Apraxia Awareness Day 2025 - May 14, 2025

WHEREAS May 14, 2025, marks Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day during which awareness will be raised throughout Essa Township, 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 that 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 the Township of Essa 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 BE IT RESOLVED Council of the Township of Essa do hereby recognize May 14th, 2025, as Apraxia Awareness Day. We encourage the citizens of Essa Township to work together to increase awareness and understanding of childhood apraxia of speech.

Proclaimed by The Council of The Township of Essa on 7th May 2025.