2017 Aphasia Awareness Challenge
What is aphasia?
Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write. Learn more about causes and types of aphasia. Or, read FAQs about aphasia.
Spread the #AphasiaAwareness message
June is aphasia awareness month, and this year’s theme centers on a number: 2 million. If 2 million people in the United States are experiencing aphasia, then our goal is to aim for having 2 million people in the general public learn about aphasia.
During the month of June, we need your help to spread the following #aphasiaawareness message:
#2million have aphasia and lost all or some ability to use words. Help @NatAphasiaAssoc spread #aphasiaawareness: http://bit.ly/2s8erog
You can post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – anywhere you are connected to people that might not know what aphasia is.
Communicating with people affected by aphasia
Our downloadable poster, made in conjunction with the American Stroke Association, gives communication tips to those experiencing aphasia and those speaking with someone with aphasia. Here are a few key tips to get you started:
- Keep it simple. Speak in short, simple sentences.
- Be Patient. Allow plenty of time for a response.
- Remove distractions. Turn off radios and TVs.
- Be Creative. Try writing, gesturing, pictures and communication tools like an iPad.
- Confirm. Repeat back what you think he/she is saying.
View Male Poster View Female Poster
How many people are aphasia aware?
84.5% of people have never heard the term “aphasia.” Only 8.8% of people have heard of aphasia and can identify it as a language disorder. Read more about aphasia awareness in our recent aphasia awareness report.
Read more about aphasia
Take a look through our recently updated aphasia book roundup, which highlights a handful of great books that deal with aphasia.