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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.

Mid-April News...

Director's Corner

LAD and Session Wrap-Up

A message from Director Lisa Kornberg

Hello, again! I want to begin by telling you how sorry I am ODHH has lost touch with you from November, 2012 until now. Our office has been through many changes and some challenges. You might already know that I was in a car accident a few months ago. I am doing fine now! Also, you may have heard that our Deputy Director, Julie Anne Schafer, has moved on to an exciting new opportunity. She is now working as the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf). We wish her the best of luck!

With all of this, I am happy to report that ODHH is still going strong! Our new Assistant Director will begin on May 6th. Zainab Alkebsi, "Z", is a graduate of the University of Baltimore Law School and she is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association. Zainab also worked in our office as an intern for two years and is very familiar with all of the ins-and-outs of ODHH. Look forward to our next monthly bulletin and Vlog in May when Z will have the opportunity to introduce herself!

Each year ODHH host a Legislative Awareness Day (LAD). This year we held our 4th annual LAD in Annapolis and it was a huge success. Be sure you see the Vlog further below for a summary of this event and the 2013 Legislative Session.

I also want to inform you that the ODHH 2012 Annual Report is available on our website. We have reinvigorated our Brown Bag Lunch program for professionals working in deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind services. ODHH is also continuing its tradition of providing trainings, exhibits and outreach across the state. Trainings continue to be provided to Law Enforcement, Corrections, Health Care Providers, Educators! In addition, we continue to welcome and mentor interns from colleges and universities from around the greater Maryland area. We look forward to presenting at many State and National Conferences in the months to come.

Thanks for being patient with us - You won't be disappointed!

-Lisa

Legislative Awareness Day 2013: A Great Success

Thank you to all who attended our Fourth Annual Legislative Awarenss Day on February 18th! Over 60 people traveled to Annpaolis for the day's events, which started with an Advocacy Training Presentation to help familiarize participants with the legislative process. The training was followed by guided tours of the Maryland State House. The highlight of the event was the Welcome Ceremony and Awards Presentation with keynote remarks from Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. During the Awards Presentation, ODHH recognized and thanked Delegate Eric Luedtke and Senator Karen Montgomery, both who have contributed to and supported the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities in the State of Maryland. Ms. Ann Black received the Third Annual Kelby Brick Community Leadership Award for her work on behlaf of deafblind Maryalnders.

After the Presentation, the constituents in attendance were provided the opportunity to meet individually with their legislators. The day concluded with the House General Session. During this Session, the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities were formally recognized. We wish to thank all the legislators, volunteers, and participants who made the success of this event possible. We look forward to seeing you next year our Fifth Annual Legislative Awareness Day!

Legislative Session 2013: Wrap Up

Our 2013 Legislative Session has already come to a close. ODHH maintains its goal of monitoring new legilation which may impact the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities in Maryland. This year we specifically watched two bills.

The first was the Primary and Secondary Education - Online Courses and Services - Accessibility Bill (HB1176 / SB461). This bill requires the development , review, and approval of online courses and services to include an assessment regarding the accessibility of the online course or service to individuals with disabilities. The bill had a hearing in the House Ways and Means committtee on March 6. The Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs committee had a hearing on February 28.

The second Bill was the Public Safety - Fire Protection and Prevention - Residential Smoke Alarms Bill (HB1413 / SB969). This bill clarifies that the installation of specialized smoke alarms is required in specified areas of specific buildings, including visual smoke alarms. The bill had a hearing in the House Environmental Matters committee on March 14.