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ODHH was established in 2001 to provide expertise related to deaf and hard of hearing issues to Maryland citizens and to facilitate their ability of access resources and services. We hope that this website will help us to fulfill our mission by providing access to information and resources related to deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Maryland. ODHH believes that all Maryland citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing should have equal and full access to resources, services, and opportunities for participation in all aspects of community life through the provision of appropriate accommodations. Thank you for visiting us today! We look forward to serving you.

Celebrating Deaf History Month

Governor Martin O'Malley has proclaimed the period from March 13 to April 15, 2012 as Deaf History Month. The proclamation calls upon all Marylanders to observe the month and recognize deaf heritage and the abilities and potential of our fellow citizens who are deaf.

Deaf History Month celebrates cultures, heritages, and languages unique to deaf people of the world by showing the history, diversity, accomplishments, and potential of the deaf community. As a part of Deaf History Month, Marylanders are encouraged to increase their understanding and support for individuals who are deaf and the unique history of the deaf community.

Important historical events recognized during this period include: 1) March 13, 1988: I. King Jordan becomes the first deaf president of Gallaudet University; 2) April 8, 1864: President Lincoln signed the charter establishing a college for the deaf, Gallaudet University; and 3) April 15, 1817: the first school for the deaf, the American School for the Deaf, opens in Hartford, Connecticut.

A Celebration of Deaf Education and Sign Language was held on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in the Wheeler Auditorium. This year’s celebration included a tribute to the 300th birth anniversary of Abbé Charles Michel de l’Épée, who founded the first public school for the deaf in the world. The event was coordinated by the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Maryland Division of Library Development and Services in partnership with the Maryland Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Maryland School for the Deaf, Maryland Association of the Deaf, and the National Association of the Deaf.

Deaf History Month appears to have had its genesis March 13, 1997, when the D.C. Public Library had a Deaf History Month event with deaf authors and guest speakers. The popularity of Deaf History Month grew over time, and there is currently an effort under way by the American Library Association and the National Association of the Deaf to get the White House to declare it an official national event.

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Maryland Association of the Deaf (MDAD) Issues their Inaugural eNewsletter

MDAD has unveiled its Inaugural eNewsletter with news about the MDAD conference, Legislative Awareness Day, words from the president and Miss Deaf Maryland, a summary of the EHDI conference as well introducing your new MDAD Board and MDAD Media Team!

At the MDAD conference in November 2011, a motion was passed and as you are reading this, the motion is in effect. Motion #1 stated: “Helena Schmitt (Ray Conrad) moved that MDAD starts e-news, e-newsletter twice a year. Thelma Schroeder (Richard Cohen) moved to amend to this by using vlog also.”

This motion was voted and passed, so to carry the motion, MDAD President, Charm L. Smith, was quick to establish an MDAD Media Committee that is responsible for the new MDAD eNewsletter! The eNewsletter will start on a quarterly basis. This will be the written eNewsletter distributed via email and accessible on the website, www.mdad.tv. A core team of 5 members currently is running the eNewsletter.

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