HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2024-007-Apraxia Awareness Day Proclamation "7 f � C 5111041
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
APRAXIA AWARENESS DAY 2024 PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS , May 14 , 2024 , marks Apraxia Awareness Day , during which attention will be raised
throughout Orange County, North Carolina about childhood apraxia of speech, an extremely
challenging speech disorder that affects I n- 1 , 000 children; and
WHEREAS , childhood apraxia of speech (CAS ) causes children to have significant difficulty
learning to speak and is among the most severe speech deficits in children ; and
WHEREAS , while the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with
apraxia require early , appropriate , and intensive speech therapy , often for many years to learn to
speak ; and
WHEREAS , without appropriate speech therapy intervention, children with apraxia will have
diminished communication skills , and are also placed at high risk for secondary impacts in reading ,
. writing , spelling, and other school -related skills ; and
WHEREAS , such primary and secondary impacts diminish future independence and employment
opportunities and challenge the ability to become productive , contributing individuals if not
resolved or improved ; and
WHEREAS , public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech is essential for families of
children with this neurological is and the professionals who support them to achieve the
needed services for those learning to use their own voice ; 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 , we , the Orange County Board of Commissioners , do hereby proclaim May
14 , 2024 , is "Apraxia Awareness Day" and encourage residents to work within their communities
to increase awareness and understanding of childhood apraxia of speech.
Adopted this 7th day of May , 2024 .
J eze Bedford C air
.� Orange County Board of Commissioners
52
t� .