WHEREAS, stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, prolongation of sounds, and interruptions in speech; and

WHEREAS, approximately 3 million people who stutter live in the United States and developmental stuttering is one of the most common speech disorders affecting children; and

WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 38th anniversary of National Stuttering Awareness Week, first introduced in 1988; and

WHEREAS, through the creation of National Stuttering Awareness Week, public awareness and recognition of stuttering increased; and

WHEREAS, organizations dedicated to bringing hope and empowerment to children and adults who stutter through support, education, and advocacy have locations throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness supports people who stutter, reduces stigma, strengthens support for research, and helps ensure that every voice is heard with dignity and respect;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 9-16, 2026, as STUTTERING AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.