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National Aphasia Awareness Day
On Wednesday 3 September, Speech Pathologists from Hunter New England Health (HNE Health) and Hunter Stroke and Disability Information will join together with the Australian Aphasia Association to launch the first National Australian Aphasia Awareness Day. The theme is ‘Wednesday Without Words’.
Aphasia (pronounced a-faze-yuh) is a communication difficulty that is most often caused by stroke. People with aphasia may experience difficulties with talking, understanding what others say, reading and writing. Aphasia does not affect intelligence.
Aphasia affects approximately 80,000 Australians, with around 8,600 additional people being diagnosed with the condition each year. Aphasia is more common than Parkinson’s Disease, although little is known about it.
Speech Pathologist and Chairperson of the Australian Aphasia Association, Georgi Laney, said everyday activities such as answering the phone, ordering lunch at a restaurant, reading a book or writing a shopping list become frustrating experiences for the person with aphasia and their loved-ones.
“Social interaction can become a huge obstacle. For some, the condition can lead to relationship breakdowns, social isolation, loss of employment or favourite hobbies and depression,” Ms Laney said.
“The focus of this national awareness campaign is to raise awareness about living with aphasia, by educating the public about this invisible communication disorder, and how to interact with people with aphasia. Through public education it is hoped people with aphasia will be better understood and gain easier access to community life, “Ms Laney said.
There are support groups available for people with aphasia and their family members, which are run by different hospitals and community centres. For further information about aphasia: www.aphasia.org.au, questions@aphasia.org.au
HNE Health staff will be hosting a morning tea to mark National Aphasia Awareness Day on 3 September at The Lodge Building, Rankin Park campus (on the grounds of John Hunter Hospital), in the downstairs group room from 10.30am -12noon. Interviews with Georgi Laney and people living with aphasia are available.
Contact: Kylie Dawson
Phone: Phone: 6767 7136
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