J 905: Recognizing May 2025, as Apraxia Awareness Month in the State of New York

 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.