Deaf Awareness Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Deaf Awareness Week

WHEREAS, approximately 863,000 Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing individuals reside in Virginia; and,

WHEREAS, Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing residents contribute toward the vitality of the Commonwealth, and Virginia is enriched by the diverse and rich heritage, language and culture of the Deaf community; and,

WHEREAS, the purpose of Deaf Awareness Week is to increase public awareness and understanding of the communication barriers and the culture of the Deaf community; and,

WHEREAS, Deaf Awareness Week is an opportunity to promote equal access opportunities for children and adults in Virginia who are Deaf and to learn about the programs and services available to them as well as people who are Deafblind and Hard of Hearing; and,

WHEREAS, Deaf Awareness Week was first celebrated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1958; and,

WHEREAS, this event is also known as the International Week of the Deaf People commemorating the first congress of the World Federation of the Deaf which took place in September 1951, and the last full week of September is now internationally recognized as Deaf Awareness Week; and,

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, celebrating its 50 year anniversary, provides services so that Deaf and Hard of Hearing may fully participate in programs, services, and opportunities throughout the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 19-25, 2022 as DEAF AWARENESS WEEK in the Commonwealth of Virginia and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations