Recognizing, Honoring, And Celebrating September of 2008 As Deaf History and Awareness Month.

WHEREAS

, In 2008, two Philadelphia institutions, the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, which is the third largest school of it’s kind and The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Alumni Association are collectively celebrating 200 years of Deaf history; and

WHEREAS

, Under what Justice Thurgood Marshall proclaimed the constitutional mantra, “Equality Under Law” these two institutions along with a third, Creative Access, have worked together to pioneer for the civil and human rights of Deaf citizens; and

WHEREAS

, Such pronounced inclusion and participation has resulted in Hearing Philadelphians benefiting from the contributions, engagements and overall quality-of-life enhancement that make up the great city of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS

, By proactively acknowledging the importance of individuals and families, the City’s Deaf population has meshed into mainstream civic, arts, and political life, thus increasing even more the diversity and greatness of our City; and

WHEREAS,

Deaf citizens of our City have their own American Sign Language, culture, identity, and collective experience which is hereby recognized by City Council; and

WHEREAS

, With Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Creative Access and Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Alumni Association continuing to provide vital education, information and advocacy to, for and with Deaf citizens, two centuries of struggles have evolved into a consciousness of Deaf citizens being recognized as a bon-a-fide cultural resource of the American population; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That City Council Hereby Recognizes, Honors, and Celebrates September of 2008 as Deaf History and Awareness Month.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Creative Access as further evidence of the sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body.

End