SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 1

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Kay Papen and Sheryl Williams Stapleton

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MAY AS "BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH".

     WHEREAS, fourteen million Americans suffer speech, language and hearing impairments that can limit academic achievement, career advancement and social adjustment for those who do not receive effective treatment; and

     WHEREAS, these communication disorders can be present at birth or can be caused through accidental injury or illness at any age; and

     WHEREAS, one in ten New Mexico families is affected by communication disorders; and

     WHEREAS, those affected deserve access to quality treatment and every opportunity to lead full and productive lives; and

     WHEREAS, with the help of dedicated and skilled professionals, most people with speech and language problems can find treatment, learn strategies to help them cope, live more independently and achieve their potential; and

     WHEREAS, speech-language pathologists and audiologists treat all types of speech, language and related disorders and work in a wide variety of health and education settings to help improve the quality of treatment and the opportunity to lead full and productive lives;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to designate the month of May as "Better Hearing and Speech Month" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and to the New Mexico speech- language and hearing association.

- 2 -