Governor Stein Proclaims DeafBlind Awareness Month

DeafBlind Awareness Month 

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, approximately 84,000 people in North Carolina have combined losses of hearing and vision, which is one of the most severe of all communication disabilities; and 

Whereas, we recognize and appreciate the diversity and contributions of DeafBlind individuals in North Carolina and gain strength from them, strive for their equal rights, and celebrate the qualities that make each DeafBlind person unique; and 

Whereas, it is in the interest of all North Carolinians 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, Protactile, Support Service Providers, and CoNavigators; 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 this 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 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 DeafBlind Project, North Carolina DeafBlind Associates, Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, RHA Health 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 these organizations recognize the many contributions made by people who are DeafBlind in communities across our state;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as “DeafBlind Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-sixth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.