June is Aphasia Awareness Month!

In 2008, Congress declared June as National Aphasia Awareness Month in an effort to increase public awareness and advocacy for the understanding of a communication disorder that affects approximately two million Americans. While this is a significant step in the right direction, awareness and understanding of aphasia by the general population remains low. 

What do you know about aphasia? Check out this informative video I created.

Still not sure what aphasia is or what it would it be like to have aphasia?

Take a few minutes to experience listening, reading, writing and speaking with aphasia using these neat aphasia simulators.  

I asked my husband to try these simulators before publishing this post, and quite honestly, he did not understand my fascination with this experience. 

him:  This is confusing.
me:   Exactly!
him:  I don't understand this.
me:   I bet you don't!
him:  Does this make sense to you?
me:   Yes. I got all of the answers right.
him:  Are you trying to make me feel dumb?
me:   No, just trying to make you understand what it's like to have aphasia.
him:  Do you work with people like this?
me:   Every day.
him:  I feel sorry for you speech therapy people. I don't know how you do it.
me:  It's the people with aphasia we should be worried about. I don't know how they do it.

No matter what you think of the simulator experience, there is a lot of information provided at this site, and along with it, hopefully, a new perspective  toward those living with aphasia. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

In the meantime...

As professionals, SLPs have had experience with aphasia through specialty coursework, research, continuing education and clinical practice. With that experience comes the responsibility to serve our patients,  to educate their family members and to increase public awareness. 

So, as you go about your work this week, please take the time share these resources with others: tell a friend or family member about this blog, promote aphasia awareness by sharing this link on Facebook, or help someone through the aphasia simulators. You will be glad you did.

Thanks for reading... have a great week!

When something bad happens you have three choices.  You can either let it define you, let is destroy you, or let it strengthen you.