Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

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Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization.

Thanks to generous gifts from FHSR to establish and continue to fund key staff positions, children with hearing loss treated at Lurie Children’s and their families receive support from:
• A full-time cochlear implant education coordinator, who serves as an essential advocate for more than 200 children and families each year. By visiting schools and working closely with teaching professionals, the

education coordinator helps them develop appropriate goals, therapies and strategies to maximize a child’s success in school.
• A specially-trained social worker, whose services are crucial in helping families cope with the many emotional and practical aspects of raising a child with hearing loss. The social worker helps more than 170 families of newly-diagnosed children and receives nearly 500 referrals from audiologists for assistance every year.
• An audiology technician, who each year assists nearly 1,000 patients and families with hearing aids and frequency modulated (FM) systems. The technician also provides training with FM systems and other assistive listening devices, programs loaner hearing aids and reprograms repaired hearing aids.
• A loaner hearing aid bank of nearly 400 devices, providing crucial support for children undergoing a trial period of amplification while being evaluated for a cochlear implant. Also benefitting are children whose equipment requires repair, for whom going even one day without assisted hearing can present serious challenges.

08/20/2026

A week at Listen CI Camp is about so much more than activities and adventure. It is about finding a community where children with cochlear implants can be fully themselves, and where families can connect with others who understand their journey.

FHSR Youth Ambassadors Mal and Raquel recently attended the Listen Foundation’s CI Camp in Estes Park, Colorado, alongside their families. Their moms, Heather and Jen, joined other parents for support, education, and conversations about raising children with hearing loss.

For Raquel’s sister Dominique, who returned as a camp counselor after attending as a camper, one of the most meaningful moments was seeing children feel understood and celebrated. “It was so important to me that every single child felt seen.”

From outdoor adventures in the Rocky Mountains to friendships that last beyond camp, CI Camp reminds families they are never alone. We are grateful to the Listen Foundation for creating this incredible opportunity for connection, confidence, and community!

Learn more about Listen CI Camp here: https://www.listenfoundation.org/campinformation/

08/19/2026

Join FHSR’s lead MTME classroom-based teacher, Sally Blandon, for a morning of music, stories, and fun!

Sally will lead Cantando con Salita, a TRILINGUAL Musical Storytime designed for children ages 0–6 and their families.

Through music and interactive storytelling in English, Spanish, and ASL, families can sing, learn, and connect in an inclusive environment.

Saturday, August 29
Doors open at 11:00 AM | Music 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago

This program is FREE, and registration is required.

Register here: https://dice.fm/event/8e95qw-cantando-con-salita-a-trilingual-musical-storytime-ages-06-29th-aug-epiphany-center-for-the-arts-courtyard-chicago-tickets

We’re excited to see Sally sharing her talents with families throughout the Chicago community!

08/18/2026

The journey doesn’t end after high school graduation.

FHSR provides resources and support to help young adults with hearing loss navigate life beyond high school. From planning for college and careers to building confidence and self-advocacy skills, we are here to help young adults prepare for their next steps. Every person’s path looks different, and having the right support can make all the difference.

Learn more about FHSR’s Beyond High School resources and discover opportunities to help young adults reach their goals. https://www.fhsr.org/beyond-high-school/

08/17/2026

Save the Date! We’re planning a very special morning of family fun and connection.

FHSR and Advanced Bionics are hosting a Hispanic Heritage celebration on Saturday, September 26, at Chiquita Scoops in Chicago.

Families with children ages 1–8 who have hearing loss, cochlear implants, hearing aids, or BAHAs can enjoy food, music, and fun together.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with others who share similar experiences and for caregivers to connect, learn, and build community.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Save the date and register at tinyurl.com/FHSRHH!

08/14/2026

Congratulations to FHSR’s Music Therapy team for sharing their important work on an international stage!

Loren Goodman and Erika Cowhey, along with the University of Iowa’s Dr. Hae Sun Kim, recently presented their research at the World Congress of Music Therapy in Bologna, Italy.

Their presentation, "Making Music Together: Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Through Community-Based Music Therapy," highlighted how community-based music therapy supports children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

We’re so thankful for their dedication to creating opportunities for children to build communication skills, confidence, and connection through music.

Read more about FHSR’s Music Therapy program on our website: https://www.fhsr.org/music-therapy/

08/12/2026

Get ready to Rock the Town for Hearing!

Join FHSR on October 23rd at Sarabande Chicago for an evening filled with live music, food and drinks, and community connection.

Guests will enjoy entertainment from local musicians, delicious catering from Limelight Catering, an open bar, and event support from Electronic Media Technicians, Carlson Integrated, MED-EL, and .

Register early and save with code ROCKEARLY to save 10% now through September 1.
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358461&id=52

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact us to learn more:
Email: [email protected]

Electronic Media Technicians
Limelight Catering
Carlson Integrated, LLC
MED-EL
AT Properties

08/10/2026

Back-to-school season is an exciting time, but a new classroom can bring unique challenges for students with hearing loss. Help your child start the year with confidence by following these simple tips:

Request a beginning-of-the-year meeting with your child's teacher(s) to review classroom layout, seating and a communication system and any other needs before classes start.
Make sure all hearing technology is working and ready for the first day of school, and help your teacher understand how to utilize the equipment.
In addition to advocating for your child, encourage them to self-advocate for their needs in the classroom and ask for support when needed.

Visit our Back-to-School Tips for DHH Students for more helpful ideas.

https://www.fhsr.org/back-to-school-tips-for-dhh-students/

08/07/2026

Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Thanks to the incredible volunteers and a partnership between The SBB Research Group Foundation and FHSR, book packets filled with encouraging notes and meaningful stories are on their way to families in our programs.

These books help deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) kids build confidence, celebrate who they are, and feel connected. We are so grateful for partners who help create moments of belonging, one book at a time.

Partnerships like these allow us to provide resources, build connections, and make a lasting impact for children and families. To learn more about the SBB Research Group Foundation and its community impact visit their website at https://www.sbbrg.org/.

08/05/2026

Planning a summer trip with hearing loss or a child with hearing loss? A little preparation can help make travel smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable for the whole family. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before your next adventure:

Pack extra batteries, chargers, equipment, and accessories, and keep them together in an easy-to-find bag.

When making your reservation for your flight, many airlines allow you to disclose that you or your child has hearing loss and ask for the special assistance that you need. This may include being able to pre-board the aircraft.

Many hotels have rooms with special accessibility features for individuals with hearing loss. When booking a room, ask for one that is accessible for individuals with hearing loss.

Ensure that you have the support to have a successful and fun trip. This may include carrying a card that explains your or your child’s hearing loss in another language, or using a translation app that creates captions on the spot.

BONUS TIP! Apply for the free National Parks Access Pass available to children with permanent hearing loss.

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. With preparation and support, amazing memories are waiting to be made!

Learn more tips for travel with deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) kids here:
https://www.fhsr.org/tips-for-travel-with-dhh-kids/

08/04/2026

What a great day at Morton Arboretum!

Families came together to explore the Children’s Garden, enjoy the outdoors, and reconnect with friends old and new. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special.

A heartfelt thank you to the Morton Arboretum for their hospitality and support of FHSR, and to the Illinois Service Resource Center for leading a fun butterfly craft.

We hope you can join us for Family Day next year!

Illinois Service Resource Center The Morton Arboretum

Address

Chicago, IL

Telephone

+18473872889

Website

http://www.fhsr.org/

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