Deaf-Blind Services

The Deaf-Blind community is an important focus for DORS. Even though this group is small, people who are Deaf-Blind often need specialized supports to take part in everyday life and to find good jobs that match their goals.

DORS is working to make sure that services available to the general public also meet the needs of Deaf-Blind consumers. These services can include Braille training from a Deaf-Blind instructor, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) with teachers who have experience supporting Deaf-Blind individuals, and Job Coaching from providers who are trained to work with Deaf-Blind consumers.

DORS also respects each person’s communication preferences. If you prefer to use American Sign Language (ASL), we have Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf who can work with you.

Contact

Deaf-Blind Specialist Dr. Leo Yates, 410-554-9372
Office for Blindness & Vision Services: [email protected], 410-554-9277

Resources

Publications

Deaf-Blind Community & National Resources for Maryland

Deaf-Blind Organizations

A group of approximately 30 people standing behind, or sitting at a table in the Governor's Reception Room, while Governor Wes M
DORS Deaf-Blind Specialist, Dr. Leo Yates, recently served on the Workgroup for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing – Extension, for HB 0866 Maryland, along with representatives from the Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The bill signing took place on May 26, 2026 (Dr. Yates attended), and the extension gives the group time to interview Marylanders who are DeafBlind and include recommendations from these interviews in an addendum to the original report.

Legislation Information

Deaf-Blind Advisory Committee

The Deaf-Blind Advisory Committee (left to right: Lisa Sudmann-Stannard, Carrie Quigley, Alexander Quaynor, Dr. Leo Yates, and Kyesha West) provides DORS with input from VR, ILOB, and Pre-ETS consumers.

Support Service Provider Program

Support Service Providers (SSP) are specially trained professionals who enable people with combined vision and hearing loss to access their environment and make informed decisions.

An SSP provides the Deaf-Blind individual with visual and environmental information, sighted guide services, and communication accessibility. SSP services provide access to community and vocational rehabilitation services that a Deaf-Blind individual may not normally be able to access.