Representative Takano Introduces Legislation to Honor the Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

Washington, DC – Earlier this week, co-chair of the Congressional Deaf Caucus Representative Mark Takano introduced legislation with fellow co-chair Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) to honor the Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week’s 30^th Anniversary. 

 

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation to create Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, to not only honor Helen Keller, but also to spread understanding of deaf-blindness and the specific needs of the Deaf-Blind community. 

 

“In the 30 years since President Reagan signed the proclamation declaring the final week of June as the Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, the deaf-blind community has accomplished so much,” said Takano. “This is a week where we not only honor those accomplishments, but the ideals and goals of the community as well. I am proud to introduce this legislation so that we can honor the Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week’s 30^th Anniversary, and hope that the community continues to improve the lives of the millions of Americans who are affected by these disabilities.”

 

The combined loss of vision and hearing is one of the most severe disabilities and currently affects approximately 1.2 million Americans.