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About Us

The Office advocates for and promotes the general welfare of individuals in Maryland who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. In carrying out this mission, the Office provides leadership, advocacy, and coordination in the development and implementation of public policies, regulations, and programs that benefit these communities. According to the 2020 federal census, approximately 1.2 million Marylanders are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in at least one ear.

For individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, the Office works to improve access to communication, services, and programs; collaborates with State and local agencies to ensure equitable access to safety and emergency services; and strives to expand access to educational, health, and social opportunities throughout Maryland.

Authorized in October 2001, the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing began operations in July 2002 under Chapter 537, Acts of 2001.

Credit to: Maryland Manual On-Line

Mission

The Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing represents the Governor in advancing the priorities of the Moore–Miller Administration (https://governor.maryland.gov/priorities/Pages/default.aspx) and promotes equality and accessibility for all Marylanders by providing expertise that enhances the general welfare of the State’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents.

Vision

All Marylanders who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing will have equal access to resources, services, and opportunities, enabling full participation in all aspects of community life.

History of the Office

For more than three decades, numerous studies, temporary commissions, and advisory committees in Maryland consistently identified recurring challenges faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents. From 1966 to 2001, these efforts highlighted barriers in access to education, health, social services, and government programs.

The creation of the Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was the result of collaborative advocacy by the Maryland Association of the Deaf and various local organizations serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Recognizing the need for a dedicated state office, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the establishment of the Office in October 2001, ensuring that Deaf and Hard of Hearing Marylanders would have a centralized resource for advocacy, support, and coordination of services.

Statute Establishing the Office

Annual Reports

Newsletters

The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with services in the following manner:
  • Friendly and Courteous: We will be helpful and supportive and have a positive attitude and passion for what we do.
  • Timely and Responsive: We will be ​proactive, take initiative, and anticipate your needs.
  • ​Accurate and Consistent: We will always aim for 100% accuracy, and be consistent in how we interpret a​nd implement state policies and procedures.
  • Accessible and Convenient: ​We will continue to simplify and improve access to information and resources.
  • Truthful and Transparent: We will advance a culture of honesty, clarity and trust.

Tell us about your experience with the Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Click here to complete a three question customer experience survey.

Click here to view our Annual Reports.