-
- Find A Provider
-
Services
- Addiction Recovery
- Audiology
- Behavioral Health
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Cardiology
- Chiropractic Care
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Dermatology Services
- Diabetes Education
- ER & Urgent Care
- Family Medicine
- Home Care
- Hospice
- Infusion Therapy
- Internal Medicine
- Laboratory
- Long Term Care Facility
- Men's Health
- Nutrition Services
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Podiatry
- Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging
- Rehabilitation Services
- Respiratory Care
- Senior Care Unit
- Sleep Medicine
- Surgery
- Swing Bed/Transitional Care
- Women's Health
- Patients & Visitors
- Facilities & Pharmacy
- About Us
-
Raising Awareness About Aphasia
June 22, 2026
June is Aphasia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of a communication disorder that affects more than 2 million Americans. Despite its prevalence, many people have never heard of aphasia or understand the challenges it creates for those living with it.
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, understand language, read, and write. It is most commonly caused by a stroke, but it can also result from a traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or certain neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, aphasia does not affect a person's intelligence. Individuals with aphasia still know what they want to say, but damage to the language centers of the brain can make communicating those thoughts difficult.
The effects of aphasia vary from person to person. Some individuals may have trouble finding the right words during conversation, while others may experience significant difficulty understanding spoken language, reading, or writing. The severity depends on the location and extent of the brain injury.
According to the National Aphasia Association, approximately one-third of stroke survivors experience aphasia. Because stroke remains the leading cause of the condition, awareness is important not only for those living with aphasia but for the entire community. Increased understanding can help reduce isolation and encourage meaningful communication opportunities for those affected.
Speech-language pathologists play a vital role in helping people with aphasia regain communication skills and maintain independence. Speech therapy programs are individualized based on a person's specific needs and strengths. Treatment may focus on restoring language abilities, developing alternative communication methods, or teaching strategies that help individuals communicate more effectively in daily life.
At Mille Lacs Health System, Sara Schewe, MS, CCC-SLP, works with patients experiencing communication challenges related to aphasia and other speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Through individualized assessment and treatment, speech-language pathology services help patients maximize their communication abilities and improve their quality of life.
For some people, communication supports can be especially helpful. These supports, sometimes called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), can range from simple tools such as whiteboards, photographs, or written keywords to sophisticated electronic devices and tablet applications that provide a voice for individuals who cannot easily express themselves verbally.
Speech therapy also helps family members, friends, and caregivers learn how to support communication more effectively. Small adjustments can make conversations more successful and less frustrating. Experts recommend speaking slowly, using simple language, reducing background distractions, and allowing extra time for the person with aphasia to process information and respond. Gestures, photographs, writing, and facial expressions can also help reinforce messages and improve understanding. Repeating or summarizing what someone has communicated can help confirm that their thoughts have been understood correctly.
This Aphasia Awareness Month, take a moment to learn more about this often-overlooked disorder. Patience, understanding, and supportive communication can make a significant difference in the lives of people living with aphasia and their families. By increasing awareness and fostering communication-friendly environments, communities can help ensure that individuals with aphasia remain connected, engaged, and understood.