Blue Hue of Hope: OCDSB Schools Unite to Amplify Voices of Children with Apraxia

May, Apraxia Awareness Month and Speech and Hearing Month, saw a vibrant display of unity in the OCDSB as Queen Elizabeth Public School and Glen Ogilvie Public School embraced blue, shining a light on Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This relatively uncommon motor speech disorder impacts roughly one in a thousand children, hindering their ability to articulate spoken words clearly.

Queen Elizabeth Public School has a three-year tradition of staff wearing blue on May 14th, Apraxia Awareness Day, honouring ‘Apraxia Warriors’. This year, a Glen Ogilvie Public School Kindergarten class joined, supporting two classmates with CAS.

“Raising awareness isn't merely an obligation; it's a profound personal mission.” - Holly Taylor, OCDSB educator

The driving force is Holly Taylor, an OCDSB educator at Queen Elizabeth Public School and parent to a child with CAS. "Raising awareness isn't merely an obligation; it's a profound personal mission," Taylor stated. "The sight of two schools standing alongside us this year fills me with immense optimism. My hope is that this circle of support will continue to expand, because I firmly believe in the inherent right of every child to express themselves."

Childhood Apraxia of Speech presents communication hurdles, as children grapple with the motor planning for speech. While their understanding is intact, coordinating lip, tongue, and jaw movements is challenging.

Wearing blue cultivates a visible environment of understanding and empathy, fostering inclusion for affected children and families. The dedication of these schools underscores a commitment to ensuring these young individuals feel seen and supported.

These grassroots initiatives underscore a shared goal: to spread understanding, cultivate a strong community of support, and champion the needs of children with CAS. As advocates emphasize, early intervention is paramount in helping these young individuals on their journey to clear and confident communication. By painting our community blue, we take meaningful steps towards a brighter future for children with apraxia.

Blue Hue of Hope