Phased development of REAL-TALK (Representative Elicitation and Analysis of Language - Toolkit of Applied Language tasKs): Toward a Realistic and Person-Centered Discourse Assessment Battery and Analysis Tool for People with Acquired Language Impairment

Current discourse tasks in aphasia assessment often rely on outdated, decontextualized materials that fail to reflect the everyday communication demands of people with aphasia (PWA). In this pre-implementation design paper, we discuss the planned phased development of a new discourse elicitation battery--REAL-TALK (Representative Elicitation and Analysis of Language - Toolkit of Applied Language tasKs)--that incorporates a graded complexity system and co-designed stimuli/procedures, with digital deployment, to support person-centered care across the continuum of aphasia recovery. In the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) model, the project is positioned in the Exploration and Preparation stages. Phase I formative focus group results are discussed (Exploration stage), and then the plan for the following phases of development are outlined (Preparation stage).