2015 Assembly Joint Resolution 34
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: declaring May 14 to be Apraxia Awareness Day.
Whereas, May 14, 2015, marks the third annual Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day, during which awareness will be raised about Childhood Apraxia of Speech throughout Wisconsin, a particularly difficult, persistent, and severe speech and communication disorder in youngsters; and
Whereas, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) causes children to have extreme difficulty learning to speak and is among the most severe of speech and communication problems in children; and
Whereas, the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia endure an incredible and lengthy struggle; and
Whereas, without appropriate intervention, children with apraxia are then placed at high risk for secondary impacts in literacy and other school-related skills; and
Whereas, most children with apraxia of speech will learn to communicate with their very own voices only if they receive early intervention and appropriate, frequent speech therapy; and
Whereas, it is imperative there be greater public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, we especially encourage funders such as 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, our highest respect goes to these children, as well as their families, for their effort, determination, and resilience in the face of such obstacles; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That May 14, 2015, and each May 14 thereafter is "Apraxia Awareness Day" and citizens of Wisconsin are encouraged to work within their communities to increase awareness and understanding of Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
