5 Communication Goals Worth Considering for 2026

The New Year brings lots of ideas for resolutions. Lose weight, exercise more, learn something new. But when you have a brain condition like Parkinson's, ALS, or MS, regular goals might not fit your life.

Your communication needs are different.
Your goals should be too.

Instead of goals that make little sense for you, think about communication goals. Communication goals can improve your life, help your relationships, and make you feel more confident when talking with others.

Here are five communication goals to consider for 2026. Each one can change as your needs change.

1. Speak Up for Your Needs at Doctor Visits

Why this helps:

Doctor visits can be hard. When it's tough to talk or understand, it's harder to get good care. Learning to ask for what you need helps you get better care.

What you can do:

• Say, "Please slow down so I can understand."
• Write your questions before you go.
• Ask someone to come with you to help remember what the doctor says.
• Ask for written notes about your treatment.
• Say, "Can you explain that in simple words?"

Start small: Choose one thing to try at your next visit. You don't have to change everything at once.

If talking gets harder: Write key phrases on your phone. You can still speak up for yourself in new ways.

2. Build a Team of People Who Can Help on Hard Days

Why this helps:

Some days may be harder than others. Having people who understand you before you need help makes tough days easier.

What you can do:

Find Your Core Team
Find 3-5 people who get how you communicate.

Teach Others
Teach close friends and family how to talk with you best.

Join Support Groups
Join a support group for people like you.

Connect with Peers
Meet others who use similar ways to communicate.

Make a Plan
Make a plan with your team for when communication is tough.

Start small: Talk honestly with one or two people you trust. Tell them what helps you and what doesn't.

As things change: Keep your team updated. Regular talks help everyone know how to help.

3. Try New Tools or Ways to Communicate

New technologies and methods come out all the time. Something that didn't work before might be perfect now.

Why this helps:

Voice Banking
Look into saving your voice on a computer while you still can.

Communication Apps
Try new apps made for people with your condition.

Assistive Devices
Test voice amplifiers or other helpful devices.

Alternative Methods
Practice using pictures or gestures to communicate.

Start small: Try one new thing every three months. Give yourself time to learn before deciding if it helps.

Get help: Work with a speech therapist who knows your condition. They can help you find the best options.

4. Practice Voice and Speech Exercises Every Day

How this helps:

Daily practice can help you keep your communication skills longer. It might even make some things better. Small daily work often helps more than doing a lot sometimes.

What you can do:

• Set a timer for 10 minutes of voice exercises each day.
• Read out loud to keep your speech clear.
• Use speech therapy apps for practice.
• Record yourself talking to hear changes.
• Do the exercises your speech therapist gave you.

Start small: Begin with just 5 minutes a day. Consistently practicing every day matters more than how long you practice. Connect your speech exercises to something you already do, like drinking coffee in the morning.

As things change: Work with your speech therapist to modify exercises as needed. The goal is to keep what you have, not to be perfect.

5. Save Your Stories and Memories Now

How this helps:

Your voice and stories are special gifts for your family. Recording them now saves your personality and memories, no matter how your talking changes later.

What you can do:

Voice Messages
Record voice messages about favorite memories.

Future Letters
Write letters for birthdays or special days in the future.

Video Messages
Make video messages for grandchildren.

Life Lessons
Write family recipes or important life lessons.

Read Aloud
Record yourself reading your favorite books out loud.

Start small: Begin with one small project. Maybe record a 5-minute segment about how you met your spouse. Build from there.

If writing or talking becomes harder: Ask a family member to help you write or record your thoughts.

Making These Goals Work for You

These goals aren't about fighting your condition. They're about working with your reality to communicate as well as possible.

Tips for success:

1. Pick 1-2 goals that feel right for you
2. Break each goal into small steps
3. Plan for good days and hard days
4. Celebrate small wins
5. Change goals when your needs change

Most important: Your goals should make life better, not add stress. If a goal stops helping, it's okay to change it.

Moving Forward

Living with a brain condition takes courage and hope. By setting smart communication goals, you take control of what you can change.

Your voice matters. Whether it's strong, soft, or uses technology, it deserves to be heard. These goals help make sure your voice remains heard in 2026 and beyond.

Which goal feels right for you? The best goal is one you'll actually work on. Start there and build success step by step.

Ready to Work on Communication Goals?

I'm here to help.
Let's talk about what might work best for you.

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