R 181

2003 -- S 1068

Enacted 05/08/03

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY AS "BETTER SPEECH AND HEARING MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Walaska, P Fogarty, Sheehan, and F Caprio

Date Introduced: May 08, 2003

     WHEREAS, People seldom talk about speech and hearing problems, but speech,

language, voice and hearing disorders are serious, treatable conditions that affect over 40 million

Americans; and

     WHEREAS, Speech, language and hearing disorders take many forms: babies can be

born with these disorders; and accidental injury or illness can cause them at any age. Whatever

their kind of cause, speech, language and hearing disorders have serious consequences; and

     WHEREAS, Speech, language and hearing disorders can limit academic achievement,

social adjustment, and career advancement; and

     WHEREAS, Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are the professionals who

treat all types of speech, language, hearing and related disorders; and

     WHEREAS, Speech, language, hearing and related disorders make it difficult for people

to express themselves or to understand the spoken or written word. Anyone of any age can have a

communication disorder. Speech, language and hearing disorders are everybody’s problem; and

     WHEREAS, Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in schools, private

practice, hospitals, clinics, and other health and education settings. They enable and empower

individuals with communication disorders to lead independent, productive, and fulfilling lives;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims May to be “better Speech and Hearing Month” in the State of Rhode Island. We

urge the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct hearing screenings and other

special events to remind everyone that now is the best time to listen to sound advice about

hearing. We urge the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to encourage teachers,

speech and hearing specialists, principals, supervisors and all the citizens of this state to

participate in this month long campaign acknowledging the great strides and invaluable services

provided by these dedicated teachers and specialists, and to raise public awareness of speech,

language and hearing disorders; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Department of Health and

Human Services, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for the estate of

Rhode Island and the President of the Rhode Island Speech and Language Association.

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LC03207

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