Did you know that over 2 million Americans have aphasia, yet most people don’t know what it is? According to the National Aphasia Association (NAA), nearly 9 out of 10 people reported never hearing the term “aphasia.”
That’s why, each June, we aim to spread awareness about the language disorder during National Aphasia Awareness Month.
Aphasia is a communication disorder that can affect one’s ability to speak, write, and understand both verbal and written language. It is most commonly acquired from a stroke, but it may also arise from head trauma, brain tumors, or other illness and injury.
Aphasia can make communication difficult and affect one’s job, relationships, or day-to-day function. It can be very isolating for the person with aphasia, as well as their family and friends.
Why is Aphasia Awareness Month Important?
Not enough people know about aphasia. This lack of understanding makes it difficult for the aphasia community to interact with the general public. It also stresses the importance of aphasia education and understanding for people without aphasia, especially during the month of June.
Understanding aphasia makes a huge difference, and it’s the first step in creating better communication experiences for people living with aphasia.
2022 Theme: #AphasiaTogether
The National Aphasia Association (NAA) has announced this year’s theme as #AphasiaTogether. This month is all about bringing together people with aphasia, caregivers, and professionals.
You can participate in Aphasia Awareness Month activities by spreading the message and posting about aphasia on social media, or engaging in conversations about aphasia with your friends and family.
June is also LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Celebrations include pride parades, workshops, peaceful protests, and other Pride Month events that attract millions of participants around the world.
This June, we aim to commemorate the significance of both Aphasia Awareness and LGBTQ+ Pride.
Aphasia can improve with access to proper therapy and treatment, the most effective of which is intensive, comprehensive speech-language therapy.
If you or a loved one is experiencing communication difficulties after a stroke or another traumatic brain injury, the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) has offered intensive, individualized and innovative speech language therapy to people with aphasia for more than 83 years.
About the U-M Aphasia Program and University Center for Language and Literacy (UCLL) at MARI
The University Center for Language and Literacy (UCLL) is committed to helping people of all ages find meaningful ways to communicate. UCLL is part of the Mary A. Rackham Institute (MARI) at the University of Michigan. MARI provides high-quality, individualized mental health, neuropsychological testing, and language and literacy services to the community through its service centers, including UCLL, University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF), and University Psychological Clinic.