September has been declared Guam’s first-ever “Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness” month.
Stakeholders from various organizations are hoping to promote more inclusion.
Co-organizer Anne Marie Curz says while Guam’s deaf and hard of hearing community have a lot of struggles, there is also a lot that they can bring to the table. Their ultimate vision is an island where everyone knows basic American sign language.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says it’s important to do what we can to help them function just like everyone else.
“And as governor of Guam I will continue to support and provide whatever means necessary to make our island’s life be of better quality and also to support those who are vulnerable and fragile in our community,” she said. “That’s what we’re about as a government, and that’s what we’re about as a community.”
Also attending the event at Adelup were a group of students from Guam Community College who are learning American sign language. (KUAM News)