May 14, 2022: Apraxia Awareness Day

WHEREAS, May 14, 2022, marks Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day during which awareness will be raised throughout Michigan about childhood apraxia of speech, an extremely challenging speech disorder that affects 1-in-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, 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, but 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 citizens if not resolved or improved; and,

WHEREAS, public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech in Michigan is essential for families of children with this neurological disorder 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, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2022 as Apraxia Awareness Day in Michigan.