AUGUSTA  —  In celebration of Deaf culture and the heritage of American Sign Language (ASL), as well as Deaf literature, art and folklore, Governor Janet Mills has issued a proclamation designating the week of Sept. 20-26, 2026, as Deaf Culture Week.

To kick off the week, the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened will hold its 35th Annual Tea in Celebration of Deaf Culture Week on Sept. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Hall of Flags in the State House in Augusta. The event is open to the public.

Clayton Marr III will give the keynote address. Marr grew up in Westbrook and currently lives in Knoxville, Tenn. where he is the student activity coordinator for the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf. He works with Deaf students to support their academic success, personal growth, and independence.

"Maine’s Deaf community has enriched our state for generations through its language, culture, traditions and contributions," said Governor Mills, in a Maine Dept. of Labor news release. "I’ve proudly declared September 20-26 as Deaf Culture Week in celebration of that heritage and the Deaf and hard-of-hearing Mainers who make our state a better place."

Commissioner Laura Fortman, of the Dept. of Labor, said: "The Maine Department of Labor is proud to support the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened and this 35th annual celebration of Deaf culture. I encourage Maine employers to harness the many skills and experiences of people with disabilities. DOL’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services is ready to assist workers and employers with vocational rehabilitation, training and support." 

This year, the Commission will present seven awards to eight individuals and organizations that have contributed to Deaf culture in Maine.

Awards and their recipients are:

Promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and Deaf People Award — Lisa Penney, Donna Van Horn

Citizenship Youth Award — Gavin Phelan

Ginny Hewes Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award — Jennifer McCann, LCSW

Outstanding Citizenship Award — Andrew Blethen

Outstanding Commendation Award — Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP)

Dr. Toni H. Rees Interpreter Award — Cid Pollard

Clifton F. Rodgers Outstanding Service to the Deaf Community Award — Sammy Hargis

The Division of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened, within the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services in the Maine Department of Labor, works to promote full access to employment, independence and community integration for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information about hiring people with disabilities or identifying job training resources for people with disabilities, visit a local CareerCenter or call 1-855-ALL-HIRE (TTY users may call Maine Relay 711).