By the Governor of the State of Georgia, a proclamation, 2014 March 3A; By the Governor of the State of Georgia, a proclamation: Childhood Apraxia Day

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA

A PROCLAMATION CHILDHOOD APRAXIA DAY

WHEREAS:
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: THEREFORE:

Apraxia of speech is a difficult, persistent, and sometimes severe speech and communication disorder that can impact children and their families. Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) causes young children to have difficulty in planning and producing the precise, highly refined, and specific series of movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and plate that are necessary for the production of proper speech; and
While learning to speak often comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia endure an incredible and lengthy struggle. Though CAS is not life threatening, it is life altering for both children and their families; and
Without proper intervention, children with CAS are at high risk for secondary impacts in literacy and other academic areas. Families often struggle with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges posed by this disorder; and
With adequate speech therapy, support, and other services, the impact of this disorder can be minimized so that children can grow into productive and contributing adult citizens; and
Children are our most precious blessing who deserve the best possible future we can afford them. Those children with CAS and their families deserve our highest respect for their efforts, determination, and resilience in the face of such obstacles; now
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2014, as CHILDHOOD APRAXIA DAY in Georgia.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 3rd day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen.
~'i)ed.
GOVERNOR

ATTEST
C:4.-<L~ CHIEF OF S~A;F I