Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
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; and
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; and
WHEREAS, today we want to recognize the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA), whose mission is to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia through information and support related to CAS on its website, www.apraxia-kids.org:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 14,, 2017, as
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 14th day of May 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor