 June 27, 2000, is the 120th anniversary of the birth of Helen
Keller, and each year the week in which her birthday falls is recognized
as Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. In honor of Helen Keller -- and other
members of the deaf-blind community, this week is dedicated to the
deaf-blind.
Every year the last week of June is devoted to one thing--recognition
of the deaf-blind people in our midst. While the purpose of Deaf-Blind
Awareness Week is to pay homage to Helen Keller, the deaf-blind woman who
was born that week, the week focuses on increasing public awareness and
understanding of deaf-blindness.
According to the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), about 70,000
people have hearing and vision loss. More than a decade ago, Deaf-Blind
Awareness Week became an event officially recognized by the Federal
government.
 The story of Helen Keller is well known. Born on
June 27, 1880, the healthy infant was developing normally. But at the age
of 19 months, an illness left her deaf and blind. When Helen was six, her
equally famous teacher, Anne Sullivan, was able to teach her to
communicate. Helen Keller went on to excel in all aspects of her life:
graduating from college with honors and writing, lecturing, and inspiring
people worldwide.
The next is the proclamation of Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
made by US president Ronald Reagan:
Proclamation 5214 -- Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
June
22, 1984
By the President of the United States of America
 |
| Keller and her
teacher Anne Sullivan |
Our eyes and ears provide vital ways of interacting with the world
around us. The lilt of laughter, the beat of a brass band, the smile of a
friend, and the poetry of a landscape are but a few of the life blessings
that our senses of sight and hearing help us to enjoy. But for some 40,000
Americans who can neither see nor hear, the world can be a prison of
darkness and silence.
Inadequate education, training, and rehabilitation for those who are
deaf and blind may prevent these Americans from becoming independent and
self-sufficient, thereby greatly limiting their life potential and
imposing a high economic and social cost on the Nation.
We must prevent such problems among our deaf-blind citizens by
fostering their independence, creating employment opportunities, and
encouraging their contributions to our society. Crucial to fulfilling this
urgent national need is research on the disorders that cause deafness and
blindness. Toward this end, the National Institute of Neurological and
Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the National Eye Institute as well
as a number of voluntary health agencies are supporting a wide range of
investigative projects that one day may provide the clues to curing and
preventing these devastating disorders.
 On June 27 we commemorate the 104th anniversary of
the birth of Helen Keller, America's most renowned and respected
deaf-blind person. Her accomplishments serve as a beacon of courage and
hope for our Nation, symbolizing what deaf-blind people can achieve.
In order to encourage public recognition of and compassion for the
complex problems caused by deaf-blindness and to emphasize the potential
contribution of deaf-blind persons to our Nation, the Congress, by Senate
Joint Resolution 261, has authorized and requested the President to issue
a proclamation designating the last week in June 1984 as ``Helen Keller
Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.''
 Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning June 24,
1984, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. I call upon all
government agencies, health organizations, communications media, and
people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day
of June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
eighth.
Ronald
Reagan |
