Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day

WHEREAS, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) causes children to have extreme difficulty planning and producing the precise, highly refined and specific series of movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate that are necessary for the production of proper speech; and

WHEREAS, it is among the most severe of speech and communication problems in children; and

WHEREAS, while the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia endure an incredible and lengthy struggle; and

WHEREAS,although not life threatening it is life altering as families are left to cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of having a child diagnosed with CAS; and

WHEREAS, without appropriate intervention, children with CAS are at high risk for secondary impacts in literacy and other school-related skills; and

WHEREAS, we encourage states, insurance providers, and schools to recognize the critical need to provide adequate speech therapy and other services so that the impact of this disorder can be minimized and so that affected children can grow into productive, contributing adult citizens; and

WHEREAS, every child should be afforded their best opportunity to develop speech

WHEREAS, with early intervention and appropriate therapy, most children with CAS will learn to communicate with their very own voices; and

WHEREAS, these children, as well as their families, deserve our highest respect for their effort, determination and resilience in the face of such obstacles:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2014, as the first annual

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day

in the state of Alabama.