The Office advocates for and promotes the general welfare of individuals in Maryland who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf and blind. In doing so, it provides, advocates, and coordinates the adoption of public policies, regulations, and programs that will benefit these individuals.
For persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf and blind, the Office seeks to improve access to communication, services, and programs; works with State and local agencies to ensure access to safety and emergency services; and strives to increase access to educational, health and social opportunities. In November 2007, the Office began issuing a Monthly Bulletin to inform citizens, service providers, and policy makers of Office programs.
Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Director heads the Office (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-2401 through 9-2407).
The Office is assisted by the Maryland Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The Council advises the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on carrying out its duties, and reviews statewide activities for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Council also fosters coordination and support of programs for the deaf and hard of hearing, and studies ways to ensure that individuals with hearing problems use the facilities and services available to them.
In 2006, the Council began to create subcommittees to assist its work. The four initial subcommittees were concerned with Communication Access, Education, Legislative Affairs, and Mental Health. Presently, four subcommittees are active. They focus on Behavioral Health, Communications Access, Deafblind, and Education.
Of the Council's eighteen members, nine are public members and nine serve ex officio. The public members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Council meets quarterly in March, June, September, and December (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-2404 through 9-2406).
MARYLAND ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING
The Maryland Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was authorized in October 2001 (Chapter 537, Acts of 2001). Under its present name, the Council was reauthorized in October 2010 (Chapter 216, Acts of 2010).
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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us