Annie Glenn Communication Disorders Awareness Day bill signed into law

State Reps. Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon) and John Patterson (D-Jefferson) today applauded the signing into law of House Bill (HB) 431, legislation to designate February 17 – Annie Glenn’s birthday – as the “Annie Glenn Communication Disorders Awareness Day” in honor of  Mrs. Glenn and to recognize all Ohioans who struggle with a communication disorder.

HB 431, introduced by Reps. Sheehy and Patterson, received unanimous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by the governor today.

“Annie Glenn’s remarkable efforts to overcome her speech impediment and educate others about communication disorders are an inspiration to all,” said Sheehy. “For that reason, it is only fitting that we honor Mrs. Glenn by raising awareness around this issue that affects countless Ohioans.”

Mrs. Glenn, married to former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn for over seventy years, struggled for most of her life with a speech impediment that caused her to stutter eighty-five percent of her words. In 1973, she completed an intensive program to address her stutter at the Communications Research Institute at Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia. Since then, Mrs. Glenn has been able to speak freely and has even become a noted public speaker.

“Annie Glenn is the living embodiment of the American spirit – not only has she overcome a major life hurdle, but by doing so she has become a role model for thousands,” said Patterson.

Mrs. Glenn remains a vocal advocate for raising awareness about communication disorders, and has received many awards for her activism. She serves on the National Deafness and other Communication Disorders Advisory Council of the National Institutes of Health.