Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

06/16/2026

Today, we proudly recognize Ellen Babbitt for more than a decade of dedicated service on FHSR's Board of Directors.

As a passionate advocate, parent, and accessibility attorney, Ellen has helped advance opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing through her leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission.

Thank you, Ellen, for your years of service and for helping create a future where every child can reach their full potential. 💙

06/12/2026

Thanks to our amazing community, we've already raised more than $14,000 through FHSR's Ready to Read: Double the Impact campaign!

There's still time to help us reach our goal and unlock the full $10,000 match. Every dollar donated is matched 1:1, doubling your impact and helping children who are deaf and hard of hearing build the skills they need to succeed in school.

Make your gift today and help us close the gap. 📚💙
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358461&id=47

06/11/2026

Lace up and join other deaf and hard of hearing families this Sunday, June 14 at 8:30 AM for the Hear & Out Run Event with former Lurie patient Marne Sullivan!

Hear & Out is dedicated to raising awareness around hearing loss, cochlear implants, and hearing aids while empowering individuals to embrace their journeys with confidence and authenticity.

Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, all paces and abilities are welcome. Meet at Heartbreak Hill Running (2148 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614) and choose from 3- or 5-mile lakefront routes.Stick around for post-run refreshments, community, and good vibes.

Bonus: The theme colors are pink and black, so come dressed in your best fit! 💗🖤

More info and RSVP at: https://heartbreakchi.eventcalendarapp.com/hear-and-out-run

05/20/2026

👟💙 Step forward. Make an impact.

Join FHSR and Mal’s Pals at the Walk for Lurie Children’s, a powerful day of community, connection, and purpose. This family-friendly event brings together supporters of all ages for a scenic 3-mile walk, kids’ activities, and a shared mission: supporting children with hearing loss.

Every step you take helps fund critical audiology programs, music therapy, and educational support that empower children to thrive. And the best part? It’s free to join, just bring your energy and your heart.

Walk with us. Build community. Change lives.

👉 Register today and join Team FHSR:

Each year, hundreds of walkers come together to walk while supporting the patients and families at Lurie Children's.

05/08/2026

🚨The Hidden Barrier: Language Deprivation

For many deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, the greatest challenge isn’t hearing loss; it’s delayed access to language. When children don’t have consistent, fully accessible communication early in life, it can impact everything from learning to social development.

One family we worked with shared that before enrolling in services, their toddler struggled to communicate even basic needs. Frustration was constant, for both the child and the parents. But once they were introduced to visual language strategies and supported reading routines, everything began to change.

Little by little, signs turned into words. Words turned into connection and connection opened the door to learning. 💛

This is why Ready to Read: Double the Impact matters. Early access to language isn’t just important—it’s critical. With the right tools and support, DHH children can build strong foundations for literacy, confidence, and lifelong success.

📚 Help us close the language gap. Double your impact today.
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358461&id=47

05/07/2026

🎶 We’re inspired by From the Top’s Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities II (Show 479), a powerful showcase of talented young artists who are redefining what’s possible through music. This special episode highlights the stories, perspectives, and performances of disabled and neurodivergent musicians—amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and celebrated.

We’re especially proud to see Zion, FHSR’s 2024 Champion Child, featured among these incredible performers and continuing to flourish on such a national stage. His journey is a beautiful reminder of what happens when talent meets opportunity and support.

💫 Here’s to breaking barriers, building representation, and celebrating every child’s potential to shine. Check out Zion’s performance here: https://youtu.be/KLnr_kan_AQ?si=BCr4ZVlXTlTV6A50

05/05/2026

💡 Did you know?

Reading aloud to deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children doesn’t just build literacy—it strengthens language, comprehension, and connection all at once. In fact, shared reading helps provide critical visual language exposure and supports vocabulary development in ways that shape a child’s entire learning journey.

Through FHSR’s literacy programs, families and educators receive training, resources, and even books featuring children with hearing loss, helping create language-rich environments where every child can see themselves and succeed.

That’s why Ready to Read: Double the Impact matters. When we invest in early language and literacy, we’re helping DHH children walk into school ready—not just to read, but to thrive.

📚 Double your impact today and help build the foundation for lifelong learning.
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358461&id=47

05/01/2026

Small Wins, Big Impact 💛

Imagine this: a 14-month-old signs her very first word—“shoe”—during play. A simple moment, but a powerful one. That single sign opens the door to connection, expression, and confidence.

“Language is empowering. It also helps establish connections. It is beyond exciting to me every time.” –Classroom instructor & Developmental Therapist - Hearing (DT-H)

Through Ready to Read: Double the Impact, we’re creating more of these moments—helping deaf and hard of hearing children build the language and early literacy skills they need to walk into school ready to learn, connect, and thrive. 📚✨

https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358461&id=47

04/30/2026

📚 Ready to Read: Double the Impact

This spring, FHSR is proud to launch Ready to Read: Double the Impact—a campaign dedicated to helping deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children build the language and early literacy skills they need to start school ready to learn.

Literacy and language are the foundation of every child’s academic success. With the right support, tools, and access to a language-rich environment, young learners can develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive from day one.

Now is the perfect time to make a difference: thanks to a generous donor, every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. That means your support goes twice as far—helping even more children begin their reading journey.

Join us in doubling the impact and opening the door to language, learning, and opportunity. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358461&id=47

04/24/2026

Introducing our 2025 Impact Report

We’re proud to share the impact you helped make possible last year:
• 199 parents & professionals supported through 1:1 guidance for IEPs, 504 plans, classroom accommodations, and early literacy training
• 160+ students experienced musical enrichment through MTME
• 950+ children served across Illinois

Plus, so many incredible moments featuring amazing DHH children.
Your support powers every milestone—thank you for making a sound investment in all our children.
Click below to see the difference you’ve made:http://www.fhsr.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FHSR-2025-Impact-Report_digital-compressed.pdf Or read it by visiting our website at FHSR.org