Maine's Deaf community was celebrated during an annual Tea and Awards Ceremony at the State House on Thursday.
Julie Novack received an award for promoting Deaf culture. She said the Lewiston mass shootings, which took the lives of four Deaf men, ignited her motivation to connect the community. Speaking through an interpreter, Novack said that the Deaf community is often overlooked by people who can hear.
"We live this every day and we are part of this but often not recognized," she said. "That sort of silent partner. But we are important just like everyone else."
The Deaf community faced barriers to get information in the aftermath of the shootings.
Governor Janet Mills said in a prerecorded address that she's committed to building a more inclusive Maine.
Josh Seal, who was killed in the shootings, received a posthumous lifetime achievement award at the ceremony. He was recognized for his work promoting better communication and access through as an American Sign Language interpreter, as well as for establishing a summer camp for Deaf and hard of hearing children.
The 33rd annual Tea kicked off Deaf Culture week, which runs from September 22 through the 28.
