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Celebrate Deaf Awareness Week with the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities

ASL Version

The Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, proclaims September 18^th through 24, 2023 as Deaf Awareness Week. With this proclamation, Governor Abbott honors the unique experiences and rewarding contributions of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that benefits our state. The National Association of the Deaf has published  #DeafAtWork videos demonstrating the valuable ways that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has contributed to society through successful employment.

Do you enjoy using the internet, texting, and video calling technology? These inventions were originally developed by the Deaf community for accessibility purposes. It is thanks to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that everyone benefits from these advances in communication technology. Other common inventions created for Deaf and Hard of Hearing accessibility include sport communications (football huddles, baseball hand signals), electrical lighting systems, motion pictures, car mirrors, and many more!!

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Texans are increasing in numbers with estimates as high as five million Texans. Many choose Texas as their home because of the accessible services the state has to offer this growing community. Texas has a nationally recognized School for the Deaf and multiple Regional Day School Programs for the Deaf committed to the education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. State agencies like Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas HHSC’s Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services are available to provide resources and opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Texans to thrive.

As our state continues to grow, Governor Abbott calls for different organizations across Texas to join us in recognizing the achievements of the community. Throughout the state, special events are being hosted by local organizations to celebrate this occasion. Contact your local Deaf and Hard of Hearing organization to find out what they have planned!

For more information on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, including research and resources, please visit the Texas HHSC Deaf and Hard of Hearing webpage.

Read the Governor's Proclamation for Deaf Awareness Week

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