H.Res. 640 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 640 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 23, 2014 Mr. Takano (for himself and Mr. Yoder) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. Whereas Helen Keller was one of the most accomplished, respected, and renowned Americans who was deaf-blind; Whereas the loss of both vision and hearing, one of the most severe of all disabilities, affects approximately 1.2 million people in the United States; Whereas more than 34 million Americans have hearing loss; Whereas approximately 21 million Americans have vision problems; Whereas approximately 80 million Americans have potentially blinding eye diseases; Whereas there are approximately 59,300 legally blind children in the United States; Whereas today, people who are deaf-blind are attending college, participating in social activities, managing their everyday lives and actively engaged in their community through employment and civic activities; Whereas it is highly appropriate and necessary to publicize the abilities and potential of our fellow citizens who are deaf-blind, or who have severe vision and hearing loss, and to recognize Helen Keller as a guiding example of courage, hope, determination, and achievement for other individuals who are deaf-blind; Whereas in 1984, responding to the need for more awareness about the Deaf-Blind community, Congress passed a resolution marking the last week in June as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week; Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes June 22–28, 2014, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week; and Whereas the theme of the Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week of 2014 is She’s Deaf-Blind and, with technology, she holds the world in her hands … just like her loved ones: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week; and (2) recognizes and honors people who are Deaf-Blind and organizations in the United States, such as the Helen Keller National Center, which continue to promote the awareness and needs of the Deaf-Blind Community.