Monroe County and the City of Rochester announced the creation of the county's Deaf Equity Council on Monday.

Officials say the council will work to drive systemic change to enhance the quality of life for all deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the county. It will do community outreach to identify priorities and advise city, town and county officials on policies that impact deaf residents.

The council will meet every two months.

“As public servants, we must ensure every Monroe County resident, regardless of ability, has their needs met," County Executive Adam Bello said in a statement. "The newly formed DEC will help us shape policies and initiatives through an equitable lens to better serve our community."

Those interested in joining the Deaf Equity Council can find more information on Monroe County's website.

Mayor Malik Evans says the county has the highest number of deaf people per capita in the United States.

“It is my hope that this council will educate and inform our work and ensure that our Deaf and hard of hearing friends and neighbors can fully participate in all that our community has to offer," Evans said in a statement.