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

Move for the Kids with Mal’s Pals and FHSR

Sunday May 17, 2020 11:00 am - Your own neighborhood

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. And this year, due to COVID-19, we’ll be rallying our community in a way we never have before …

Details to Follow

In the news

2020 was a Banner Year for Bowling with Friends!

Bowling with Friends FHSR and the FHSR Associate Board hosted Bowling with Friends at Pinstripes in Oakbrook on February 9th 2020. Bowling with Friends brought together over 24 families and more then 35 children with hearing loss and their siblings on a cool winter afternoon in Chicago. The purpose of the event was to promote community and create friendships for kids with hearing loss. This free family event encouraged shared experiences among families who have children with hearing loss. One of FHSR goals is to provide opportunities to support these children and their caregivers. This was the 4th successful year FHSR …

Read

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 that are simple and benefit their learning. As a Teacher of the Deaf, my job is to help you continue to build on those listening, language and speech skills.Here are a few activities that you can do right at home! 1. Listening for elements You … Read

A Move for the Kids Interview with the Evangelides Family

Mallory and Jennifer Evangelides with Mallory's father and brother

FHSR sat down with the amazing Mallory Evangelides, team captain for Mal’s Pals, and her mom Jennifer Evangelides, to chat about the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Move for the Kids 5K Run/Walk event. Please join us at Move for the Kids on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00 am on the Chicago Lakefront!

Read