The Rock of Cashel was one of a number of public monuments and buildings that lit up in blue on Saturday, June 3rd to mark the beginning of Aphasia Awareness Month.
Aphasia is a disorder that affects how you communicate. It can impact your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language. Aphasia usually happens suddenly after a stroke or a head injury.
Stroke survivor Martin Quinn says that Aphasia Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight what is a hidden disability.
“The impact of the disability is either ignored or underestimated by our society and yet for the 3,000 newly diagnosed people with aphasia in Ireland yearly, it has a significant impact on every aspect of their lives. I can testify to the impact of aphasia and I know that many people with the disability suffer in silence.
“It is important therefore to break the silence around the disability and to bring it into the light, as we are doing with the lighting up of public buildings to mark the beginning of Aphasia Awareness Month (June).
“There will be a number of events throughout the month culminating with a Stroke Conference, where there will be a feature on Aphasia, at the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary on Monday, June 26th.
“Aphasia can be isolating and no one should have to go through aphasia alone. While you celebrate summer, take a minute to gain an understanding of this medical condition and help to increase public awareness about this disorder,” said Martin.
Along with the Rock of Cashel, other places to light up in blue were Leinster House, the Corporate Headquarters of Limerick City and County Council and Cork City Hall.
