Georgia Proclaims May 14th, 2013 the First Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day

 

When I heard that there was going to be a NATIONAL Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day,

I knew that we had to have it proclaimed in our state, too. 

 

I reached out to several lawmakers in Georgia and

thankfully Rep. Amy A. Carter answered the call.  

 

A resolution declared that  May 14, 2013 would be known as

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day

for the first time ever.

 

If you don't know what CAS is, please read this post.

http://www.maggieandluke.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can't think of a better way to end Better Hearing and Speech month. 

 

 

Thank you Rep. Carter for always lending an ear, as well as a hand

and for being a voice for those children who haven't found their own voice yet. 

 

 

Additional posts about Apraxia and Apraxia Awareness can be found at http://www.maggieandluke.blogspot.com/2013/05/celebrating-luke-on-apraxia-awareness.html

http://www.maggieandluke.blogspot.com/2013/05/childhood-apraxia-of-speech-awareness.html

 

 

 

Luke and his private SLP, Allison Keeler of More Than Words
Pediatric Rite Care Clinic on the 1st CAS Awareness Day,
May 14, 2013. 

 

 

 

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day~May 14

May 14, 2013 marks the first annual Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day, during which the CASANA (Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America) organization is attempting to raise local, state and national awareness about Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a particularly difficult, persistent, and severe neurological speech disorder in youngsters. http://www.apraxia-kids.org/press-release-casana-celebrates-the-first-ever-apraxia-awareness-day-on-may-14/

As the mother of a young child affected by Childhood Apraxia of Speech, I am passionate about spreading CAS awareness and feel compelled to advocate for their specific needs as well as acceptance.

It is my hope that you will join us in raising Apraxia Awareness during Better Hearing and Speech month by celebrating Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day on May 14, 2013. 

Together, we can speak for those without a voice.

(Background)

CAS causes affected children to have extreme difficulty planning and producing the precise, highly refined and specific series of movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate that are necessary in producing clear, intelligible speech. It is among the most severe of speech and communication problems in children.

While the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia endure an incredible and lengthy struggle. Although not life threatening, the disorder is life altering. Families are left to cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of having a child diagnosed with CAS.

Every child should be afforded their best opportunity to develop speech. With early intervention and apraxia specific therapy, most children with CAS will learn to communicate with their own voices. These children, as well as their families, deserve our highest respect for their effort, determination and resilience in the face of such obstacles.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day is a time to raise awareness for CAS, recognize the families affected by this motor planning disorder and support therapists serving CAS affected patients. May 14th is the perfect time to support the goals of Better Hearing and Speech Month and raise Apraxia Awareness. 

Thank you in advance for supporting Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day. 

www.unlockinglukesvoice.org

Making Plans...

One of the most important choices that I think we ever made was getting Luke to the best apraxia and sensory processing experts known to man.  This not only gave us insight as to what the best practices and protocols, but it also gave us the ablilty to share what we learned with therapists in our area. 

Until Luke, Childhood Apraxia of Speech was something that therapists here had heard about, but not really diagnosed.  Many are still afraid of diagnosing children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech too soon.  I still can't understand what they are afraid of and what harm it could do. I guess they just really don't have the experience with CAS. 

My background is in Early Childhood Education, with a Masters in Reading and an Educational Specialist in Elementary and I am of the belief that early intervention is key.  Specifically in apraxia, it takes the right kind of treatment and therapy.  It has to be intense and frequent.

Going to Michigan, to Colorado, to Arizona and to DC was not something we planned for.  Kind of like apraxia, dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder.  Not something we planned for at all.

It wasn't easy to make those much needed trips.  It took us opening up and asking for help, as well as accepting the help offered.  Our church and community has been amazing. 

The sacrifices made by so many will never be forgotten.

And while Luke has come so far, our journey isn't done. 

I can see the light.  I can see the progress.  He just needs more.  More intensive help from the experts in far away places. 

And so......this mama is on a mission again!  Operation Fundraising for Far Away Places ;)