Dr. Michelle “Mickey” Morales of Frederick, Maryland has been selected as the Hamilton Relay 2020 Deaf Community Leader Award recipient for the state of Maryland.
After graduating from Gallaudet University, Dr. Morales went on to obtain a Master’s of Science in Deaf Education as well as a Doctorate of Education in Reading and Literacy. With over a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she has a true understanding of how important literacy at an early age is to the success of all students. She noticed that some children who are deaf or hard of hearing did not have complete communication at home and decided to do something about it.
She worked with colleagues and congress to pass a bill to help bridge that gap. Her bill allows parents to take American Sign Language (ASL) classes free of charge so that they can communicate with their child. She also orchestrated the writing of another bill that will impose higher standards for educational interpreters in the school system. These bills will offer students who are deaf or hard of hearing the opportunity to flourish at home as well as in school.
We thank Dr. Morales for her hard work and dedication to the education and betterment of our future change makers!
This leadership recognition has been brought to you by Hamilton Relay.