Overview of Cognitive Communication Disorders- Exploring Practical Clinical Questions - 10th December 2026

Overview and Learning Outcomes:

An overview of frameworks and practice guidelines for speech & language therapists working in the field of cognitive communication disorders from a wide range of aetiologies. A range of theoretical models are introduced, and an overview of a wide range of assessments from clinical experiences.

Speakers:

Paula Bradley LCST., MPhil, Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer.

• Former Principal Speech & Language Therapist, SLT Manager at National Rehabilitation Hospital. Developed national SLT services (ABI adult service, paediatric ABI, AT service, disorders of consciousness, outpatients services,) over 25 years,
• Trained in advanced cognitive rehabilitation, connect conversational partner training Certified Brain Injury Clinical Specialist (CBIS) and CBIS trainer with 35 years clinical experience (adults/ young adults)
• Co author of Cognitive communication assessment tool; CIPCAP Bradley & Monahan (2014) Designed and delivering workshops for SLTs nationally on assessment & therapy with cognitive and social communication challenges in adolescents and adults UK (2017, 2018 & 2019) DUB, CORK, LIM, SLIGO, GALWAY, KERRY, since 2014
• Co founder & Director of Peter Bradley Foundation/ Acquired Brain Injury Ireland www.abiireland.ie. (up to 2014) Sister of traumatic brain injury survivor
• Co-founder & former director of Headway Ireland, Former Board member at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) and CORU speech & language therapy Registration Board and Chair of multiagency project setting up first assistive technology library in Ireland www.Try-it.ie (International Access award); 2021-27 SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY (IASLT) rep on Youth Justice Advisory Group
• Co founding member of core Criminal Justice System SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY (SLT) group with particular interest in advocacy and building awareness with YJS staff training and programmes for typical cognitive communication difficulties so prevalent in
  young offender.
• Designed and rolled out communication module for BRAIN AWARE National Family training program (National award 2012) chosen as module to extend to more counties as part of award;
• Designed & delivering Module on Self expression Coaching for young adults (15-17yr olds) in school setting over 12 years
• Lecturing BSc/ MSc Trinity modules on cognitive communication challenges (TBI and Right hemisphere damage/acquired social communication disorders for over 30 years train tutors in NALA (2017 & 2018) (Post grad Mental Health Nursing course UCD since 2017)
• Training Completed RCSLT BOX justice system, Social Cognition (2018) Restorative Justice (Dub, FRIENDS (Student anxiety program) and JIGSAW for teachers et al in core mental health issues in schools
• Co editor & contributor to Essential Brain Injury Guide 2013 ACBIS & ABI Ireland 1st Edition
• Trained & worked as Rainbows Facilitator & program coordinator for over 4 years (Greystones) & trained in FRIENDS (anxiety & depression youth module 2017)
• Collaborations with Bio engineering projects in AT committee NRH, Member NRH Trust)
• IASLT Chair (3 years) , IASLT Council member (10 years +)
• IASLT editor and producer of Annual Directory of SLT services Ireland (7 years+)
• Rep IASLT on programme design committee for profession’s SLT Assistants course (SKILL
  FETAC Level 5 VEC), and tutor and subject matter expert 2006 to 2010

Joan Monahan, LCST, BSc., Clinical Specialist SLT in ABI.

• Former Clinical Specialist SLT at National Rehabilitation Hospital with over 40 years of experience in assessing and treating individuals with acquired brain injuries
• Clinical experience has spanned the continuum of intervention of acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and for over 20 years developing interdisciplinary outpatients’ adult service involving individual programmes, online therapy, in person and online groups; multidisciplinary and SLT based groups and also designing & delivering clinical induction supported communication training for all staff at NRH. Worked collaboratively with patients their families, and their team members to develop meaningful treatment goals, activities and strategies.
• Developed numerous clinical assessments tools and training resources Senior SLT in St Johns Newfoundland Canada, – in adult rehabilitation and piloted multi disciplinary geriatric team assessments. Co founder of the Volunteer Stroke Scheme (Ireland) Co author of Cognitive communication assessment tool : CIPCAP Bradley & Monahan (2014)
• Co author of a Community Outing Performance Appraisal (C.O.P.A.) a treatment intervention designed to observe and rate performance of adults post an acquired brain injury, in completing everyday tasks within a community setting. It rates a person’s mobility, communication and executive functions.
• Designed and delivered workshops for SLTs on assessment & therapy with cognitive and social communication challenges in adolescents and adults in UK and Ireland since 2014.