A resolution to declare September 2023 as Deaf Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
The resolution serves as a platform to ensure that individuals who identify as deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing have equal access to opportunities available to hearing individuals throughout Michigan. According to the Michigan Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, Blind, and Hard of Hearing, an estimated 7.4 percent of the state's population falls into these categories. By bringing awareness to their needs and contributions, the resolution aims to foster a more inclusive environment within the community, including better access to information and services that cater to their unique challenges.
House Resolution 129 aims to officially declare September 2023 as Deaf Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. The resolution highlights the importance of raising awareness regarding the issues faced by the deaf community and emphasizes the contributions of individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing to the state. This initiative seeks to promote understanding and respect for the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the deaf community, showcasing their shared norms, social history, and communication practices such as American Sign Language (ASL).
While the resolution is largely a symbolic gesture designed to foster awareness and recognition, it also serves to educate the public about prevalent misconceptions and the importance of inclusivity for people with hearing disabilities. By commemorating Deaf Awareness Month, the resolution encourages discussions regarding the rights and access of deaf individuals to educational resources, support services, and appropriate accommodations in various facets of public life. This emphasis on education underscores the ongoing need for advocacy and social change to support the deaf community in Michigan.