New York K 1531: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of New York

Bill Text

Assembly Resolution No. 1531
 M. of A. Rules (Ra)BY:
          Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaimMEMORIALIZING
        June 2026 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of
        New York
   It is the custom of  this  Legislative  Body  to  recognizeWHEREAS,
official  months  that  are  set  aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
   Attendant to such concern, and fully  in  accord  with  itsWHEREAS,
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul  to  proclaim  June  2026  as  Aphasia
Awareness  Month  in  the  State  of  New  York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Aphasia Awareness Month; and
    Aphasia  is  an  impairment  of  language  affecting   theWHEREAS,
production  or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write;
this condition occurs when a part of a person's brain that  is  required
for  communication  abilities  is  damaged  due to a stroke, other brain
injury, or neurological condition; and
   Individuals who are affected by aphasia often  struggle  toWHEREAS,
come  up  with  words, say what they mean, read quickly or to their full
ability, know how to spell words that they used to  be  able  to  write,
understand conversations, and follow a conversation; and
    More  commonly  in  aphasia,  however, multiple aspects ofWHEREAS,
communication are impaired, while some channels remain accessible for  a
limited  exchange  of  information; it is the job of the professional to
determine the amount of function available in each of the  channels  for
the  comprehension  of  language,  and  to  assess  the possibility that
treatment might enhance the use of the channels that are available; and
   About 40 percent of people who have had a stroke experienceWHEREAS,
aphasia; the communication problems associated with  the  condition  may
make  it  difficult  for  patients  to  understand  what the doctors are
telling them; this can lead to not asking appropriate questions  to  the
professional  and  to  signing forms without proper understanding of the
situation; and
   Matthew Weingartner is a 35 year old from Long Island,  NewWHEREAS,
York,  who  serves  as  an  inspiration to others to remain positive and
strong in their healing journey; he had a stroke on April 18, 2018,  and
shares  his  story  to  raise awareness about aphasia and to make others
feel supported and seen; and
   In the United States, there is  an  estimated  two  millionWHEREAS,
people  who  are  living  with  aphasia;  this  affects  not  only those
individuals, but  also  their  spouses,  family  members,  friends,  and
community; and

    After  over  a  century of studying aphasia, it has becomeWHEREAS,
evident that specific components of language may  be  more  dramatically
damaged in some individuals; we have also learned to recognize different
types  or  patterns  of  aphasia which correspond to the location of the
brain injury in individual cases; and
    It is imperative that there be greater public awareness ofWHEREAS,
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
   That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  toRESOLVED,
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim  June 2026 as Aphasia
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction  with  National
Aphasia Awareness Month; and be it further
    That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, beRESOLVED,
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York, and Matthew Weingartner.