Governor Proclaims DeafBlind Awareness Month 2022

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 the employment of, and 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 DeafBlind community gains strength from its diversity, and from equity and inclusion in North Carolina in its fight for equal rights, and in celebrations of the visible and invisible qualities that make each DeafBlind person unique; and
 

WHEREAS, today, people who are DeafBlind receive educational opportunities, 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 this diverse population of individuals who have combined significant vision and hearing loss, and to recognize that Helen Keller continues to be an example of the courage, hope, determination, and achievement that can be evidenced throughout the DeafBlind population; and
 

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina DeafBlind Interagency Team, which includes the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Division of Services for the Blind, Department of Public Instruction, NC Deaf-Blind Project, North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates, RHA Deaf Services and the Helen Keller National Center Southeast, collaboratively encourage increased awareness, understanding, and support for individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss, and recognize 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, 2022, as “DEAFBLIND AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.