Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
Effective Date: Sunday, June 24th, 2012
WHEREAS, Helen Keller was one of the most accomplished, respected, and renowned Americans who was deaf-blind; and
WHEREAS, the combined loss of vision and hearing, one of the most severe multi-sensory disabilities, affects more than a million people in the United States; and
WHEREAS, people who are deaf-blind live, work, and play in our communities and are productive citizens, neighbors, and family members deserving of respect and opportunities for personal growth; and
WHEREAS, all Alaskans are encouraged to promote opportunities for education, employment, housing, and recreation for people who are deaf-blind, thus maximizing their opportunities for a productive life in their community; and
WHEREAS, in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of Helen Keller on June 27th, and at the request of Congress in 1984 through Joint Resolution 261, President Ronald Reagan issued the first proclamation designating the last week of June as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, this year, June 24-30th has been set aside in an effort to increase awareness of the needs, abilities, and potential of our fellow citizens who are deaf-blind, or severely vision and hearing impaired, and to recognize Helen Keller as a guiding example of courage, hope, determination, and achievement for other individuals who are deaf-blind.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim June 24-30, 2012 as:
Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to help increase awareness, understanding, and support for individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss, and to recognize the many contributions made by people who are deaf-blind in communities across our state.
Dated: June 14, 2012
