Aphasia awareness month: The impact and challenges faced by individuals and families

In 2009, Robert D. Jackson (RDW) suffered a stroke in a Publix in Atlanta. He survived, but unfortunately, he was never the same due to getting Aphasia, a condition that affects one’s ability to speak. While Jackson’s wisdom and character remain intact, he had to relearn how to communicate from scratch. Aphasia is a bigger problem than we realize, and July is dedicated to raising awareness about it. Jackson and experts share why this issue needs our attention and how we can support those dealing with it. “Language-wise, you are not there anymore. You are not your old self. It is like being a bodybuilder, and all your muscles turn into flab. It is more frustrating when you’re trying to say something to someone; you know, what you’re telling them is right. Still, it might be the other way around,” said RDW Jackson The Atlanta Voice Executive Marketing Specialist. Aphasia is a life-changing illness for individuals and their loved ones. Aphasia impairs the ability to use or comprehend words. It occurs after someone has a stroke or brain injury.  RDW Jackson has been in the Black newspaper business for 41 years. He started in advertising at the Philadelphia Tribune in...