Frederick is home to Maryland’s first dedicated Deaf Community Center, marking a significant milestone for the state’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Located at 720 N. East Street, the center celebrated its grand opening on August 21, 2026, following years of community advocacy and planning. The vision began in 2018 with Frederick County Deaf residents seeking a permanent, accessible space for their community. The nonprofit organization was formed in 2019 and received federal tax-exempt status in March 2020 before purchasing the property in 2022. The approximately 10,700-square-foot facility provides multipurpose space for community gatherings, educational programs, workshops, and social activities. The center also builds on Frederick’s existing connection to Deaf culture, including the Maryland School for the Deaf, and serves a statewide population of more than 1.2 million Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, according to the center.
The center aims to support workforce development, career opportunities, and Deaf entrepreneurship through American Sign Language (ASL) classes, educational workshops, cultural programming, and career internships and placements. It also connects residents with referrals for accessible health care, housing, mental health services, and other community resources. “MDCC will be a one stop center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to get referrals for Deaf friendly medical, housing, mental health agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other necessary information,” said Lori Bonheyo, vice president of the organization’s board, in an earlier statement about the project. The center’s development reflects collaboration among community advocates and public partners. The City of Frederick and Frederick County each committed $500,000 toward the project, alongside state and other funding. Maryland’s 2025 bond initiative fact sheet listed the project’s estimated total cost at approximately $6.3 million.
The Maryland Deaf Community Center represents more than a new facility; it is an investment in accessibility, talent, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. By creating a permanent statewide resource in Frederick, the center strengthens the city’s role as a place where inclusion and economic opportunity go hand in hand. As programming and partnerships grow, the center has the potential to attract visitors from across Maryland, increase engagement with nearby businesses, and expand opportunities for Deaf residents and entrepreneurs. Learn more at deafmdcc.org.
Photo Credit: MDCC