Deaf Awareness Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, the State of Alabama and all Alabamians continue to confront the challenge of various disabilities; and
WHEREAS, among those with disabilities are Alabamians who are deaf and hard of hearing; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2002 National Center for Health Statistics, there are approximately 30.8 million adults in the United States with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe, and according to the 2010 United States Census, there are approximately 477,973 Alabama residents with functional hearing loss; and
WHEREAS, The Better Hearing Institute reports that three in every 1,000 infants are born with serious to profound hearing loss and around one million school-age children are deaf or hard of hearing; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alabama is experiencing a severe shortage of sign language interpreters; and
WHEREAS, I encourage all Alabamians to support and celebrate the many unique individual achievements of every citizen facing hearing loss; and too, during Deaf Awareness Week, focus on promoting the positive aspects of deafness, encouraging social inclusion, and raising awareness of organizations that support those who are deaf and hard of hearing:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of September 18, 2017 through September 24, 2017, as
Deaf Awareness Week
in the State of Alabama and remind all Alabamians that we have the great opportunity to focus our hearts and minds to all people including the deaf and hard of hearing.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of September 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor