Aphasia Awareness Month
Raising awareness about language challenges promotes empathy, understanding, and a more inclusive society for everyone.
While more than 80% of Americans say that they have never heard the word “aphasia” and don’t know what it is, around 2 million people in the United States actually suffer from it. This means that more people need to learn about this condition in order to show support and care for those who have it. Aphasia Awareness Month is here to provide opportunities to increase public knowledge and promote conversation around the topic of aphasia.
History of Aphasia Awareness Month
Aphasia is a brain condition that impacts people by affecting how they communicate. Typically caused by some sort of damage in the brain, aphasia causes language confusion in both spoken language and comprehension as well as written language and comprehension. While aphasia may have a number of causes, the most common is brain damage that happens from stroke, which is the blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.
Aphasia Awareness Month was founded with the purpose of bringing the issue of aphasia into conversation, improving public education, helping people understand the care of those with aphasia and also informing people about the possibilities for prevention.
How to Observe Aphasia Awareness Month
Get connected and involved with Aphasia Awareness Month through some of these ideas and activities:
Attend Local Aphasia Awareness Events
Hospitals, medical centers and nursing homes as well as other community groups and organizations might be hosting events and activities in the local area that people are invited to attend. Some events might be walks or runs to raise funds to support those with aphasia, while others might be educational to improve knowledge and awareness about this condition.
Learn Important Facts About Aphasia
The most important thing people can do in honor of Aphasia Awareness Month is to gain knowledge and understanding about the condition. Learn through online research, head over to the library to get more information, or start with some of these facts:
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Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects speech, reading, writing and understanding
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Aphasia does not impact intelligence and the person can still think just as well as previously
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Currently, there is no “cure” for aphasia but there is the possibility of recovery through different therapies
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While many people used to think aphasia was only for old people, it can actually happen at any time or age, though usually not in young children
Spread the Word About Aphasia Awareness Month
In honor of Aphasia Awareness Month, be sure to share information and get more people informed about what aphasia is and how to help! Share articles, tweets, Instagram stories and more to foster conversation and improve awareness around your own sphere of influence. It might even be helpful to share some of the facts about aphasia mentioned above to show support and raise awareness about those who have this condition.
Access Resources for Aphasia
The website for the National Aphasia Association offers access to resources that are available for caregivers, service providers and people who have aphasia.
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