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Announcement: Governor Larry Hogan Signs Senate Bill 272

The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is pleased to announce that Governor Larry Hogan signed into law Senate Bill 272, which authorizes Deaf and hard of hearing recipients of the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award to utilize the award’s funds to attend any out-of-state school, including schools in Washington, D.C.

For example, the bill exempts Gallaudet University from the in-state requirements of the award–which will enable more Deaf and hard of hearing students from Maryland to attend Gallaudet, the world’s premier university for Deaf and hard of hearing students. Director Brick called the bill a “wonderful investment in higher education opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.”

Statistics indicate that employment opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing are significantly low compared to their hearing counterparts. However, research has shown that by providing avenues into higher education and/or vocational training, Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are able to pursue employment that enables them to be self-sufficient and active, contributing members of society.

About the Governor’s Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
The Governor’s Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing advocates for and promotes the general welfare of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Maryland by addressing policy gaps, providing expertise related to Deaf and hard of hearing issues, and facilitating access to resources and services.
SB 272
The Customer Service Promise
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 FY19 Customer Service Annual Report.