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Historical Overview and Creation of ODHH

Numerous studies, temporary commissions, and advisory committees and boards in Maryland over the past 30 plus years have consistently identified the same recurring issues related to deaf and hard of hearing constituents from 1966 to 2000.1 Recommendations calling for a permanent government agency and staff had not been realized. As a result of the collaborative efforts of Maryland Association of the Deaf (MDAD), a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization, along with various organizations serving deaf and hard of hearing as well as several members of disability groups, the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing became a reality - after the Maryland General Assembly recognized the need for the creation of the Office specifically to serve deaf and hard of hearing Marylanders. ODHH was established in October 2001 through enabling legislation (Chapter 537 of the Acts of the 2001 General Assembly) with the aim of addressing service gaps, lack of accessibility to services, and lack of awareness on the part of public officials and agencies in addressing the needs of the target population.

Maryland became the 32nd state in the United States to have a separate state entity geared specifically to the program and service needs of deaf and hard of hearing citizens within the state.

1 Taken from the report, The State of Maryland Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: Problems and Solution, Chapter IV reviews those recommendations, p. 8. Maryland Association of the Deaf, June 2000.