Article written by Clotilde Marteel
On 13 and 14 June 2026, the French National Federation of People with Aphasia (FNAF) held its national congress in Lyon. The event marked two important milestones: the 50th anniversary of R.E.L.A.I.S. Lyon, the first aphasia association in France, and the 40th anniversary of the FNAF. Over two days, people with aphasia, family members, volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and representatives of French and international associations came together with a shared goal: to exchange experiences, promote a more inclusive society, and advance knowledge and awareness of aphasia.
A significant part of the congress was dedicated to the international dimension of aphasia and to the work of the Association International Aphasia (AIA).
The AIA brings together aphasia associations from many countries with a common mission: to defend the rights of people with aphasia, promote research, share best practices, and combat social isolation. By fostering collaboration between associations, researchers, healthcare professionals, and people with aphasia, the AIA helps advance knowledge and understanding of aphasia worldwide.
The Association International Aphasia (AIA) initiated the International Aphasia Day, which is observed every year on 20 October. This annual event plays a vital role in raising public awareness of aphasia, a communication disability that remains far too little known.
The congress was also marked by a historic moment with the screening of a video message from Ms. Camille Galliard-Minier, French Minister for Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities. In her address, she announced the official recognition of the French National Aphasia Day, which will now be celebrated every year on 20 October. This announcement was met with great emotion and warm applause, representing a major step forward for people with aphasia and recognising the long-standing commitment of the FNAF, its affiliated associations, and all their partners to improving awareness and recognition of aphasia.
Raising public awareness was also identified as one of the key priorities in our international participatory research study, conducted with people with aphasia, their family members, and professionals from several countries. The findings of this collaborative work have been published in a scientific article that is now available in several languages.
Link to the article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40900-026-00914-4
The FNAF and the Association International Aphasia (AIA) joined forces to celebrate, on the same day, the French National Aphasia Day and the International Aphasia Day.
Beyond the conference sessions, the congress featured many highlights that encouraged interaction, friendship, and the sharing of experiences. Participants took part in a variety of workshops, including sound therapy, music therapy, and language games. Based on improvisational theatre techniques, the language workshops encouraged communication, spontaneity, self-confidence, and the enjoyment of interacting with others in a supportive and welcoming environment.
A cruise on the Saône River provided a special opportunity for relaxation and informal networking. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, participants from different regions of France, as well as from several other countries, exchanged ideas, strengthened friendships, and developed new international collaborations.
One of the most memorable moments of the congress was the performance of the play “Money, Sunshine and Dirty Tricks”, performed entirely by the R.E.L.A.I.S. Lyon aphasia theatre group and co-written by family carers and people with aphasia. Although the auditorium was not ideally designed for a theatrical performance, the actors made the space their own with remarkable talent, humour, and emotion. The performance received enthusiastic applause and clearly demonstrated that aphasia does not prevent creativity, artistic expression, or the joy of performing on stage.
The congress also highlighted the commitment of several international partners. In particular, we presented the inspiring work of Hanka Mayhew and Say Aphasia in Brighton. Through awareness-raising initiatives and activities that bring people with aphasia together—particularly inclusive walking groups—she is helping to build a strong, supportive, and active community.
Across borders, we share the same ambition: to enable people with aphasia to participate fully in society, defend their rights, and raise public awareness of aphasia worldwide.
We warmly thank Jean-Marie Annoni (Switzerland), Charlotte Rioux (Quebec, Canada), Hanka Mayhew (United Kingdom), Goffredo Caverni and Nicole Chauvet Caverni (Italy), as well as all the international representatives who took part in this congress. Their presence reflects the strength, vitality, and growing collaboration of the international movement supporting people with aphasia.
We also invite everyone to discover the Aphasia Friendly World initiative and its training programmes, which aim to create environments that are more accessible and inclusive for people with aphasia:
The FNAF extends its sincere thanks to the entire R.E.L.A.I.S. Lyon team for the outstanding organisation of this congress. Through their commitment, dedication, and warm hospitality, these two days were an outstanding success, fostering meaningful exchanges, the sharing of experiences, and a genuine spirit of friendship and inclusion.
Because aphasia knows no borders, neither does solidarity.