CHS Youth Connections Program

CHS Youth Connections Program CHS Youth Connections Program aims to support Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children. Welcome to a whole new community! We're glad to have you!

The news that your child is Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing can be unexpected. CHS Connections Youth Program, formerly known as CHOICES for Parents can help. CHS Connections is a single point of contact for families with a Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing child. We know that you have many questions and much information to absorb. Understanding the services and options that are available to

you is the first step. CHS Connections can connect you with resources, advocacy, information, services, and supports. A child’s most important learning takes place during the first years of life. Lack of access to language can create communication barriers that may delay your child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. Getting an early start helps you navigate these challenges. CHS Youth Connections can refer you to various resources so that you can make the informed decisions for your child and family. CHS Youth Connections Program is a statewide coalition ensuring that children identified as Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing and their families receive the necessary resources, advocacy, information, services, and support. CHS Youth Connections can provide families with information, and refer you to resources and services such as:

Developmental therapy
Audiological services
Sign language classes
Psychological/counseling services
Educational options
Cued speech classes
Religious services
Individual and group parent support
Child and Family Connections offices
Medical services
Insurance/public aid
Assistive technology
Home-based support
Events in the Deaf Community
Division of Specialized Care for Children
Events in the Latino Deaf Community
Hearing aids
Cochlear implants/implantable devices
Speech therapy
Auditory-Verbal therapy
Auditory-Oral therapy
Deaf mentors

06/10/2026

Join CHS and other Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth and families for this exciting production of the Wizard of Oz with ASL interpretation! Come along with us for a special group rate.

July 23, 7:30pm at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights!

This is a collaboration with the Metropolis Performing Arts Center. Tickets are offered in a special group rate of $25 per person. $4 of every ticket will be a donation to CHS.

Get your tickets here (scroll down for events): https://chicagohearingsociety.org/services/events/

Sign up now because tickets are limited! Questions? Contact [email protected].

---
[Image Description: Cartoon image of the scarecrow, Dorothy, the lion, the tin man, and Toto from the Wizard of Oz. There is a QR code under it. Text reads: "CHS. Wizard of Oz ASL Interpreted Performance. July 23, 2026. 7:30pm. $25 per person. Metropolis Performing Arts Center. 111 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights, IL. 60005. Buy tickets now!" Remaining text as above. End Description.]

06/10/2026

Five years ago DCMP developed its Pop-up Player and began creating American Sign Language interpretation for videos. This quickly gained the support of the Office of Special Education Programs and the interest of many of our friends, including Fred Rogers Productions and PBS, Xploration Station, Emily Calandrelli, Spiffy Pictures, Big Bad Boo, Learn Bright, and Headspinner Productions. Fast forward to 2026, and we've added ASL to over 3,200 educational videos. Videos with ASL have been viewed tens of millions of times by children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Support for ASL as a media accessibility feature continues to grow in mainstream acceptance, and we're just getting started!

https://dcmp.org/learn/711-major-upgrades-for-dcmps-asl-pop-up-player

06/01/2026

CHS y el Programa para Personas Sordas y con Dificultades Auditivas del Distrito de Parques de Chicago se complacen en presentar nuestro KidFest anual GRATUITO para jóvenes y familias sordas, sordociegos y con dificultades auditivas. ¡Únanse a nosotros para disfrutar de manualidades, juegos, pesca y comunidad!

6 de junio de 2026
10am - 12:30pm
William McKinley Park
2210 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609

Regístrese aquí:
www.bit.ly/KidFest2026

06/01/2026

CHS and Chicago Park District ~ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs are excited to host our FREE annual KidFest for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing youth and families! Join us for crafts, games, fishing, and community!

June 6, 2026
10am - 12:30pm
William McKinley Park
2210 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609

Sign up here: www.bit.ly/KidFest2026

Questions? Contact [email protected]

05/12/2026

Address

2017 N Mendel, Suite 3NE
Chicago, IL
60614

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CHS Youth Connections Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share