7 Meaningful Ways to Raise Awareness During Aphasia Awareness Month
Each June, we observe Aphasia Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to bring attention to a communication disorder that affects over 2 million Americans—and many millions more globally. Despite how common it is, aphasia remains one of the least understood and most under-recognized neurological conditions.
Aphasia is most often the result of a stroke or brain injury and impacts a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. Importantly, aphasia does not affect intelligence—a person with aphasia still thinks clearly, but they may struggle to express those thoughts or process spoken or written language. This disconnect can lead to frustration, isolation, and even depression.
That’s why Aphasia Awareness Month matters. Raising awareness helps build a more inclusive, compassionate society that supports communication in all its forms. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, teacher, or advocate, you can make a difference. Here are seven impactful ways to spread awareness and support during Aphasia Awareness Month.
1. Share Personal Stories and Testimonials
Personal experiences can educate and inspire in ways that facts alone cannot. If you or a loved one has aphasia, consider sharing your story through a blog, video, or social media post. Talk about the day-to-day challenges, the strategies that help, and the emotional journey of navigating life with aphasia.
Social media platforms can be incredibly powerful for spreading these stories. Use hashtags like #AphasiaAwarenessMonth, #AphasiaStrong, or #SupportAphasia to broaden your reach and connect with others in the aphasia community. You never know who might feel less alone after reading your story.
2. Organize or Attend an Awareness Event
Community-based events are a great way to bring people together in support of a shared cause. You can:
Host a virtual webinar featuring a speech-language pathologist or caregiver.
Organize a fundraising walk or awareness run.
Partner with local stroke support groups to hold a “Communication Café” where people with aphasia can practice their communication in a friendly setting.
These events not only provide education but also build networks of support that can last far beyond June.
3. Wear Purple and Spark Conversations
Purple is the color of aphasia awareness. Wearing a purple shirt, hat, or ribbon throughout June is a simple yet effective way to show solidarity. It also creates a natural opportunity for conversation—when someone asks about your purple gear, take a moment to explain what aphasia is and why awareness is important.
You can even organize a “Wear Purple Day” at your workplace, school, or community center. Pair it with an educational lunch-and-learn session for maximum impact.
4. Collaborate with Local Media and Influencers
Awareness campaigns benefit greatly from media exposure. Contact your local newspaper, radio station, or television network and pitch a story about aphasia. You might highlight:
A personal story from someone in your community
A local organization doing great work
A speech-language pathologist advocating for better care
Alternatively, reach out to local influencers or bloggers and ask them to feature a post about aphasia during the month. Their platforms can reach thousands who may never have heard of the condition otherwise.
5. Support Local Businesses in Getting Involved
Local businesses can be wonderful partners in raising awareness. Ask your favorite coffee shop to display flyers about aphasia. Suggest a bookstore host a “communication-friendly” story time. Restaurants can be encouraged to participate by offering simplified menus or donating a portion of June’s sales to a speech therapy center or aphasia nonprofit.
Small acts from local businesses help normalize communication differences in everyday settings—and that’s powerful advocacy in action.
6. Distribute Educational Materials in Your Community
Many people have never heard the word “aphasia” until they or someone they love is diagnosed. One of the best ways to close this awareness gap is by distributing easy-to-understand materials in places where people gather—libraries, churches, schools, clinics, and gyms.
Use trusted resources from organizations like the National Aphasia Association or American Stroke Association. You can share flyers, posters, or even digital graphics through neighborhood social media groups or community newsletters.
7. Promote Inclusive Communication Practices
True awareness includes helping others know how to support people with aphasia in everyday interactions. This month, take time to educate your community about inclusive communication techniques, such as:
Giving extra time to speak or respond
Using yes/no questions
Incorporating gestures, visuals, or written keywords
Being patient and maintaining eye contact
Consider hosting a training session for local service providers—baristas, first responders, library staff—so they can better support people with communication challenges.
Every Effort Matters
Aphasia can be isolating—but awareness creates connection, compassion, and hope. Whether you’re amplifying a personal story, wearing purple, or simply explaining what aphasia is to a curious friend, every effort helps break down stigma and build a more understanding world.
This June, let’s make aphasia visible. Together, we can ensure that communication is recognized not just as a tool, but as a human right—accessible to all, regardless of how it’s expressed.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the National Aphasia Association for resources, stories, and toolkits to help you get involved during Aphasia Awareness Month and beyond.
For support, questions, or if you need a friend to talk to who just “gets it,” please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news from Aphasia Readers! If you haven’t picked up an Aphasia Readers book, order your copy HERE!
God Bless,
Anna Teal