Board of Supervisors Passes Mitchell Motion Proclaiming September as National D/deaf Awareness Month and September 23 as D/deaf Awareness Day in LA County

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (the Board) approved a motion by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell proclaiming September 2025 as National D/deaf Awareness Month, and September 23 as D/deaf Awareness Day in Los Angeles County. The motion calls on County departments and residents to celebrate and work toward a more inclusive Los Angeles County for the diverse and vibrant D/deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

“Our D/deaf community is expansive, with intersecting identities, and is worthy of celebration not just in September. I am proud that the County continues to stand with the global movement recognizing D/deaf Awareness Month, and I encourage residents to join us in constantly improving how our government, neighborhoods, and all aspects of life can be more accessible and supportive of our D/deaf community,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest D/deaf and Hard of Hearing populations in the nation, with more than 800,000 individuals living in the greater LA region and surrounding counties. This year’s global theme, “Beyond the Silence,” challenges misperceptions and harmful stereotypes about people who are D/deaf and promotes diverse communication methods to ensure all voices are heard.

“Declaring September 23 as Deaf Awareness Day is more than symbolic—it is a commitment to embracing, honoring, preserving, and educating about the beautiful culture, language, and contributions of the Deaf community, while affirming our shared responsibility to protect communication access and equality for all,” said Dr. Patricia Hughes, CEO of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD). “GLAD is a deaf-led, one-stop community center serving the Deaf community across Greater Los Angeles County.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities has launched a dedicated resource page for D/deaf Awareness Month, offering information to support and better understand the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities. Residents are encouraged to explore the page here: https://ad.lacounty.gov/services/disabilities/deaf-awareness-month/

In addition to encouraging County departments, the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities, community partners, and residents to promote awareness, inclusion, and equitable access for D/deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals through education, accessible services, and community engagement, the motion also acknowledges the historical significance of Native American sign languages and variations of American Sign Language (ASL)—including Black ASL, which developed in historically Black Deaf schools established during segregation.

To read the entire motion, click here.