Whereas, The World Federation of the Deaf is an international organization composed of over one hundred twenty national associations of the deaf which is recognized by the United Nations (UNESCO, World Health Organization and International Labor Office), as the official consultant and spokes group for deaf people world-wide, serving all countries in the enhancement of the social, economic and cultural lives of deaf and hard of hearing people; and,

Whereas, During the past fifty years, the World Federation of the Deaf has provided leadership in medicine, audiology, psychology of deafness, educational development and innovation, vocational and rehabilitation, communications methodology, personal and social welfare, art and culture, parent education, and religious activities; and,

Whereas, Representatives from a wide area of leadership in the United States that serve the deaf and hard of hearing will join the masses to observe this significant event and recognize the contributions geared to the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing people throughout the country; and,

Whereas, The Great Lakes State offers its wholehearted welcome and best wishes to all participants for a renewed spirit of togetherness tempered by intensified commitment to a quality life for the entire deaf and hard of hearing population of the nation; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of September 19, 2004, as Deaf Awareness Week in Michigan and I encourage all citizens of the state to recognize the skills, abilities, and talents that deaf and hard-of-hearing people contribute to our state and nation and join in the observance of this week-long occasion.