WHEREAS, a combined loss of vision and hearing, a unique multisensory disability, is estimated to affect between 34,000 and 68,000 Virginians’ ability to live independently, travel freely, communicate with others to obtain information, and access services; and

WHEREAS, encouraging the full participation of DeafBlind Americans in our communities by promoting their education, employment, housing, and recreational options will maximize their opportunities for a productive life; and

WHEREAS, there are DeafBlind people attending college, participating in social activities, managing their everyday life, and actively engaged in their communities through employment and civic activities; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and necessary to promote the abilities and potential of our fellow citizens who are DeafBlind, and to recognize them along with Helen Keller as guiding examples of courage, hope, determination, and achievement; and

WHEREAS, in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of Helen Keller on June 27, 1880, and at the request of Congress in 1984 through Joint Resolution 261, President Ronald Reagan issued the first proclamation designating the last week of June as Helen Keller DeafBlind Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Virginia DeafBlind Project at Virginia Commonwealth University join the Helen Keller National Center in promoting awareness, understanding, and support for individuals who are DeafBlind;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize June 22-28, 2025, as DEAFBLIND AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.