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 at Chicago Public 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

Cheers for Ears – Around the World

- Columbia College Stage 2 618 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Il 60605

We have had to postpone the 9th annual Cheers for Ears – Around the World, FHSR’s free family concert celebrating the joy of music and the power of hearing, until Fall 2020. We hope to have a new date soon!

Coming Soon

Thank you to everyone who donated to Move for the Kids with Mal’s Pals and FHSR

Wednesday June 10, 2020 11:00 am - All donations will support Lurie Children's Hospital Audiology Program

Over the years we have been so inspired by the FHSR Move for Kids participants. Our community has come together under blue skies and rainstorms, because we’d do anything to provide a healthier future for every child. This year, due to COVID-19, we’ll be rallying our community in a way we never have before – …

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In the news

What can parents do to help prepare their toddler for a hearing test?

Does your toddler have an upcoming hearing test with an audiologist? Here are some things you can do ahead of time to help prepare them for the experience. 1. Desensitize your child’s ears. During the audiology appointment, there is going to be a lot of attention placed on your child’s ears. If they have never had their ears touched before, the experience could be off-putting. In the days leading up to the appointment, try playing a game of pretend ear doctor with your child. Gently tug on the top part of their ear and look inside their ear … Read

Supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children from Identification to Education : Video Recording Now Available

The FHSR Speaker Series 2020: Supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children from Identification to Education webinar recording is now available. Video webinar preview The original FHSR Speaker Series event occurred on February 6, 2020 at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois and featured experts in pediatric hearing loss discussing the current best practices during the journey of DHH children from identification as deaf through treatment and therapy and on to entering formal education. Additionally, the panel shared information about new technologies/practices/research/therapies used to help deaf/hard of hearing children and their families work together with professionals to help deaf children thrive. Featured panelists included: Nancy … Read

Reading: It’s More Than Just the Words on a Page

You have heard it a thousand times before: Reading is one of the most important things you can do for your child! As you’re stuck in quarantine, I’m sure reading has quickly become one of your go-to activities. Reading provides children with rich language, but it’s more than reading the words on the page. It allows for things like vocabulary practice, predictions, exposure to written words, perspective taking, emotion words, and much more! I will walk you through some easy ways to engage your child and provide them with even more language! Start with the coverAsk your child to look …

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