SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES (DORS) Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

DORS Mission Statement The Division of Rehabilitation Services provides leadership and support promoting the employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence of individuals with disabilities.

DORS provides programs and services for people with all types of disabilities, including people who are deaf and hard of hearing. DORS provides programs and services for people with all types of disabilities, including people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

DORS provides personalized support through these services: Career Guidance and Counseling Career Guidance and Counseling Career Assessment Career Assessment Prevocational Services Prevocational Services Assistive Technology Assistive Technology Vocational Training & Education Vocational Training & Education Medical Rehabilitation Services Medical Rehabilitation Services Transitioning Services Transitioning Services Job Coaching and Supported Employment Job Coaching and Supported Employment Job Development and Placement Services Job Development and Placement Services Other support services Other support services

DORS also provides these specifically designed services: DORS also provides these specifically designed services: Audiological evaluation and assessment Audiological evaluation and assessment Assistive technology Assistive technology Speech and language therapy Speech and language therapy Aural rehabilitation Aural rehabilitation Hearing aid evaluation and fittings Hearing aid evaluation and fittings Auxiliary aids and interpreters Auxiliary aids and interpreters

DORS provides these auxiliary aids for consumers in DORS programs: Sign language interpreter services Tactile interpreting services ASL reader services Note taking services including C Print

DORS promotes employment and independence for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing through Advocacy for public services and employment Advocacy for public services and employment Education about communication and cultural barriers Education about communication and cultural barriers Technical assistance to employers and private and public agencies Technical assistance to employers and private and public agencies Adult Basic Education classes at various locations Adult Basic Education classes at various locations

DORS has Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCDs) in DORS offices statewide. RCDs have bilingual communication skills with knowledge of American Sign Language and deaf culture. DORS has Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCDs) in DORS offices statewide. RCDs have bilingual communication skills with knowledge of American Sign Language and deaf culture.

What is the Rehabilitation Process? Referral Referral Application/Initial Interview Application/Initial Interview Comprehensive Assessment Comprehensive Assessment Eligibility/Order of Selection Eligibility/Order of Selection Development of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) or Independent Living Plan (ILP) Development of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) or Independent Living Plan (ILP) Individualized services Individualized services Job Development/Placement Job Development/Placement Case record closure Case record closure Post-employment services (if needed) Post-employment services (if needed)

Referred to DORS from the Maryland School for the Deaf Obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Lizette and her RCD worked together for a successful transition to classroom & dorm life. Services included assistive listening devices, interpreting, job development and follow-up. Now employed as a computer artist Referred to DORS from the Maryland School for the Deaf Obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Lizette and her RCD worked together for a successful transition to classroom & dorm life. Services included assistive listening devices, interpreting, job development and follow-up. Now employed as a computer artist Lizette Ramos DORS Success Story

DORS also provides Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) to consumers who participate in programs at the Workforce and Technology Center (WTC). DORS also provides Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) to consumers who participate in programs at the Workforce and Technology Center (WTC).

Program features of DHHS at WTC include : Pre-Admission Planning Pre-Admission Planning Intake/Orientation Intake/Orientation Assessment Services Assessment Services Individualized Program Planning Individualized Program Planning Advocacy Advocacy Case Management Case Management Interpreting Services Interpreting Services TTY and Telephone Accessibility TTY and Telephone Accessibility Social Skills Training Social Skills Training Accommodations Accommodations Assistive Listening Devices Assistive Listening Devices Specialized Dorm Rooms Specialized Dorm Rooms Deaf Pre-Employment Services Deaf Pre-Employment Services Job Seeking Skills Job Seeking Skills

How to Apply for Services

An online referral form is available at This form can also be mailed, faxed or taken to a DORS office. Call the nearest DORS office. To find your nearest office, call toll-free or visit