Saylor, and Alyssa M. Lanzi

A macrolinguistic multilevel narrative discourse analysis protocol, Main Concept, Sequencing, and Story Grammar (MSSG), revealed significant differences in the completeness and quality of spoken discourse production in persons with mild cognitive impairment, compared to cognitively unimpaired adults.

Title Introducing Story-ABI-lity: A Co-Designed, Narrative-Based Intervention for Cognitive-Communication Disorders after Traumatic Brain Injury 

Joanne Steel, Rhianne Hoffman, Elizabeth Spencer & Elise Bogart 

There are few evidence-based SLP interventions suitable for people with TBI in inpatient rehabilitation, with most research focused on chronic recovery. Narrative discourse intervention may be a feasible approach to support communication during this phase. This study introduces a co-designed, manualized storytelling intervention, Story-ABI-lity, developed for the inpatient rehabilitation setting.

3:15-4:45 If you build it will they come?:

 BRAIN IN-COM: BRAin INjury INtensive COMprehensive treatment program 

Jerry K. Hoepner, Grace Allison, Daniel Azarshin, and Diana Cataldi 

Intensive comprehensive aphasia treatment programs are well-documented globally, for addressing the needs of individuals living with chronic aphasia. Comparable programs for individuals living with the chronic effects of cognitive communication disorders (CCDs) are not widely available. This presentation addresses a novel, intensive comprehensive program for individuals with chronic CCDs.

Inpatient cognitive-communication interventions following Traumatic Brain Injury: What do speech-language pathologists think is important?

Hoffman, Rhianne; Bogart, Elise; Spencer, Elizabeth; & Steel, Joanne

Speech-language pathology (SLP) management of cognitive-communication disorders post-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is recommended throughout the recovery continuum. However, there are currently limited evidence-based interventions to guide clinicians working within inpatient rehabilitation. This study explored current clinical practice of SLPs supporting adults with cognitive communication disorders post-TBI within inpatient settings.

“Read anything good lately?”: Evidence for Reduced Engagement with Leisure Texts after Brain Injury

Katy O’Brien, Yalian Pei, Olivia Vruwink, Natalie Becker, Caitlin Klukas, Natalie V. Covington

We report results of a reading habits survey in 460 adults with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI). While total reading Hme was similar across groups, individuals with TBI read significantly less leisure material (fiction, nonfiction, newspapers) and more functional texts (manuals), suggesting a shift from pleasure to necessity-driven reading.

4:45-5:15 DAY 2 RECAP DISCUSSION 

Saturday, January 17, 2026

8:30-10:00 From start to finish: Screening, assessment & treatment:

Bridging Sensory and Cognitive-Communication Health: Community Hearing Screenings and Counseling to Support Behavior Change in Older Adults 

Janelle Wilson, & Amy M. Kemp

Community-based hearing screenings with brain health-focused counseling were delivered to 62 older adults. 55.7% reported behavior change, and lower cognitive scores were significantly associated with failed screenings. Findings underscore the need for integrated sensory and cognitive screening as a translational strategy to promote behavior change and reduce cognitive-communication decline risk.

Measuring Memory with a Spatial Reconstruction Task in the Acute Care Setting Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study and Group Comparison Data 

Jade T. Mitchell, Natalie V. Covington & Melissa C. Duff 

We examined the feasibility of assessing memory acutely after TBI using a Spatial Reconstruction (SR) Task and its sensitivity to detecting memory disruptions in individuals with and without TBI and individuals in the acute and chronic phases of injury. The SR Task has promise as an acute memory assessment. 

Memory Ecological Momentary Intervention in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury:  Findings from a Mixed-Methods Pilot Study 

Emily L. Morrow, Lyndsay A. Nelson, Melissa C. Duff, Lindsay S. Mayberry

Technology may extend memory rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) into daily life and the chronic phase. Memory ecological momentary intervention (MEMI) introduces new information, cues retrieval, and assesses learning across time and context via daily text messages. Here, we describe findings from a mixed-methods pilot and feasibility study. 

10-10:15 BREAK

10:15 – 12:00 Bringing it all together: Measuring and facilitating the evolution of self:

Preliminary Validation of a Meaning-in-Life Scale in Adults with Concussion

Natalie V. Covington, Yalian Pei, Joette Zola, Kristina Kath, Mary V. Radomski

Changes in activity and participation after concussion can lead to a disrupted sense of meaning in life. Cognitive-communication interventions can support return to meaningful living, but there are limited options for assessing this construct in clinic. We report preliminary validation of a meaning-in-life scale in adults with concussion. 

Then and Now: Using Arts-Based Reflection to Explore Self-Awareness Across a Decade of Living with Brain Injury

Amy M. Kemp, Olivia Vruwink, Chelsea Willis

This study explored how arts-based reflection fosters meta-awareness in chronic acquired brain injury. Through semi-structured interviews, 10 adults juxtaposed their two reflective art pieces, created a decade apart, that represent their lived experience with brain injury. Preliminary qualitative analyses include themes of evolving self, struggles with autonomy, and continued hope.

PANEL: Exploring the application of SoCIAL framework in intervention

Elise Bogart, Melissa Brunner, Jerry Hoepner, Louise Keegan, Mary Kennedy, Sheila MacDonald, Peter Meulenbroek, Leanne Togher

This panel presentation explores the clinical application of the SoCIAL framework in treating social communication challenges. Presenters will discuss its integration into therapy and evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing outcomes for individuals with cognitive communication difficulties, highlighting evidence-based strategies and practical insights for improving real-world social interactions.

12:00-12:30 CONFERENCE WRAP-UP DISCUSSION

The program committee will evaluate each submission and decide on its acceptability. This peer-reviewed process ensures that a high-quality standard will be adhered to. The program committee members are:

Melissa Duff, PhD, CCC-SLP, ICCDC Chair, Professor & Department Chair, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Margaret Lehman Blake, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ICCDC Program Chair, Professor & Department Chair, University of Houston

Mary R.T. Kennedy, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Editor of Special Issue in AJSLP, Professor and Interim Department Chair, Chapman University

Nicholas Behn, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, City St. George’s, University of London

Ronelle Hewetson, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Griffith University, Australia

André Lindsey, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor, Nevada State University

Bryan Ness, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor & Department Chair, California Baptist University

Rocio Norman, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Yalian Pei, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor, Syracuse University

Jessica Riccardi, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor, University of Maine

Joanne Steele, PhD, BSPTH (Hons), CPSP Lecturer, University of Newcastle Australia