14-R265

2014 – S 3008

Enacted 04/14/14

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, P Fogarty, Lombardi, Cool Rumsey, and Satchell

Date Introduced: May 14, 2014

 

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, or an accidental injury or illness can cause them at any age. Whatever their 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 this 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 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 hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for the State of Rhode Island, and the President of the Rhode Island Speech and Language Association.

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LC005688
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