FHSR and the READ Program

READ Expands the Imagination

CHOICES for Parents’ READ Program for School-Aged Children tackles the critical issue of early exposure to books and reading. In collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), Paul Graller of the Exposition Management company Hall-Erickson, and John Loveless of GES Exposition Services, exhibitors at the annual ALA conference donate their new books to CHOICES for Parents to promote literacy among school aged children who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing. Volunteers sort through the donated books, stamp them with CHOICES for Parents information, and box them for distribution to school programs that serve children with hearing loss. Each child receives two books and a book-bag filled with helpful information related to hearing healthcare and encouraging a love of books.

On READ Program days in Central and Southern Illinois Schools, the deaf guest reader brings to life stories related to healthy habits and talks with the students about taking care of their hearing equipment, advocating for their communication needs, living healthy lifestyles through good eating and exercise habits. In FY16 CHOICES held READ Program Days at 24 schools and distributed 10,115 books to predominantly children from low-income families who are deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing.

In addition to fostering an appreciation of books and motivation to read, the students are exposed to successful deaf adults using a variety of communication modes, working in a variety of fields. In FY17 our healthcare theme is expanding to include accessing emergency healthcare such as: how to find a first aid kit, what to do in an emergency, how to call 911, etc. The successful READ Program has, to date, distributed over 30,000 books to encourage early literacy, setting these children on paths to reach their full potential as happy, successful, fulfilled adults.

FHSR has chosen to partner with CHS and expand the READ program to Central and Southern Illinois to reach children in need of this outstanding program.

Listen and Learn

Upcoming events

Connections Webinar: Creating a music rich environment in homes for infants with hearing loss

- virtual event

Creating a music rich environment in homes for infants and young children with hearing loss. Through sharing a variety of musical techniques and approaches, Sally and Kristen will dig into the science-based pedagogy that further enhances the overall development and habilitation of young DHH children.

View the Webinar

Live from Merit: Music Education for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children

- virtual event

Visionary music educators are finding that the benefits of music education are especially beneficial to children who are deaf/hard of hearing (DHH).
Join us for this free virtual seminar hosted by Merit in partnership with FHSR examining the power of music education for deaf/hard of hearing children.

Free Webinar

In the news

The first book in the FHSR literacy library – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Hear and See How the Grinch Stole Christmas being read and captioned and in ASL

Read

A conversation with FHSR Music Program Coordinator & Merit School Teacher, Sally Blandon

With all that is happening in today’s world one constant that everyone can relate to is music. In 2019 FHSR made a commitment to bring music classes for deaf/hard of hearing children through our Music To My Ears program (MTME). We started with Early Childhood music classes with our partners at The Old Town School of Folk Music and The Merit School of Music to provide a year of tuition-free music classes for children up to four years of age. In 2020 we expanded our program to include a school-based program where we provide the curriculum music program at Child’s …

Read

In Memory of FHSR founding Board Member, Louise Hart

Louise Hart, long time Board Director, passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2020 at the age of 99. As a founding member of the Foundation for Hearing & Speech Rehabilitation (FHSR), Mrs. Hart helped to shape the mission of the Foundation and provided an unmatched level of commitment to helping individuals who are living with hearing loss.

Read