Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe we are halfway through summer. Things have been quite busy at Apraxia Kids, and we are thrilled to share all that we have in store for our community for the remainder of the year.

This past July marked three years since we had come together for our annual National Conference. It was amazing to see familiar faces and some new ones as Apraxia Kids hosted our annual National Conference and third Research Symposium – both taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. 55 researchers from around the globe joined us for two and a half days to discuss their latest research on childhood apraxia of speech from which we will share some highlights later this summer. Following the symposium, 268 parents, professionals, and students joined us for our conference to further their education on CAS, network with fellow parents and professionals, and build new relationships as they continue their apraxia journey. In addition, 389 attendees joined us virtually, viewing many of the same sessions our in-person audience viewed as well as several recordings that were not part of the live conference. We are already planning for our 2023 National Conference taking place in Plano, Texas. Mark your calendars for July 6-8, 2023, and be sure to follow our Facebook event for the 2023 Apraxia Kids National Conference for updates.

Our Walk for Apraxia season is in full swing with our first set of in-person Walks taking place on September 10th. Whether this is your first walk or you have attended one in the past, we are excited for you to join us as we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of our first Walk for Apraxia event. If you have yet to read Sue Freiburger’s message about the importance of our Walk events, please do so. Remember registration is FREE for everyone. It has never been easier to invite your friends, family, and community to be a part of your Walk team in support of your Apraxia Star. You never know who might be interested in walking, donating, or fundraising until you ask! You can also walk virtually if there is not a walk in your community. Once again this year, we will share a virtual ceremony so that all of our Apraxia Stars are celebrated no matter where they Walk. Be a part of something bigger, help us move our mission forward, and join our incredible Walk community today! And don’t forget to earn your Official Walk for Apraxia T-Shirt by raising $50 before your Walk’s t-shirt deadline.

August also means back to school for many of our kids. Check out our website to view our IEP and homeschooling resources to aid our families in navigating a new school year. In addition, we encourage you to share the link to our Virtual Education Series with your school-based SLP. These free educational webinars are available to increase their knowledge of childhood apraxia of speech. And while you are picking up all of the school supplies needed for the new school year, don’t forget to use AmazonSmile, where a portion of your purchases is donated to Apraxia Kids at no cost to you!

In addition, we have a variety of Brochures and Printables on our website dedicated to ensuring your child is supported in the classroom. You will find information such as a “Letter to Teachers,” a Teacher’s Guide, and classmate and friend information. We continue to add new information throughout the year, so check back frequently as we want you to feel empowered to advocate for your child as they navigate a new school year. We also have a Be the Voice Kit dedicated to educating your Apraxia Star’s classroom on CAS. Order your free kit today so that your child’s classroom is a supportive space for them. You can also find a book about childhood apraxia of speech to share with your child’s class in our list of children’s books!

There are many ways that you can further the mission of Apraxia Kids. Sharing our resources with the family of a newly diagnosed child, providing our information to your SLP for continuing education, or joining the Walk for Apraxia in your community are just a few options to make a difference. We hope you will consider investing in our organization with a gift today. Whether you are hosting a Be the Voice event, donating through your workplace giving campaign, or contributing an individual donation; every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact.

Thank you for your continued support of Apraxia Kids and our mission. Together we are committed to help all children with childhood apraxia of speech find their voice. Wishing you all well as we enjoy these last few weeks of summer!

Angela Grimm
Executive Director