MARVIN MANDEL, Governor

2649

FOR the purpose of requesting the appointment of a
Commission for the Hearing Impaired; and generally
relating to that Commission.

WHEREAS, It is estimated that 267,000 citizens of
Maryland suffer from hearing impairment;

WHEREAS, The educational, social, vocational and
medical needs of many hearing impaired persons may not be
adequately met at this time;

WHEREAS, Many hearing impaired people could benefit
from further representation in Maryland at the policy
making and program development level;

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland suffers economic loss
due to underemployment and unemployment of the hearing
impaired population;

WHEREAS, There is a large group of Maryland's
population not being identified as hearing impaired; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That
the Governor of the State of Maryland appoint a permanent
Commission of which more than 50 percent shall be hearing
impaired individuals representative of Maryland's hearing
impaired population to represent the interests and needs
of the hearing impaired individuals of the State of
Maryland to:

a.    Investigate, assess, and make public the needs
and interests of hearing impaired people;

b.    Investigate and assess to what extent current
programs, organizations, and agencies are attempting and
succeeding in meeting these needs;

c.    To advise, assist, and work with various State
and local government agencies and programs concerned with
the needs of the hearing impaired;

d.    Report and recommend to the Governor necessary
legislative and funding initiatives to implement programs
to further the interests of the hearing impaired citizens
of Maryland; and be it further

RESOLVED , That a copy of this Resolution be sent to
the Honorable Marvin Mandel, Governor.

Approved April 13, 1976.

No. 23