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TO AFFIRM THE DEDICATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF ALL OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S CHILDREN AND TO DECLARE MAY 14, 2016, "CHILDHOOD APRAXIA OF SPEECH DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, May 14, 2016, marks the fourth annual "Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day" during which awareness will be raised throughout South Carolina about childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a particularly problematic, persistent, and severe speech and communication disorder in children; and
Whereas, CAS causes children to have extreme difficulty planning and producing the precise, highly refined, and specific series of movements of the mouth, face, tongue, and soft palate that are necessary to produce proper speech; and
Whereas, the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children while those with apraxia endure an arduous and prolonged struggle; and
Whereas, most children with CAS will learn to communicate with their very own voices only if they receive early intervention and appropriate, frequent speech therapy; and
Whereas, without the necessary intervention and assistance, children with apraxia are placed at high risk for secondary impacts in literacy and other school-related skills; and
Whereas, although not life threatening, CAS is life altering for families who must cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of having a child diagnosed with CAS; and
Whereas, our deepest respect goes to children with CAS, like Olivia Diggs, and to their families for their sustained effort, determination, and resilience in the face of such obstacles; and
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly encourages schools and insurance providers to recognize the critical need to provide adequate speech therapy and other services so that the impact of this disorder can be minimized and so that affected children can grow into productive, contributing adult citizens. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, affirms its dedication to the future success of all of South Carolina's children and declares May 14, 2016, as "Childhood Apraxia of Speech Day" in the State of South Carolina.
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