Whereas, Helen Keller was one of the most accomplished, respected, and renowned Americans who was deaf-blind; and,

Whereas, Deaf-blindness is one of the most severe of all disabilities; and,

Whereas, The State of Michigan encourages the full participation of Americans with multi-sensory disabilities in our economy by fostering the employment of, and promoting housing and recreational options for, people who are deaf-blind, thus maximizing their opportunities for a productive life in the community of their choice; and,

Whereas, Today, people with dual-sensory loss should have options to choose their preferred lifestyles; and,

Whereas, It is appropriate and necessary to publicize the abilities and potential of our fellow citizens who are deaf-blind, are severely vision and hearing impaired, and to recognize Helen Keller as a guiding example of courage, hope, determination, and achievement for other individuals who are deaf-blind; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 25-July 1, 2006, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.