LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 14, 2015, as Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day 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 serious illnesses 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 14, 2015, as Childhood
Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, May 14, 2015 marks the third annual Childhood Apraxia of
Speech Day, dedicated to raising awareness of Childhood Apraxia of
Speech, a particularly difficult, persistent, and severe speech and
communication disorder in youngsters; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of
North America (CASANA) is to strengthen the support systems in the lives
of children with apraxia; this vital organization offers information and
support related to Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) on its website; and
WHEREAS, 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 which are necessary for the
production of proper speech; 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;
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, Additionally, without appropriate intervention, children with
CAS are at high risk for secondary impacts in literacy and other school-
related skills; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to encourage insur-
ance providers, schools, and other states to recognize the critical need
to provide adequate speech therapy and other services so the impact of
this disorder can be minimized and that affected children can grow into
productive, contributing adult citizens; and
WHEREAS, Every child should be afforded their best opportunity to
develop speech; 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 the high-
est respect of the people of the State of New York for their effort,
determination and resilience in the face of such adversities; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 14, 2015, as Child-
hood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.