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

Join us on January 19th, 1:30pm at the Elk Grove Public Library for a screening of "Red: A Crayon's ASL Story" with in-p...
01/02/2026

Join us on January 19th, 1:30pm at the Elk Grove Public Library for a screening of "Red: A Crayon's ASL Story" with in-person activities and crafts!

More information and registration here: https://egvpl.libnet.info/event/15020398

Registration is NOW OPEN for our January session of Family ASL Classes!Family Sign Language Classes are FREE for familie...
12/15/2025

Registration is NOW OPEN for our January session of Family ASL Classes!

Family Sign Language Classes are FREE for families with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing members. Extended family and caregivers welcome. You do not have to live in Illinois to attend.

Register now at www.bit.ly/FamilySLC

NOTE: The schedule for these classes is different than in previous sessions. Please make sure to double check the days / times for your class!

Questions? Email CHSYouth@anixter.org.

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¡CLASES de LENGUA de SENAS AMERICANO (ASL) en ESPANOL!

Estas clases son GRATUITAS para los familiares de niños sordos y con problemas de audición desde el nacimiento hasta la escuela secundaria. Los miembros de la familia extendida son bienvenidos. USTED NO necesita residir en Illinois para participar.
Por favor, enumere a todos los miembros de la familia que planean asistir para que podamos tener un recuento preciso de cuántas personas esperar para la clase.

CALENDARIO DE CLASES:
Sesión: (13 de Enero - 17 de Febrero)
Martes 6:30-7:30pm CST

Registro: www.bit.ly/FamilySLC

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[Image Description: Flyer displaying the CHS logo and a QR code. Text reads: "Family Sign Language Classes. January 14, Beginners (Virtual) Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm CST. January 5, Beginners (In Person) Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm CST. January 15, Beyond Beginners (Virtual) Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm CST. 13 de Enero, Clase de Español Familiar, Martes, 6:30-7:30pm CST." End Description.]

12/08/2025

Winter fun for yourself or/and kids!

I just added a free Snowman ASL Coloring Page. Perfect for classrooms, quiet time, early finishers, or a cozy winter activity.
Download and print at home or school, then let your students decorate their own snowman! ⛄🤟

Grab the free download here: 58creativity.com/collections/digital

ID: A promo image featuring a Snowman ASL coloring page with a blank snowman outline and ASL signs for “snowman.” Snowy background with text “Free Download.”

Join CHS for an amazing day of play at the Chicago Children's Museum on January 11! The museum is reserved for just our ...
12/03/2025

Join CHS for an amazing day of play at the Chicago Children's Museum on January 11!

The museum is reserved for just our Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing families from 10am-12pm and, after that, families are welcome to stay in the museum and play until close!

The event is FREE! Register now at www.bit.ly/CHS-CCM

Questions? Contact CHSYouth@anixter.org.

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[Image Description: Cartoon images of children playing with toys. There is a QR code. Text reads: "Deaf Family Play Day. Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier. 700 East Grand Avenue. Chicago, Illinois 60611. Sunday, January 11, 10am-12pm. FREE for families with Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing members! Explore the museum after the event - all day for free! Register here: www.bit.ly/CHS-CCM. www.chicagohearingsociety.org."

Join the Illinois School for the Deaf Outreach for this great, virtual event! More information and registration here: ww...
12/02/2025

Join the Illinois School for the Deaf Outreach for this great, virtual event!

More information and registration here: www.bit.ly/ISD-Together

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[Image Description: Image of a tiger and a clipart of parents holding a baby in front of a laptop. There is a QR code on the bottom right. Text reads: "Illinois School for the Deaf Outreach Virtual Parent Event 2026. Together from Anywhere. Virtual sessions support families with children who are deaf/hard of hearing and the providers who work with them. All attendees who complete an evaluation at the end of the sessions will be entered into a drawing for a gift card. Raffle prizes during sessions! Week 1, Saturday January 31, 2026. Week 2, Saturday February 7, 2026. 9:00am-12:00pm. Week 1 (1/31/26), Behavior in School - Kari Taylor ISRC. Growing Up Deaf, Leslie Williams, CHS Youth Connections. Week 2 (2/7/26), Socialization - Andrea Marwah, ISD Outreach. Connect & Discover iOS & Android Edition for Kids - Tina Childress, ISD Outreach. Register Today! www.bit.ly/ISD-Together. Come in your bathrobe and bunny slippers, grab a tea or coffee, and settle in for some awesome sessions created just for you! Keep your cameras on or off depending on how those kiddos are cooperating! Need more information, contact andrea.marwah@illinois.gov." End Description.]

12/02/2025

It's Giving Tuesday!

✨ Meet Silas ✨
At just six months old, Silas lost his hearing after a battle with bacterial meningitis. His parents described those first days as filled with grief and uncertainty—until they found Chicago Hearing Society (CHS).
“When Silas lost his hearing, we grieved. We mourned the life path we thought he was on. But the truth is, it was just the beginning. Thanks to CHS, Silas is playful, gregarious, and confident.” — John, Silas’s dad

Through ASL classes, the Deaf Mentor program, and family events, Silas has found a joyful community where his Deafness is not only supported, but celebrated.

This Giving Tuesday, your gift helps children like Silas grow up surrounded by connection, confidence, and belonging.

👉 Donate today: www.chicagohearingsociety.org/appeal

12/02/2025

Attention!!
New Date - December 14th!

Good news!
Deadline extended to Dec 7th to RSVP your kid(s) for boarding the Polar Express!! Register your kid here: https://forms.gle/5xSJjcN3En5Anr7S8

New Update!!
Thank you to everyone who RSVP’d for your child. Please note that our event date has changed.

:spiral_calendar_pad: New Date: Sunday, December 14th
:alarm_clock: Time: 11am-5pm

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Please check your email and update your calendars — we can’t wait to see you there!

DEAR Week 2025 starts tomorrow! Sign up here to join us and get all of our great Drop Everything and Read resources! www...
12/01/2025

DEAR Week 2025 starts tomorrow! Sign up here to join us and get all of our great Drop Everything and Read resources!

www.bit.ly/CHS-DEAR-2025

December 1-7, 2025 is DEAR Week! DEAR stands for Drop Everything and Read. Sign up for our DEAR newsletter to get an email each day for a week with ASL storytelling videos, literacy tips, and book recommendations for a variety of age groups that feature Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing characters.

Sign up for our free, DEAR Week newsletters as a class, family, or individual here: www.bit.ly/CHS-DEAR-2025

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[Image Description: A cartoon of two children reading. One has a cochlear implant, the other wears a hearing aid. The CHS and YFC icons are in the corners and a QR code is at the bottom. Text reads: "Drop Everything and Read: DEAR Week. December 1-7, 2025. Youth and Family Connections. How it works: 1) Join our DEAR email list. 2) Every day during DEAR week, get an email with fun literacy resources for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing kids. 3) Drop everything and read! Resources include: ASL storytelling videos, literacy tips, and books that feature Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing characters. Sign up as a class, family, or individual at www.bit.ly/CHS-DEAR-2025 Questions or suggestions? CHSYouth@anixter.org." End Description.

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1444 W. Willow Street
Chicago, IL
60642

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Our Story

The news that your child is deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing can be a shock. The emotions can be confusing and overwhelming. CHOICES for Parents can help. CHOICES for Parents is a single point of contact for parents who have a child who is deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. We know that you have many decisions to make. Understanding the services and opportunities that are available to you is the first step. CHOICES for Parents can connect you with services and support, helping diminish your feelings of isolation. A child’s most important learning takes place during the first years of life. Over 90 percent of babies who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing are born to hearing parents. This can lead to language and communication barriers that may delay your child’s emotional, cognitive and social development. Getting an early start on language and communication development helps you navigate these challenges. CHOICES for Parents can refer you to resources so that you can make the best decisions for your child and family. CHOICES for Parents is a statewide coalition of parents and professionals ensuring that children identified as deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing and their families receive the necessary resources, advocacy, information, services, and support.

CHOICES for Parents 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