WHEREAS, Deaf History Month is celebrated nationally from March 13th through April 15th; and
WHEREAS, Deaf History Month was introduced in 1997 by the National Association of the Death to help highlight significant events that have impacted the deaf community over the course of history, including the opening of the American School, the first public school for the deaf and hard of hearing, on April 15th,1817, the unveiling of Gallaudet University, the first secondary institution for the deaf and hard of hearing, on April 8th, 1864, as well as the nomination of Gallaudet’s first deaf president on March 13th, 1988; and
WHEREAS, this month is a time to learn about and celebrate the incredible achievements of individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing, to continue raising awareness about the inequities faced by members of these communities, and advocate for the rights of all deaf and hard of hearing persons; and
WHEREAS, we are grateful for the work of the Utah Association of the Deaf and initiatives such as the Utah Deaf History & Culture project that create awareness of and provide education and resources for our residents who are deaf and hard of hearing; and
WHEREAS, we are proud that our Salt Lake City Council unanimously approved the ordinance to replace our Accessibility Advisory Committee with the Accessibility and Disability Commission, allowing for more transparency and public engagement with the commissioners who advise the City on matters relating to accessibility and disability.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim March 13th through April 15th
Deaf History Month in Salt Lake City
To view an electronic copy of the signed proclamation, click here.