Governor Proclaims Deaf Blind Awareness Month 2023

WHEREAS, approximately 84,000 people in North Carolina have the combined losses of hearing and vision, among the most severe of all disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina benefits by encouraging the full participation of individuals with multi-sensory disabilities in its economy by fostering employment, housing and recreational options for people who are DeafBlind to help maximize their opportunities for a productive life in the communities of their choice; and

WHEREAS, the lives of members of the DeafBlind community are enhanced by their pursuit of change and innovation; for example, the DeafBlind community developed Protactile – a philosophy of communication, orientation, and identity gaining in popularity and effectiveness – that promotes a unique DeafBlind culture and a language using primarily touch on key points on the body to enrich communication and orient the individual to the environment; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the State of North Carolina to encourage the full inclusion of DeafBlind people with access and opportunities made possible by the development of self-advocacy skills and effective use of appropriate resources, such as specialized adaptive technologies, haptics, Support Service Providers, and Co-Navigators; and

WHEREAS, DeafBlind people receive education, participate in social activities, manage their everyday lives, and actively engage in their communities through employment and civic activities; and

WHEREAS, it is highly appropriate and necessary to publicize the abilities and potential of the diverse population of individuals who are DeafBlind, or have combined significant vision and hearing loss, and to recognize that Helen Keller is one example of courage, hope, determination, and achievement among the DeafBlind population; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina DeafBlind Interagency Team includes the Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Division of Services for the Blind, the Department of Public Instruction, the NC Deaf-Blind Project,  North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates,  RHA Deaf Mental Health Services; and the Helen Keller National Center Southeast, this team works collaboratively to encourage increased awareness, understanding, and support for individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss, and recognizes the many contributions made by people who are DeafBlind in communities across our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June, 2023, as “DEAFBLIND AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.