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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 7, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-e <br /> SUBJECT: Apraxia Awareness Day Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of County <br /> Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair, Board of <br /> Proclamation County Commissioners, 919-245- <br /> 2130 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing May 14, 2024 as Apraxia Awareness Day. <br /> BACKGROUND: Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult <br /> for children to speak. Children with the diagnosis of apraxia of speech generally have a good <br /> understanding of language and know what they want to say. However, they have difficulty learning <br /> or carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech. <br /> Without appropriate speech therapy intervention, children with apraxia will have diminished <br /> communication skills, and are also at high risk for secondary impacts in reading, writing, spelling, <br /> and other school-related skills. These potential impacts diminish future independence and <br /> employment opportunities and challenge the ability to become productive, contributing residents <br /> if not resolved or improved. <br /> Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways that communities at large can help children <br /> with apraxia thrive. Collective increased awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, <br /> resulting in better, earlier intervention. The first Apraxia Awareness Day was celebrated on May <br /> 14, 2012. Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives <br /> of children with apraxia of speech. Additional information is available at www.apraxia-kids.org. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact applicable to consideration of the attached <br /> proclamation. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact applicable <br /> to consideration of the attached proclamation. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br /> impact applicable to consideration of the attached proclamation. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation <br /> and authorize the Chair to sign. <br />