CONSIDÉRANT, 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 

CONSIDÉRANT, 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 

CONSIDÉRANT, 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 

CONSIDÉRANT, 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  

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

CONSIDÉRANT, 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 

CONSIDÉRANT, 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 

CONSIDÉRANT, 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;  

MAINTENANT, DONC, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize May 2026, as BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH dans le COMMONWEALTH DE VIRGINIE, et j'attire l'attention de tous nos concitoyens sur cette célébration.