Earlier today, Sept. 1, 2026, DAD received a signed proclamation from Governor Matt Meyer. Below are pictures and video of it.
Proclamation Text below:
State of Delaware
Office of the Governor
Proclamation
in recognition of Deaf Awareness Month
WHEREAS, Deaf Awareness Month is observed each September across the United States to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, language, achievements, and contributions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans; and
WHEREAS, Delaware’s Deaf community includes children, adults, seniors, families, professionals, educators, advocates, and community leaders who enrich our state through leadership, education, public service, civic engagement, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, American Sign Language (ASL) is a fully developed, natural language that serves as the primary means of communication for many Deaf Delawareans, and access to ASL and other effective forms of communication, including captioning, qualified interpreters, assistive technology, and ASL-accessible services, strengthens inclusion, independence, dignity, and equal opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware Association of the Deaf (DAD) and Delaware’s Deaf Senior Citizens (DDSC) recognize the importance of statewide awareness and recognition in promoting understanding, reducing communication barriers, and advancing awareness of Deaf culture, language, and rights; and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware is committed to fostering an environment where Deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens have the opportunity to thrive, participate fully, and engage equally in their communities.
Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor,
do hereby proclaim September 2026, as
DEAF AWARENESS MONTH
in the State of Delaware, and encourage all residents, sate agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to join in recognizing the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Delawareans, and to promote greater communication access, inclusion, and equal opportunity throughout our state.
Matt Meyer
Governor of Delaware
DAD Note: Special thanks to Barbara White and another person who had asked Feta and Keith to do this.