On October 20, the world celebrates International Aphasia Awareness Day, first announced in 2001 by the International Aphasia Association (AIA). The day aims to draw public attention to the millions of people around the world who lose their ability to communicate after brain damage.
Aphasia – the invisible consequence after a stroke
In Bulgaria, thousands of people after a stroke live with aphasia – an acquired impairment of the ability to communicate, which does not affect the intellect, but changes their lives entirely. Despite the severity of this condition, the NHIF does not fund specialized treatment for aphasia, and patients and their relatives often do not receive referral to a suitable specialist. The lack of sufficient speech therapists trained to work with aphasia further aggravates the situation and leaves those affected without a real opportunity for recovery and social inclusion.
The Voice of the Association for Stroke and Aphasia
Since its inception 5 years ago, the Association for Stroke and Aphasia (ASA) has consistently defended the rights of people with aphasia. Through national campaigns, trainings and projects, the organization aims to identify the real needs of those affected and create working support tools.
In the past year, the ASA created the first handbook for people with stroke and aphasia, which helps both patients and their loved ones to understand their condition and receive support in the first months after the accident.
This year, the organization implemented the project "I Communicate with Aphasia: in the Doctor's and Dental Office", funded by the Social Innovations Program of Sofia Municipality. The project creates printed sets of language cards and free software as their digital version, which facilitates the communication of people with aphasia during medical examinations - a specific tool that will facilitate access to health care and improve quality of life of those affected.
Gratitude to speech therapists and an appeal to action
As a member of the International Aphasia Association and the only patient organization in the country defending the rights of stroke and aphasia victims, the Association for Stroke and Aphasia expresses its sincere gratitude to all speech therapists in the country who, despite the difficulties, continue to help people with aphasia and their families. At the same time, the ASA has repeatedly emphasized that the lack of health awareness Among loved ones and even among medical professionals, it often leads to a missed chance for recovery.
"Silence is not a choice – it is a consequence. But with timely therapy, it can be overcome," the organization reminds.
Looking ahead: program for the next 5 years
The Association for Stroke and Aphasia, together with a group of municipal councilors and the Faculty of Sciences for Education and Arts, has created a Program for the Development of Services for People with Aphasia for the next five years, adopted by the Sofia Municipal Council and included in the budget of Sofia Municipality.
The program provides for the construction of 10 rooms for free treatment of aphasia, and the mayor of Sofia is expected to take the first steps towards its implementation this year.
This will be the country's first speech rehabilitation system after a stroke, funded by municipal funds – a real chance for thousands of Bulgarians to regain their voice.
If you or a loved one has aphasia
If you, a loved one or someone you know has suffered a stroke and has partially or completely lost the ability to communicate, it is likely to be aphasia. This condition can be positively affected by therapy with a speech therapist who has experience in this area.
Contact the Association for Stroke and Aphasia (ASA):
National Helpline: 0700 11 404
Email: [help@stroke.bg](mailto:help@stroke.bg)
Website: [www.stroke.bg](http://www.stroke.bg)
Don't wait — the sooner therapy starts, the greater the chance of recovery!