Whereas, The World Federation of the Deaf is an international organization composed of more than 120 national associations of the deaf, which is recognized by the United Nations (UNESCO, World Health Organization and International Labor Office), as the official consultant and voice for deaf people world-wide, serving all countries in the enhancement of the social, economic and cultural lives of the deaf and hard-of-hearing people; and,

Whereas, For over 50 years, the World Federation of the Deaf has provided leadership in medicine, audiology, psychology of deafness, educational development and innovation, vocational and rehabilitation, communications methodology, personal and social welfare, art and culture, parent education and religious activities; and,

Whereas, A wide array of leaders in the United States who serve the deaf and hard-of-hearing will join together to observe this significant event and recognize contributions that address the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing people throughout the country; and,

Whereas, The Great Lakes State offers its wholehearted welcome and best wishes to all participants to enjoy a renewed spirit of togetherness tempered by intensified commitment to a quality life for the entire deaf and hard-of-hearing population of the nation; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of September 23, 2007, as Deaf Awareness Week in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to recognize the skills, abilities and talents that the deaf and hard-of-hearing people contribute to our state and nation.