R 237
2016 -- S 3000
Enacted 05/12/2016

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, Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Lombardi, and Metts
Date Introduced: May 12, 2016

     WHEREAS, People seldom talk about speech and hearing problems, but speech,
language, voice, and hearing disorders are serious, treatable conditions that affect an estimated 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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LC004687
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