Governor Proclaims Helen Keller Deafblind Awareness Month 2021

WHEREAS, Helen Keller was an accomplished, respected, and renowned American who was deafblind; and

WHEREAS, the combined loss of vision and hearing is a severe disability and affects approximately 84,000 people in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of all people in North Carolina to encourage the full participation of individuals with multi-sensory disabilities in our economy; and

WHEREAS, by fostering employment, promoting housing, and providing recreational options for people who are deafblind, we can help to ensure they have the opportunities and resources they need for a productive life in the community of their choice; and

WHEREAS, today, people who are deafblind are attending college, participating in social activities, managing their everyday lives, and actively contributing to their communities through employment and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and necessary to increase awareness of the abilities and potential of North Carolinians who are deafblind, or have significant combined vision and hearing loss, and to recognize Helen Keller as a guiding example of courage, hope, determination, and achievement for all who are deafblind; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults in encouraging increased awareness, understanding, and support for individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss, and in recognizing the many contributions made by people who are deaf-blind to communities across our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June, 2021, as “HELEN KELLER DEAFBLIND AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.