SR-219, As Adopted by Senate, September 17, 2008

            Senator Bishop offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 219.

            A resolution to proclaim September 20-28, 2008, as Deaf Awareness Week.

            Whereas, The World Federation of the Deaf is an international organization composed of over one hundred twenty national associations of the deaf, which is recognized by the United Nations (UNESCO, World Health Organization and International Labor Office) as the official consultant and spokesgroup for deaf people worldwide, serving all countries in the enhancement of the social, economic, and cultural lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people; and

            Whereas, During the past fifty years, the World Federation of the Deaf has provided leadership in medicine, audiology, psychology of deafness, educational development and innovation, vocational and rehabilitation, communications methodology, personal and social welfare, art and culture, parent education, and religious activities; and

            Whereas, Representatives from a wide area of leadership in the United States that serve the deaf and hard of hearing will join the masses to observe this significant event and recognize the contributions geared to the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing people throughout the country; and

            Whereas, The Great Lakes State offers its wholehearted welcome and best wishes to all participants for a renewed spirit of togetherness tempered by intensified commitment to a quality life for the entire deaf and hard-of-hearing population of the nation; and now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body do hereby proclaim September 20-28, 2008, as Deaf Awareness Week in Michigan. We encourage all citizens of the state to recognize the skills, abilities, and talents that deaf and hard-of-hearing people contribute to our state and nation and join in the observance of this weeklong occasion; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Deaf Association, the National Association of the Deaf, and the World Federation of the Deaf with our highest esteem.