New Jersey Assembly Bill AJR138

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

Designates 22nd day in October of each year as "Stuttering Awareness Day" and second full week in May of each year as "Stuttering Awareness Week."

Impact

The enactment of AJR138 serves to elevate the conversation around stuttering, a often marginalized speech disorder, and encourages educational institutions and communities to recognize the significance of support and advocacy for individuals who stutter. By establishing specific days of observance, the bill not only aims to create opportunities for awareness and understanding but also pushes for advocacy groups and public officials to engage in activities that promote the available resources for individuals with speech disorders. This initiative could facilitate a more inclusive atmosphere that reduces stigma and enhances the quality of life for people affected by stuttering.

Summary

Assembly Joint Resolution 138 (AJR138) aims to bring attention to the challenges faced by individuals who stutter. It designates the 22nd of October each year as 'Stuttering Awareness Day' and the second full week in May as 'Stuttering Awareness Week' in New Jersey. The resolution highlights the prevalence of stuttering, which affects about one percent of the global population and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and available treatment options. The resolution stresses the need for public awareness to help create supportive environments for those affected by stuttering, particularly focusing on children who may face social and educational difficulties due to this disorder.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on raising awareness and support for those who stutter, potential points of contention may include discussions about resource allocation for educational programs or organizations dedicated to this issue. The commitment from the government to issue proclamations might also spark conversations about how effectively the state is addressing the needs of stuttering individuals versus other public health priorities. Stakeholders may debate the sufficiency of current resources or whether more comprehensive strategies should be considered to address the complexities associated with stuttering, especially as it pertains to long-term impacts on education and employment.