New International Guidelines Published for Online Aphasia Support Groups
The guidelines recognise the important role that online support groups can play in providing opportunities for communication practice, peer support, and social connection. They are particularly valuable for people who may be unable to access in-person services due to location, mobility, health, or other barriers.
A key contributor to the guidelines was Dr Helen Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy in the School of Clinical Therapies, University College Cork. Dr Kelly was a member of the international writing team and made substantial contributions to the development of the publication.
As part of her work on the project, Dr Kelly co-developed a practical implementation checklist and planning template designed to support clinicians and organisations in establishing and sustaining successful online aphasia support groups. The template was initially developed by Dr Kelly together with co-authors Carol Dow-Richards and Sasha Yampolsky before being refined through international expert review.
The publication marks an important step forward in improving access to aphasia support services and provides a valuable resource for professionals seeking to create inclusive and effective online communities for people living with aphasia.
Dr Kelly's involvement in this international collaboration highlights the School of Clinical Therapies' ongoing commitment to advancing research and practice that improves communication access and quality of life for people with communication disabilities.
For further information about the guidelines and Dr Kelly's contribution, please see the full press release.pdf.