Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hosts Annual Legislative Awareness Day Alongside Deaf Community Partners, Awards Community Leaders Recognitions Include Community Leaders Kirsten Poston, Fran Phillips
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GODHH), along with community partners Howard County Association of the Deaf, Baltimore City Association of the Deaf, and Prince George’s County Association of the Deaf, welcomed and recognized community leaders and advocates during the 11th Annual Legislative Awareness Day. This virtual event also welcomed surprise speaker Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, who congratulated the 11 award honorees.
“I would like to wish a special congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees,” said Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford during the awards ceremony. “All of you have helped spread awareness for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, or helped to improve accessibility in some way. The Hogan-Rutherford administration is incredibly grateful to our staff at the Office of Deaf & Hard of Hearing and to all of the advocates being recognized today for your tireless efforts to protect and serve users of sign language interpreting services.”
In addition to the awards ceremony, this two-evening virtual special discussed best practices on protecting and serving users of sign language interpreting services in Maryland; included presentations from Howard County Senator Guy Guzzone, a community town hall with Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Director Kelby Brick; and offered a panel discussion with four sign language interpreting licensure experts: Ritchie Bryant, CDI; Sheryl D. Emery, M.A.; Shane H. Feldman; and Bobbie Beth Scoggins, Ed.D.
“We are deeply grateful to work alongside amazing Deaf community leaders across our state who are changing Maryland for the better,” said Director Kelby Brick. “Thank you for your advocacy promoting equal access, and for strengthening the Deaf Ecosystem.”
The award honorees included:
Kirsten Poston, community leader and advocate, Maryland Association of the Deaf Vice President, and Deaf in Government Director of Career Advancement, receiving the 10th annual Governor’s Kelby Brick Community Leadership Award. She also served as the first Black officer of the National Association of the Deaf.
Frances B. Phillips RN, MHA, Former Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, receiving the Outstanding Public Official Award for the work of the Maryland Department of Health to provide accessible services for the Deaf and hard of hearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area (LDHH),Deaf run DMV organization serving Latino Deaf and hard of hearing persons for equal rights and access to succeed, receiving the Spirit of the Deaf Ecosystem Award.
Tiffany Farias, Frederick pitchcraft winner establishing the Frederick Bike Racks in ASL and Deaf business owner, receiving the Community Advocacy Award.
Chanel Gleicher Bonheyo, Frederick pitchcraft winner establishing the Frederick Bike Racks in ASL and National Association of the Deaf Director of Youth Programs, receiving the Community Advocacy Award.
Hand Waves Birth Services,Deaf owned business providing doula and placenta services and childbirth education, receiving the Outstanding Deaf Business Award.
Nancylynn Ward, Ph.D., volunteer lead for COVID-19 FAQ videos and Deaf education advocate, receiving the Spirit of the Office Award.
Elke Pieters, community advocate and HCAD Vice President, receiving the Civic Engagement Award.
Vikki Porter, community leader and advocate, Maryland Advisory Council on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing secretary, and Maryland Association of the Deaf Board Member, receiving the Director’s Award.
About the Governor's Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
The Governor’s Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing serves as a coordinating office that advises the governor on issues related to the Deaf and hard of hearing population. The office advocates for and promotes equal access and the general welfare of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Maryland by addressing policy gaps, providing expertise, and facilitating access to resources. Learn more by visiting our website at odhh.maryland.gov and connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.