Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 01, 2022
WHEREAS, the Deaf population includes a wide range of individuals, from those who were born profoundly deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL) as a primary means of communication, to those with a degree of hearing loss who use hearing aids or other forms of amplifications and communication modes; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Michigan Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, at least 7.4%of the Michigan population identify as Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing; and,
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan benefits from the many contributions of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing residents throughout the state; and,
WHEREAS, people who identify as Deaf belong to a cultural and linguistic community with shared language, social norms, rules of behavior, and history; and,
WHEREAS, all of Michigan is enriched by the diverse and unique heritage, language and culture of the Deaf community; and,
WHEREAS, it is important to ensure that Michigan’s Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals have equal access to the many benefits and opportunities available to hearing individuals to live, work, play and communicate in Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, to commemorate the first Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, which was held in September of 1951, the state of Michigan recognizes the entire month of September as Deaf Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS, the purpose of Deaf Awareness Month is to increase public awareness of the issues and the culture of people who are Deaf, and to promote equal access to information and services for Deaf individuals and to educate the public about the misconceptions of being Deaf; it is also an opportunity to learn about the types of educational programs, support services, and resources available to Deaf people as well as to individuals who are DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2022 as Deaf Awareness Month in Michigan and commend its observance to all citizens.