Education . Advocacy . Resources
EARS
FHSR believes in the power of Education and Advocacy so we work to create and fund unique education programs that help parents at each age & stage of their deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) child’s life. Literacy is the cornerstone of a DHH child’s successful school experience. The Foundation works to foster a love of reading by encouraging parents to read to their child from birth and through our programs at key inflection points of a child’s education. Together in partnership with parents and educators, we hope to build a strong foundation for children living with hearing loss, ensuring every opportunity for DHH children to achieve on the same level as their hearing peers.
From diagnosis to college our goal is to provide opportunities for families to learn to be their child’s best advocate and partner in their education.
Ages & Stages Program:
When your child has been diagnosed with a hearing loss there are many emotions and lots of things to figure out. FHSR was started by parents just like you and we continue to be a Board composed mostly of parents of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children along with the professionals that serve children living with hearing loss in Illinois. The goal of Ages & Stages is to provide the parents and primary caregivers of children diagnosed with hearing loss a roadmap to understanding what is happening at each stage of their child’s life, how to best support their child and education advocacy.
LITERACY
EDUCATION COORDINATOR PROGRAM
Literacy Training for DT-H and SLP’s:
- Wednesday March 19th 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Literacy Training for Parents and Caregivers:
- Saturday April 12th 9:30 – 11:30 am
Cary Library
These seminars are FREE to attend, but registration is required!
Secure your spot today by signing up.
EARLY LITERACY TRAINING SEMINARS
Reading aloud to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children is a powerful way to promote language development, build literacy skills, and create strong bonds through shared stories. For DHH children, reading aloud helps provide visual language exposure, promotes comprehension, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world around them. At FHSR, we are committed to ensuring that these children have the resources and support they need to become confident, lifelong readers.
In honor of this mission, we’re offering two upcoming literacy training workshops designed to support families and providers in partnership with CHS – Chicago Hearing Society :
📅 Virtual Literacy Training for DT-H and SLPs
Date: March 19, 2025 6:00-8:00 PM (Virtual)
- Free workshop focused on effective strategies for story-sharing and literacy development with DHH children.
- 2 hours of EI Education Credits available.
- Complementary set of books featuring characters with hearing loss for all providers attending the workshop.
📅 Literacy Training for Parents & Caregivers
Date: April 12, 2025. 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: Cary Library, 1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary, IL 60013
- Free training for parents of DHH children ages 2-5.
- 4 complimentary books featuring characters with hearing loss.
- FREE Musical Storytime will be provide for children who’s parents/caregivers are attending the workshop.
- ASL and Spanish interpreters available upon request.
We’re committed to helping foster early literacy in the home and empowering DHH children to develop strong language skills and a love of reading. 🌟
New Parent Resource Downloads Now Available!
Developed by Dr. Anna Tess our Education Coordinator, our Education Resources deliver valuable insights and information.
- The Parent Resource Guide (available in English and Spanish) has information about parent rights, the IEP process, accommodation and modifications for children with hearing loss and 504 plans.
- The Early Literacy Guide provides strategies and information to help you read with your child.
Join us for this free workshop for parents and caregivers, designed to foster confidence in story-sharing and literacy development.
FHSR is partnering with Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) to present a workshop for parents and caregivers, focusing on the power of reading and language in the home. The research-based curriculum supports all communication modes and will include methodology, instruction, and hands-on practice related to early literacy and story-sharing skills. With this, parents will become better equipped to support their child and using books to create a language-rich environment within the home.
This workshop is geared for parents with children 2-5 years old.
You probably know that it is important to get an early start on reading with DHH children and that early reading contributes to increased vocabulary, language development, and print awareness. But families report that they are often at a loss when figuring out how to read with their children with hearing loss.
With this curriculum, we can contribute to a new generation of DHH readers and better support early language and literacy milestones.
Each family that attends will be able to get a set of 4 books with characters with hearing loss.
During this workshop, your children will be able to attend an onsite Music To My Ears class with our Early Childhood music partner, The Merit School of Music. Age appropriate siblings are welcome.
This information-packed in person workshop will be offered:
Saturday, November 16, 2024
9am -11am
Chicago Hearing Society Office
2017 N. Mendell, Suite 3NE, Chicago, 60614
I have several families enrolled in the book scholarship. They all love having representation for their child with special needs – whether it’s related to hearing loss, mobility, etc. The kids get really excited to point out a child in the story who looks like them.
– Dana, Developmental Therapist of Hearing
HELPFUL LINKS
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BE A PART OF IT ALL.
Share the joy of literacy with a child.
Your donation to the EARS (education, advocacy, resources) Literacy Program is critical to bringing our services and programs to the children who need them most.
