TITLE: Designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

SUMMARY: Designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The designation of September as Deaf Awareness Month serves as a fitting means to promote better understanding and to encourage greater support of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; and WHEREAS, The International Day of the Deaf was first celebrated in 1958, and it later expanded to become a weeklong commemoration of the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, which took place in Rome in September 1951; Deaf Awareness Month was established in 1996 through the efforts of the National Association of the Deaf; in the years since, deaf and hard of hearing communities across the United States have marked the occasion by celebrating the essential role that its members play in society and by focusing attention on their experiences and achievements; and WHEREAS, Texas is home to millions of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the members of this unique cultural group share a rich and colorful history as well as deep social connections; they often communicate through visual methods, such as American Sign Language, written communication, and lipreading, and they may use technologies such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, video relay services, and closed captions; and WHEREAS, Government agencies such as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission offer a variety of programs to support citizens of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing, including communication services for events, educational initiatives, interpreter training and certification, telecommunications assistance, and tuition waivers; moreover, advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing community are working to expand access to vital resources and assistance and are dedicated to reducing stigma related to deafness and hearing loss; and WHEREAS, Deaf Awareness Month provides a welcome opportunity to educate the public about issues that impact Texans who are deaf or hard of hearing and to celebrate the many contributions they have made to the vibrancy and prosperity of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate September as Deaf Awareness Month; and, be it further RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature. Leo Wilson Flores President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 12 was adopted by the House on May 1, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 138, Nays 2, 3 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 12 was adopted by the Senate on May 9, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor