Pediatric Cochlear Implant program provides support for families and professionals in today’s changing landscape

Hart Family Education Coordinator

Jen Haney, Hart Family Cochlear Implant Education Coordinator, has been incredibly busy in her efforts to meet the sudden needs of parents and professionals brought about by the pandemic. As professionals, therapists, and parents navigate the new normal through e-learning and teletherapy, Jen has consulted with those in need by providing resources, strategies, and recommendations […]

FHSR Supports our community in this time of need

Greetings- on behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, we hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. As we navigate these unprecedented times, we are touched by the spirit and community that has come together to support children and families in need.  The challenges we face remind us of what […]

Fun and Interactive Music Activities: Ages 5-7

Finding new and exciting activities to engage your children can be difficult when you are all together all the time. Music is a universal language that can engage children and adults young and old. I’m Brooke Saywer and I’m a FHSR Associate Board member. I am also a board-certified music therapist that has worked in […]

Listening, Language, and Speech: Activities for At-Home Learning

This is a troublesome time for the world right now, with a lot of uncertainty surrounding what will happen next. Schools have shut down and parents have taken on the unique role to support student learning in a way like never before.Have no fear! There are so many activities you can do with your child […]

Holiday Travel with CIs and Hearing Aids – A Handy Checklist

The holiday season is upon us! December is one of the busiest travel months of the year. How can you assure that you have a successful, low-stress vacation with your Cochlear Implant (CI) or Hearing Aid (HA) kid?  Plan, plan, plan, and then prepare!

What to Look For When Signing Up for Health Insurance

The 2018 open enrollment period for the healthcare marketplace ends after December 15, 2018. As the parent of a child with hearing loss that has been forced to get new health insurance every year for the last seven years (our plans were “no longer offered,” i.e., cancelled, each year), I understand how hard it can be to choose a health insurance plan.  If possible, work with your employer’s human resources department to pick a plan.  For the rest of us without that option, here are a few tips to consider when choosing an insurance plan for you and your family.  We provide additional resource links for more tips.

Important News: Insurance Coverage for Children’s Hearing Aids

On August 23, 2018, Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB4516 requiring Illinois insurance companies to provide coverage for hearing instruments for children under the age of 18. The bill is effective immediately, which means that insurers will begin providing this benefit with policies issued after today. If you have a claim denied, please report it to the Illinois Department of Insurance.

School Options for Children with Hearing Loss

Has your child been diagnosed with a hearing loss? Are you looking for a school for the deaf in Illinois? The FHSR Associate Board has compiled a list of schools for the deaf in Illinois, as well as other options to consider if you are thinking about educating your child in a public or private school.