Better Hearing and Speech Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Better Hearing and Speech Month

WHEREAS, Better Hearing and Speech Month was first nationally recognized on May 21, 1986, and continues to promote awareness of hearing and communication disorders across the United States; and

WHEREAS, hearing loss affects individuals of all ages, and research shows that approximately one out of three adults above 65 years of age experience hearing loss, reflecting the significant impact of age-related progressive hearing loss in older adults; and

WHEREAS, approximately 28.8 million adults in the United States could benefit from the use of hearing aids and assistive technology, yet many do not seek evaluation, treatment, or access to accommodations that could significantly improve daily functioning and communication; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program screens newborns to identify infants who may be deaf or hard of hearing, supporting state data showing that 3 in 1,000 newborns in Virginia have hearing loss and national data indicating that between 1 and 2 per 1,000 infants are born with permanent hearing loss; and

WHEREAS, hearing loss prevention, newborn and adult screenings, appropriate treatment, assistive technology, and accommodations can greatly enhance communication access and overall quality of life; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 17.9 million U.S. adults report having experienced a voice or speech related problem within the past year, highlighting the widespread nature of speech difficulties and the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and access to speech language services; and

WHEREAS, with appropriate support, services, and accommodations, individuals with hearing loss or speech difficulties can overcome communication barriers and fully participate as productive residents of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing continues its vision for a Commonwealth where persons with hearing loss or speech difficulties can fully access and participate in all aspects of life without barriers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize May 2026, as BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.