Hearing and Vision

To see an alphabetical list of all our resources click here

American Sign Language Classes

Did you know that you can take sign language classes on line? Check out this link from Gallaudet University https://www.gallaudet.edu/asl-connect
You can even start with basic ASL for Free https://www.gallaudet.edu/asl-connect/asl-for-free/asl-by-topic  
Or you can subscribe to their Youtube account to stay updated with upcoming ASL vocabulary videos!

American Society for Deaf Children

Has lots of useful information, resources and more options for sign langauge classes and even provides them for free to their members. https://deafchildren.org/

Connections Beyond Sight and Sound (CBSS)

Is a project designed to meet the unique needs of children and youth with both vision and hearing impairments.
• CBSS serves any parent, family member, or care provider of a child with dual sensory impairment age birth through 21 who lives in Maryland or DC, or any school personnel involved in providing service to such a child.
• CBSS plans activities and provides technical assistance and training based on student, family and service provider needs.
http://marylanddb.org/ Tel: 301-405-0482

Maryland Centers for Independent Living

Centers for Independent Living teach skills of independence, advocacy training and offer technology resources.  Each Center provides a mix of services dependent on community needs.  Please check for the center that works with your county and contact them for more information.

Maryland Relay

If you, or a loved one, have difficulty using a standard telephone, Maryland Relay makes it easy to place and received calls. Maryland Relay services are available free. You are responsible for paying your monthly telephone bill to your chosen service provider. Long distance rates may apply.
Get the telecommunications equipment needed to independently make and receive phone calls. The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program, a service of Maryland Relay, offers a wide variety of solutions and tools – from amplified phones to Braille TTY’s – to support day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a solution for virtually anyone who has difficulty using a standard telephone – they can even custom-create a solution for you.
Please visit https://doit.maryland.gov/mdrelay/Pages/default.aspx for more info or call 800-552-7724 or 410-767-6960

Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (MD-LBPD)

Provides free library services for people who are unable to read standard print because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. MD-LBPD offers books and magazines the way you want them: in braille or audio formats, mailed to your door for free, or instantly downloadable. Their talking-book players feature large buttons, braille letters beside the controls, a sleep timer, and built-in audio instructions. The BARD Mobile app allows users to quickly and easily download audiobooks directly to iOS and Android devices. To receive an application for service, call 410-230-2443,
email reference.desk@maryland.gov, or visit our website at https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Maryland-Library-for-the-Blind-and-Print-Disabled.aspx

Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP)
The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) is a program run by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Their mission is to enhance the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older Marylanders, and their families by helping support access to assistive technology (AT) devices through AT demonstrations, device loans, trainings, and financing. https://mdod.maryland.gov/mdtap/Pages/MDTAP-Home.aspx

U.S Currency Reader Program

Blind and visually impaired citizens and legal residents are eligible to receive a currency reader at no cost. The iBill works in Vibration, Tone or Speech mode. To learn more and print out application click  here: https://www.bep.gov/maprogrambackground.html