Senate Resolution No. 905

BY: Senator BASKIN

RECOGNIZING May 2025, as Apraxia Awareness Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of disorders that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize May 2025, as Apraxia Awareness Month in the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, The month of May has been designated as Apraxia Awareness
Month and is a time to raise awareness about Childhood Apraxia of Speech
(CAS), a rare and challenging neurological speech disorder that affects
1 in 1,000 children, impacting their ability to plan and execute the
precise movements necessary for speech as carried out by the Robert
Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation at John R.
Oishei Children's Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a complex and often
misunderstood disorder; children with CAS typically have a strong
understanding of language and know what they wish to say, but face
profound difficulties in coordinating the movements needed to articulate
their thoughts; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and intervention by Speech-Language
Pathologists (SLPs) are critical to helping children with CAS develop
their speech and communication skills, as well as preventing secondary
challenges in reading, writing, and other academic areas; and

WHEREAS, Apraxia Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor
the children who live with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, their families,
and the professionals who support them, recognizing their strength,
determination, and resilience in overcoming challenges; and

WHEREAS, Increasing public awareness about Childhood Apraxia of
Speech is essential to ensuring that families, educators, healthcare
providers, policymakers, and all community members work together to
advocate for services, research, and resources that empower children
with CAS to find their voices; and

WHEREAS, During the month of May, workplaces, schools, and
communities across New York State are encouraged to wear blue and
organize events to promote understanding, foster inclusion, and
celebrate the achievements of children with CAS; and

WHEREAS, Our children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech are an
inspiration to us all, demonstrating courage and perseverance in their
journey to communicate and connect with the world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize May 2025, as Apraxia Awareness Month in the State of New York,

and to encourage all citizens to join in efforts to support and advocate
for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and their families, as
well as the professionals who work tirelessly to improve their lives;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and
Rehabilitation at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital.