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

09/04/2026
CHS is so excited to partner with Sally Is Sarah Productions and the Indian Trails Library for an interactive "Knitting ...
09/01/2026

CHS is so excited to partner with Sally Is Sarah Productions and the Indian Trails Library for an interactive "Knitting for Dogs" event!

Join us on September 19 from 11-12 for a free screening of the ASL film of the delightful picture book "Knitting for Dogs," followed by fun activities and a hands-on craft.

Stop by the Youth Services desk starting at 10:30am to get your free tickets to this amazing event! We look forward to seeing you there. ASL interpretation provided for the full event.

For more details, visit the event page at www.bit.ly/ITL-Knitting

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[Image Description: An illustration of a child and a dog wrapped up in knitted scarves while sitting on a couch under the words "Knitting for Dogs." Further text reads: "Super Saturday: Knitting for Dogs - an ASL Story and Craft. Family-friendly performance. Saturday, September 19. 11:00am-12:00pm. Main Library, Lake Cook Room. Ages 5 and older with a caregiver. Join us for a special film screening of the American Sign Language (ASL) adapted picture book by Laurel Molk, followed by a live discussion and a craft. TR." End Description.]

Do you work with DHH students? Consider participating in the US and Japan DHH Penpal Program! Kids will exchange letters...
09/01/2026

Do you work with DHH students? Consider participating in the US and Japan DHH Penpal Program! Kids will exchange letters, in English, with DHH students in Japan - what a great opportunity to connect and learn!

To participate, visit www.soradhhkids.com or contact [email protected]

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[Image Description: Colored pencils and squiggles surround a flyer. Text reads: "US + Japan Penpal Program. Do you want to make a new international friend? Here we are. This is a program for DHH kids in the US to exchange letters, make new friends, and learn about Japanese culture programs. All free to join! Please contact Sora DHH and we will send you all information. Website - soradhhkids.com. [email protected]. Instagram - aiko_chicago_sora." End Description.]

08/31/2026

📚✨ ASL READ ALOUD IS HAPPENING SOON ✨📚

Join Language First for a free virtual ASL Read Aloud on September 3, 2026, from 7:30–8:30 PM ET!

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy stories in ASL and connect through the power of accessible, visual language. 💙📖

🗓️ Date: September 3, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:30–8:30 PM ET
💻 Location: Zoom
💙 Cost: FREE

📌 Find the book schedule and Zoom link at: bit.ly/aslrasched

Share with families, educators, interpreters, and anyone who loves reading in ASL! 🤟📚

Image Description:

A square promotional graphic for Language First advertising an “ASL Read Aloud” virtual event. At the top left is the Language First logo, featuring a blue hand-and-flame style symbol next to the words “LANGUAGE FIRST,” with “FIRST” in blue.Large, bold black text in the center-left reads: “ASL READ ALOUD.” Below the title, a bulleted list provides event details:

Join the Illinois Service Resource Center for a virtual Family Literacy Night on October 14th focused on Knitting for Do...
08/28/2026

Join the Illinois Service Resource Center for a virtual Family Literacy Night on October 14th focused on Knitting for Dogs and the ASL film by Sally Is Sarah Productions!

All attendees will get a copy of the book and materials for the craft in the mail before the event!

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/ISRC-knitting

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[Image Description: Image of a picture book with a dog and a child wrapped in knitted scarves. There are balls of yarn around the flyer and a QR code in the bottom left. Text reads: "ISRC Family Literacy Night. The ISRC will be hosting its annual Family Literacy Night on Wednesday, October 14th from 6:30-7:30pm via Google Meet. This year's book is Knitting for Dogs by Laurel Molk. We will be watching an ASL film of the book, produced by Sally is Sarah Productions with a craft to follow. Register for Literacy Night by October 5th using the QR code. All attendees will receive a copy of the book and craft supplies in the mail prior to the event." End Description.]

08/20/2026
08/20/2026
08/20/2026

Fall Kids Club & ASL classes are open for registration! Kids Club runs Saturdays and Sundays, grouped by age (0–5 through 13+). Teens and adults can join Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced classes on weeknights. All live and virtual scan the QR code above to save your spot. Link in the comments below!

08/20/2026

⚾️ Take me out to the ballgame! ⚾️
Join Chicago Hearing Society for Deaf Inclusive Night at Wrigley Field! 💙❤️ Come cheer on the Cubs while celebrating Deaf culture, community, and accessibility.

📅 Monday, September 14th
⏰ Game Time: 6:40 PM
📍 Wrigley Field

Meet us before the game for a pregame meetup in Gallagher Way, then experience the National Anthem performed in ASL! 🤟⚾️

🎟️ Ready to join us? Scan the QR code for more information and to purchase your tickets! Select CHS as the organization you are supporting when you purchase.
Bring your friends and family, wear your Cubs gear, and we’ll see you at Wrigley! 🐻💙

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2017 N Mendel, Suite 3NE
Chicago, IL
60614

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