HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 159

Reps. Koleszar, Breen, Fitzgerald, Glanville, Longjohn, MacDonell, Miller, Paiz, Rheingans, Rigas, Weiss, Witwer, Wooden and Young offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare September 2025 as Deaf Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing population in Michigan encompasses a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of communication preferences and abilities?from those who are profoundly deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary language, to those with varying degrees of hearing loss who use amplification devices, lip reading, cued speech, or other communication modes; and

Whereas, According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity?s Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, approximately 7.4 percent of Michigan?s population identifies as deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing, representing a significant and valued portion of our state?s residents (LEO-DODDBHH, 2024 Annual Report); and

Whereas, The state of Michigan benefits immensely from the contributions of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals in fields such as education, public service, healthcare, business, the arts, and civic engagement; and

Whereas, The rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the deaf community, including the use of ASL and shared social norms, traditions, and history, enriches Michigan?s broader cultural landscape; and

Whereas, Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing face unique barriers and disparities in access to communication, employment, education, and public services, and it is incumbent upon society to foster inclusivity, ensure accessibility, and uphold the civil rights of all Michiganders, regardless of hearing status; and

Whereas, The month of September commemorates the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, held in September 1951, a pivotal moment in the global movement for deaf rights and awareness; and

Whereas, Deaf Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by the deaf community, dispel misconceptions about deafness, and promote equal access to information, services, and opportunities for individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2025 as Deaf Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.