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

04/15/2026

Join CHS and Sally is Sally Is Sarah Productions for a screening of the ASL storybook "Calvin Can't Fly," followed by interactive activities and a fun craft!

The event is on April 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm at the Vernon Area Public Library.

Sign-up is free but required. Register here: https://calendar.vapld.info/event/calvin-cant-fly-asl-film-screening-91785

We'll see you there!

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[Image Description: cute illustrations of black birds flying and standing on a wire. Below, on the ground, is one bird by himself. Text reads: "Calvin Can't Fly, An ASL Storybook." End Description.]

04/13/2026

Join us for an unforgettable night of hockey and inclusivity as the Chicago Wolves take on the Manitoba Moose! On April 15, we are proud to host ASL Awareness Day, dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all fans, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sign language interpreters will be present in a designated section to ensure everyone can enjoy the game to the fullest.

Each ticket purchase comes with a cozy Chicago Wolves knit hat to keep you warm and stylish as you cheer on the team.

More info can be found here!

https://www.gofevo.com/event/aslawarenessnightwolves26

Join CHS and other Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth and families for this exciting production of the Wizard of Oz with ASL...
04/10/2026

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 CHSYouth@anixter.org.

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[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.]

04/07/2026

If fingerspelling still feels slow… or a little frustrating… you’re definitely not alone.

Fingerspelling is a key part of American Sign Language—used for names, places, and so many everyday moments—but it’s also one of the hardest skills for learners to feel confident with.

That’s exactly why we created this class.

👉 Join us for Fingerspelling Strategies: From Slow to Smooth
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM (ET)

In this live, interactive session, you’ll learn:
✨ How to recognize fingerspelled words more quickly
✨ Common patterns that make fingerspelling easier to understand
✨ Practical strategies to move beyond letter-by-letter decoding
✨ Ways to build smoother, more confident communication

This class is designed to be supportive, practical, and immediately useful—whether you’re a parent, professional, or ASL learner.

💙 You don’t have to stay stuck at slow.

👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fingerspelling-strategies-from-slow-to-smooth

03/27/2026

🌞 Summer Camps Webinar for Teens with Cochlear Implants 🌞

Thinking about summer camp this year? Join us for a special session with Lexi as she talks with teens about what to consider when signing up for summer camps. From communication strategies to device care and safety, this session will help you feel prepared and confident for camp!

📅 April 15
⏰ 7:00 PM EST

🔗 Register here: https://www.acialliance.org/event/lexisummercamps

Whether it’s your first camp or you’re a seasoned camper, this is a great opportunity to get tips, ask questions, and connect with others in the community. We hope to see you there!

03/27/2026
Check out the Chicago Youth Deaf Soccer Clinic hosted at Intentional Sports! This youth clinic, led by the USA Deaf Soc...
03/20/2026

Check out the Chicago Youth Deaf Soccer Clinic hosted at Intentional Sports!

This youth clinic, led by the USA Deaf Soccer Association, is focused on Deaf, Hard of Hearing, CODA kids, and siblings. Players of all skill levels are welcome.

Use this link to register for the event: https://crm.nonprofiteasy.com/10966/Pages/Events/ #/Details/12741//

Registration is NOW OPEN for our April session of Family ASL Classes!Family Sign Language Classes are FREE for families ...
03/19/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for our April 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

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: (7 de Abril - 12 de Mayo)
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. April 15, Beginners (Virtual) Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm CST. April 6, Beyond Beginners (In Person) Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm CST. April 9, Beyond Beginners (Virtual) Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm CST. 7 de Abril, Clase de Español Familiar, Martes, 6:30-7:30pm CST." End Description.]

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2017 N Mendel, Suite 3NE
Chicago, IL
60614

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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