House Resolution No. [insert number] proposes to designate September 2025 as Deaf Awareness Month in Michigan. This resolution acknowledges the diverse communication preferences and abilities within the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing population, which constitutes approximately 7.4 percent of the state's residents. It highlights the significant contributions of these individuals across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the arts, while also recognizing the cultural richness brought by the deaf community, particularly through American Sign Language (ASL).

The resolution emphasizes the unique challenges faced by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including barriers to communication, employment, and access to public services. It aims to promote inclusivity and uphold the civil rights of all Michiganders, regardless of hearing status. By declaring September as Deaf Awareness Month, the resolution seeks to raise public awareness about the issues faced by the deaf community, dispel misconceptions, and advocate for equal access to information and opportunities. The month of September is particularly significant as it commemorates the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, held in September 1951, marking a key moment in the global movement for deaf rights and awareness.