Media Transcripts - Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Message from ODHH Director Lisa Kornberg

Maryland’s Governor and ODHH work together to support the Governor’s vision of “One Maryland.”  This vision reinforces the belief that all Marylanders, regardless of their hearing status or other disabilities, should have full access to government programs and services.

To facilitate this full access, ODHH provides education, training and support to State agencies.  These services assist agencies to ensure that they are able to serve Marylanders with hearing loss better.

The Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing communities have their own unique social and communication norms.  Government programs have overlooked these communication needs for years.  However, Maryland recognized there was a problem and took steps to address it.  For over 30 years the State commissioned research and studies to identify ways of addressing this gap in services. As a result, in 2001 ODHH was establishment.

ODHH is currently has three staff. 

The State also established the Maryland Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  The Council has 16 members, who are appointed by the Governor.