Hamilton County proclaims May 14, 2026, Apraxia Awareness Day; local advocate accepts proclamation

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on May 14 read a proclamation recognizing May 14, 2026, as Apraxia Awareness Day and thanked local advocates working with children who have childhood apraxia of speech.

"Childhood apraxia of speech is a rare neurological speech disorder that affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate the motor movements necessary for speech," said Lydia Sullivan of Apraxia Kids, accepting the proclamation. "For those affected by apraxia, communication is not always simple. It takes patience, practice, courage and support. That is why awareness matters."

Commissioner Denise Treehouse introduced Sullivan at the podium and read the proclamation, noting that early, appropriate and intensive speech therapy is often required and that without intervention children face risks to reading, writing and other school-related skills. Treehouse thanked Sullivan and other family advocates for raising awareness in Hamilton County.

Sullivan, who said she was diagnosed near age 3, described how parental advocacy secured a diagnosis and services that helped her learn to speak. "Whether someone communicates through speech, sign language, AAC devices or other methods of communication, their voice still matters," she told the commissioners.

Following remarks, the board and advocates posed for photographs. Commissioners encouraged residents to learn the signs of childhood apraxia and to support early referral to speech-language services.

The proclamation does not create new funding or a program; it is a formal recognition aimed at increasing community awareness and support for families pursuing diagnosis and therapy.