GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR'S COORDINATING OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

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.

100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland, July 2016. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

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 Director administers the Sign Language Interpreters Fund.

Under the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters. The Office is assisted by the Maryland Advisory Council on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

MARYLAND ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING
In October 2001, the Maryland Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was created (Chapter 537, Acts of 2001). It was renamed as the Maryland Advisory Council on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in October 2010 (Chapter 216, Acts of 2010).

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. Thereafter, four subcommittees focused 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 (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-2404 through 9-2406).

STATE BOARD OF SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
In October 2023, the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters was authorized within the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by the General Assembly (Chapters 269 & 270, Acts of 2023).

The Board licenses and regulates sign language interpreters in Maryland.

Appointed to two-year terms by the Governor, the Board consists of seven members. The Chair is chosen by the Board.

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