Aphasia Awareness Month, in June, marks a significant month for many individuals and families across the globe. This is a time dedicated to increasing public knowledge about aphasia, sharing resources, and rallying support for individuals and families affected by aphasia. Aphasia is a loss of communication affecting a person’s ability to process and use language, including verbal and written communication. It is a condition that can occur after a stroke or other brain injury, and it impacts millions of people worldwide.
One of the key messages during Aphasia Awareness Month is that while aphasia affects communication, intellect is generally preserved. People with aphasia have their thoughts, feelings, and personalities but need alternative ways to express them. This highlights the importance of everyone having access to communication, where individuals with aphasia can fully participate and be understood, whether at home, in the community, or at work.
Despite its prevalence, aphasia is still misunderstood and under-recognized. Aphasia Awareness Month is an opportunity to change that. In the United States, approximately 2 million people have aphasia. That is more than four times the entire population of Sarasota County, Florida. However, 84.5% of Americans say that they have never heard the term “aphasia.” (National Aphasia Association, 2024, https://aphasia.org/stories/june-aphasia-awareness-month/) This lack of awareness can lead to isolation and frustration for those with the condition, as well as their loved ones.
Learning More About Aphasia
Throughout the month, various educational events, activities, and advocacy efforts are organized to illuminate this misunderstood condition. The National Aphasia Association and other organizations, healthcare professionals, and advocates worldwide work tirelessly to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of aphasia, share resources, and support for those affected.
If you or someone you know is navigating life with aphasia, remember that you’re not alone. Many resources are available that can help improve communication and quality of life.
- The National Aphasia Association’s (NAA) website is a treasure trove of information, offering insights into living with aphasia, strategies for effective communication, and ways to support the aphasia community.
- The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) website improves community awareness by providing clinicians with education and outreach opportunities. In addition, there are innumerable articles and resources about aphasia dating back 20 years.
- The Aphasia Community Center, Inc. (ACC) in Sarasota, Fl., offers classes, events, access to support groups, a monthly newsletter, and a website about aphasia and caregivers for people with aphasia. Try searching our blog for topics that interest you.
- The National Today website offers a detailed history of Aphasia Awareness Month, a timeline, FAQS, ways to celebrate, and interesting facts about aphasia.
Support groups and community initiatives are vital. They provide a platform for individuals with aphasia to connect, share their experiences, and support each other. These groups can be a lifeline, reducing the isolation and frustration that often occur with aphasia.
How Can You Take Part?
There are many ways to contribute to spreading awareness and understanding.
- Spread the Message on Social Media: The National Aphasia Association encourages everyone to spread awareness. Share a simple message about aphasia on social networks. Use the hashtag #AphasiaAwareness when sharing images and messages that help spread the word.
- Share the ACC Newsletter: Each month there are articles about Living with Aphasia, Co-survivor Resources, and spotlights on Aphasia Community Center, Inc. members, classes, events, leadership, and outreach. If you are not currently receiving the ACC newsletter, you can sign up for our newsletter here.
- Special Programming: During Aphasia Awareness Month, the National Aphasia Association increases its newsletter publishing schedule to every Thursday. Sign up for their newsletter here.
- Reach out: Even reaching out to someone you know who has aphasia makes an impact. You show that person that you accept them, care about them, and want to help them.
Let’s use our voices to amplify the message that aphasia is a condition that deserves attention and compassion. As we observe Aphasia Awareness Month in 2024, take this opportunity to connect, educate ourselves and others, and build a world where every voice is heard, regardless of the challenges one may face in being heard. Aphasia may affect language, but it doesn’t have to silence the human spirit. Together, we can ensure that those with aphasia are seen, heard, and understood.
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Sources: National Aphasia Association aphasia.org, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association asha.org, National Today https://nationaltoday.com/aphasia-awareness-month/, American Brain Coalition americanbraincoalition.org
