IV 
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1188 
Encouraging recognition, and supporting the goals and ideals, of National 
Aphasia Awareness Month. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 13, 2008 
Mr. MARKEY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Encouraging recognition, and supporting the goals and 
ideals, of National Aphasia Awareness Month. 
Whereas aphasia is a communication impairment caused by 
brain damage, typically resulting from a stroke; 
Whereas while aphasia is most often the result of stroke or 
brain injury, it can also occur in other neurological dis-
orders, such as in the case of a brain tumor; 
Whereas many people with aphasia also have weakness or pa-
ralysis in their right leg and right arm, usually due to 
damage to the left hemisphere of the brain, which con-
trols language and movement on the right side of the 
body; 
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•HRES 1188 IH 
Whereas the effects of aphasia may include a loss or reduc-
tion in ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write, 
while intelligence remains intact; 
Whereas stroke is the third largest cause of death, ranking 
behind heart disease and cancer; 
Whereas stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term dis-
ability in the United States; 
Whereas there are about 5 million stroke survivors alive in 
the United States; 
Whereas it is estimated that there are about 750,000 strokes 
per year in the United States, with approximately one 
third of these resulting in aphasia; 
Whereas aphasia affects at least 1,000,000 people in the 
United States; 
Whereas more than 200,000 Americans acquire the disorder 
each year; 
Whereas the National Aphasia Association is unique and pro-
vides communication strategies, support, and education 
for people with aphasia and their caregivers throughout 
the United States; 
Whereas as an advocacy organization for people with aphasia 
and their caregivers, the National Aphasia Association 
envisions a world that recognizes this ‘‘silent’’ disability 
and provides opportunity and fulfillment for those af-
fected by aphasia; and 
Whereas National Aphasia Awareness Month is being com-
memorated in June 2008: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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•HRES 1188 IH 
(1) supports the goals and ideals of, and en-
courages all Americans to observe, National Aphasia 
Awareness Month; 
(2) recognizes that strokes, a primary cause of 
aphasia, are the third largest cause of death and dis-
ability in the United States; 
(3) acknowledges that aphasia deserves more 
attention and study in order to find new solutions 
for individuals experiencing aphasia and their care-
givers; and 
(4) must make the voices of those with aphasia 
heard because they are often unable to communicate 
their condition to others. 
Æ 
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