Title
Recognizing September 2026 as “Deaf Awareness Month” in the City of Philadelphia and further honoring Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for its historic leadership, educational excellence, and unwavering commitment to empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and advancing Deaf culture and community.
Body
WHEREAS, Deaf Awareness Month is observed each September to promote understanding of Deaf culture, celebrate the achievements and contributions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and foster accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1820, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf has operated continuously for more than 200 years, making it the third-oldest school for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the United States and one of Philadelphia's most enduring educational institutions; and
WHEREAS, Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf has educated generations of students through a nurturing, language-rich environment that recognizes and develops individual strengths, builds confidence, and prepares students for success in school, career, and civic life; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf embraces a bilingual educational approach that values both American Sign Language and English, ensuring students have full access to language, literacy, learning, and self-expression; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf empowers Deaf and hard-of-hearing children to become educated, productive, and responsible members of society while fostering leadership, self-advocacy, critical thinking, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf serves as a vital resource for families throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, partnering with parents, caregivers, educators, and community organizations to support student achievement and well-being; and
WHEREAS, The school's rich history is intertwined with the history of Philadelphia and the Deaf community, preserving and ...
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