SENATE RESOLUTION 46

(By Senator Grady)

[Introduced March 6, 2023]

Designating March 7, 2023, as Deaf Awareness Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1989, to aid West Virginians who are deaf or hard of hearing; and

Whereas, West Virginians served by the commission include those who use American Sign Language as a primary means of communication, as well as those with a range of hearing loss who benefit from the use of assistive listening devices, such as hearing aids or other forms of amplification; and

Whereas, In 2012, House Concurrent Resolution 104, recognized the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Student's Bill of Rights, https://wvde.state.wv.us/osp/osp/DCBR.pdf; and

Whereas, The commission maintains a registry and public directory of qualified American Sign Language interpreters in West Virginia and coordinates the state testing system for interpreters; and

Whereas, The commission partners with multiple state agencies, along with organizations, businesses, and other programs, to offer resources to the deaf and hard of hearing community in West Virginia; and

Whereas, The commission extends its gratitude to American Sign Language interpreters and all those who work to improve the accommodations and services offered to the deaf and hard of hearing community of West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Virginia Deaf Awareness Day promotes awareness of West Virginia’s deaf and hard of hearing community, deaf culture, American Sign Language, and availability of specialized services. This day recognizes the needs of those who experience all levels of deafness in West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 7, 2023, as Deaf Awareness Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.