CHS Youth Connections Program

09/29/2026

CHS is partnering with Funtopia in Glenview for a Deaf Family Play event! Join our staff and other families with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing members for an afternoon of unique climbing walls, obstacle courses, and jungle gyms! There's even a toddler play area!

November 5, 4:30-6:30pm

Come along with us for a special, discounted rate of $20 per child for two hours of unlimited play. ASL interpretation provided.

Register here at www.bit.ly/CHS-Funtopia or email questions to [email protected].

We're so excited to see you there!

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[Image Description: One image of children climbing up a net with harnesses on, another of a younger child going through a large, contained jungle gym. Text reads: "Deaf Family Play, Funtopia. Unique climbing walls, toddler play area, Deaf community. November 5, 4:30-6:30pm. Play with us for a special event rate of $20 per child. Funtopia in Glenview. www.chicagohearingsociety.org. [email protected]. Register at www.bit.ly/CHS-Funtopia." End Description.]

09/24/2026

It's time again for our annual Toy Drive! Toys will be distributed at our Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Deaf Santa event in partnership with Chicago Park District - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs on December 6th. We have three ways for you to contribute:

1) Buy from our Amazon Wishlist! www.bit.ly/CHS-Toys
2) Drop off new, unwrapped toys to the CHS office at 2017 N Mendell, Suite 3NE, Chicago.
3) Donate to CHS and write "Toy Drive" in the gift notes. www.bit.ly/CHS-Give

Thank you in advance for your generosity in making this a successful event for our Chicagoland Deaf community!

Questions about the toy drive or the event? Contact [email protected].

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[Image Description: A white flyer with cartoon images of wrapped presents, toys, and ribbons. Two QR codes are on top of gift-shaped boxes. One of the presents has an ILY handshape on the card. Information as above. End Description.]

09/21/2026

If you have a school-aged child who is deaf or hard of hearing, here's a great opportunity to help build your advocacy skills.

Join the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) Outreach for “IDEA & Advocacy” on Zoom this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

ISD Parent Advocate Andrea Marwah will provide tips and key information about advocating for your school-age child who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Andrea will explain:

- Key laws protecting children with disabilities

- Areas of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) that are most important

- Successfully advocating for your child in meetings

Andrea is the mother of a child who is hearing impaired. She is passionate about educating and providing resources for parents and professionals. She is also a published author and presents nationally on topics related to deafness, advocacy, education and family support.

This free webinar is open to parents, caregivers, family members and professionals who want to learn more about this topic.

To sign up and learn more, visit https://zurl.co/yYjYS.

09/21/2026

Get ready to play! We’re officially counting down to Bingo Night—just 28 days to go!

Join Illinois Hands & Voices for a fun evening of games, community, and prizes.

Date: October 17th

Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: VFW #367 – Joliet, IL

Don't wait to secure your spot—scan the QR code on the flyer or grab your tickets today at tinyurl.com/ILHVBingo!

Must be 18 years or older to purchase tickets. For more details, visit ilhv.org/bingo.

09/21/2026

Join us this Saturday! Don’t miss a fun-filled morning celebrating Hispanic heritage with FHSR and Advanced Bionics at Chiquita Scoops in Chicago.

From 10 a.m. to noon, families can enjoy food, music, and plenty of fun for children ages 1–8 with hearing loss, cochlear implants, hearing aids, or BAHAs - and their caregivers.

Admission is free, but registration is required.
Register at tinyurl.com/FHSRHH.

We can’t wait to see you there!

¡Acompáñanos este sábado! No te pierdas una mañana llena de diversión celebrando la herencia hispana con FHSR y Advanced Bionics en Chiquita Scoops, en Chicago.

De las 10 a. m. al mediodía, las familias podrán disfrutar de comida, música y mucha diversión para niños de 1 a 8 años con pérdida auditiva, implantes cocleares, audífonos o BAHA, junto con sus cuidadores.

La entrada es gratuita, pero es necesario registrarse.
Regístrate en tinyurl.com/FHSRHH.

¡Tenemos muchas ganas de veros allí!

09/21/2026

09/21/2026

Join us for a virtual baking class in ASL with English voice interpretation! All ages welcome as Sass teaches us to make a delicious mug cake and makes baking fun and accessible!

November 14, 1:00-2:00pm. $10 per family.

Sign up here: www.bit.ly/CHS-Bake

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[Image Description: clipart of baking supplies and a child wearing a chef's hat surround a flyer. There is a photograph of a Black woman with dyed blue braids and a red shirt holding a bowl and whisk. Text reads: "Bake It with Sass. Learn to make mug cake! Virtual baking class. All ages welcome. Accessible in ASL and English. $10 per family. November 14, 2026. 1:00-2:00pm. Register now: www.bit.ly/CHS-Bake." End Description.]

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

Join us on SATURDAY for this amazing event!

CHS is so excited to partner with Sally Is Sarah Productions and the Indian Trails Library for an interactive "Knitting for Dogs" event!

Join us on September 19 from 11-12 for a free screening of the ASL film of the delightful picture book "Knitting for Dogs," followed by fun activities and a hands-on craft.

Stop by the Youth Services desk starting at 10:30am to get your free tickets to this amazing event! We look forward to seeing you there. ASL interpretation provided for the full event.

For more details, visit the event page at www.bit.ly/ITL-Knitting

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[Image Description: An illustration of a child and a dog wrapped up in knitted scarves while sitting on a couch under the words "Knitting for Dogs." Further text reads: "Super Saturday: Knitting for Dogs - an ASL Story and Craft. Family-friendly performance. Saturday, September 19. 11:00am-12:00pm. Main Library, Lake Cook Room. Ages 5 and older with a caregiver. Join us for a special film screening of the American Sign Language (ASL) adapted picture book by Laurel Molk, followed by a live discussion and a craft. TR." End Description.]

09/16/2026

Explore how vision and hearing loss can impact a child’s development along with key milestones and signs to watch for. Learn how early awareness and support can help children thrive.

Join us for a free informal webinar on zoom!

To receive the zoom link register here or with QR code:
https://tinyurl.com/ILHVSignup2026