Ethan Sonnenstrahl

The council discussed various outreach initiatives including website updates, license applications, communication accessibility summits, and ASL programs. A special presentation by Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM) covered the Maryland Relay program, accessible telecommunications equipment, and future planning for Real-Time Text technology. Private agency advocacy updates were provided regarding federal loan limit legislation for professional students. Director's updates included reports on funding legislation, various statewide briefings, and organizational staffing and budget planning. Announcements covered an upcoming Deaf Special Forum, MSDE development of disability eligibility checklists, renovations at the Maryland School for the Deaf, and the Deaf Seniors of America conference.

The meeting included an update on the ongoing legislative session in Maryland and efforts to enhance communication and language access, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Aging. Budgetary constraints due to a state deficit were highlighted as a factor influencing the search for low-cost training initiatives. Presentations were held on legal advocacy for individuals with communication needs, the expansion of housing and employment support services provided by the Deaf Independent Living Association, and the Baltimore Police Department's community safety initiatives, including the Visor Program and resources for individuals with neurodivergent needs. Additionally, upcoming stakeholder meetings and educational institution open house events were announced.

The council discussed various reports from the Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, including progress on community outreach, interpreter training initiatives, and workgroup updates regarding cultural and linguistic competency. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to preparing for the upcoming legislative session, specifically regarding the office's role in supporting the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community, monitoring relevant legislation, and enhancing accessibility for constituents. Agency updates included progress on online tools for individuals with memory disorders, efforts to increase employment inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, and announcements regarding upcoming Deaf community events and forums.

The meeting provided updates on the Deaf Deaf Blind Heart of Hearing (DDBHH) Working Group's efforts following the submission of their report to the Maryland General Assembly in June 2025, which aimed to support service improvements for the community. Updates included confirmation that Delegate Aaron Kaufman's office received the report and that the General Assembly session beginning mid-January 2026 will review it. The key recommendation from the report involved the Governor's Office of Deaf and Heart of Hearing (GODHH) establishing a DDBHH unit with three case managers, including a DeafBlind Advocate/Case Manager, requiring amendments to current regulations (KOMAR). The group plans to establish a DDBHH subcommittee to gather additional data and provide an addendum to their report, which may necessitate extending the working group for six months. Additionally, the Governor's office is reportedly vetting a deaf blind candidate for appointment to the working group.

The meeting included discussions on several critical areas for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The Interim Chair addressed his role and the need for electing a permanent chair, confirming the schedule for quarterly meetings. Updates were provided on data collection efforts regarding the population in Maryland, including collaboration with Johns Hopkins, and goals for Deaf and hard of hearing seniors, such as accessibility and equitable healthcare access. The "Longevity Ready Maryland" initiative for aging individuals was also introduced. The GODHH Director reported on proposals submitted to the General Assembly, enhancements to interpreter services following approval from the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters Licensure (SBSLI), and concerns surrounding the withdrawal of the Potomac Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (PCRID) from the SBSLI. Discussions also covered the "grandfathering" clause for experienced interpreters, the success of virtual town halls, and efforts to obtain updated demographic data, including engagement with the Jessup prison population. A new Deaf Access Commission was announced. The Outreach Manager provided updates on regulatory changes for interpreter licensing, including provisional and educational licenses, with a full system launch anticipated in January 2026. Updates were also shared on departmental submissions, recommendations for accessible social work licensure testing, progress on annual reports, and financial management for interpreter tests. A special topic presentation covered Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Another speaker shared insights on navigating racism and audism as a Black Deaf man. Announcements included details about an upcoming interpreted AA forum and construction updates for the Maryland Deaf Community Center.