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 celebrating Deaf heritage through education, cultural awareness, and its Heritage Center, which highlights the stories and accomplishments of generations of Deaf individuals; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is led by Head of School Melissa S. Draganac-Hawk, a distinguished Deaf educator and leader whose decades of experience in Deaf education reflect the school's commitment to fostering academic excellence, cultural pride, self-advocacy, and opportunity for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students; and
WHEREAS, For more than two centuries, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf has served as a beacon of educational access, language development, leadership, and community for Deaf and
hard-of-hearing children and families throughout Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia proudly recognizes the contributions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and celebrates Pennsylvania School for the Deaf's enduring impact on education, accessibility, inclusion, and community empowerment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes September 2026 as “Deaf Awareness Month” in the City of Philadelphia, and honors Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for its distinguished history, remarkable service to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and its continued dedication to educational excellence, accessibility, inclusion, and the advancement of Deaf culture and community.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Pennsylvania School for the Deaf as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body
End