Education . Advocacy . Resources
EARS
FHSR believes in the power of Education and Advocacy so we work to create and fund unique education programs that help parents at each age & stage of their deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) child’s life. Literacy is the cornerstone of a deaf or hard of hearing child’s successful school experience. The Foundation works to foster a love of reading by encouraging parents to read to their child from birth and through our programs at key inflection points of a child’s education. Together in partnership with parents and educators, we hope to build a strong foundation for children living with hearing loss, ensuring every opportunity for DHH kids to achieve on the same level as their hearing peers.
From diagnosis to college our goal is to provide opportunities for families to learn to be their child’s best advocate and partner in their education.
Ages & Stages Program:
When your child has been diagnosed with a hearing loss there are many emotions and lots of things to figure out. FHSR was started by parents just like you and we continue to be a Board composed mostly of parents of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children along with the professionals that serve children living with hearing loss in Illinois. The goal of Ages & Stages is to provide the parents and primary caregivers of children diagnosed with hearing loss a roadmap to understanding what is happening at each stage of their child’s life, how to best support their child and education advocacy.
LITERACY
EDUCATION COORDINATOR PROGRAM
Distributing books to students with hearing loss and providing a video literacy library for deaf and hard of hearing kids
The FHSR Education Coordinator will serve as a resource for parents and their children living with hearing loss
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New Parent Resource Downloads Now Available!
Developed by Dr. Anna Tess our Education Coordinator, our Education Resources deliver valuable insights and information.
- The Parent Resource Guide (available in English and Spanish) has information about parent rights, the IEP process, accommodation and modifications for children with hearing loss and 504 plans.
- The Early Literacy Guide provides strategies and information to help you read with your child.
FHSR is partnering with Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) to launch an Early Literacy training program for DT-Hs and SLPs working with kids with hearing loss.
This program will train professionals in early literacy and working with the parents to bring literacy into their homes
As a part of this program, parents will be able to enroll in a book scholarship program where they will be able to pick 4 books a year based around kids with hearing loss.
Our next virtual training session is August 7th from 6-8 pm.
HELP US PROVIDE RESOURCES TO FAMILIES
Give your gift today. From birth through high school, kids with hearing loss experience unique challenges. Together, we can provide the educational programs these families need.
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I have several families enrolled in the book scholarship. They all love having representation for their child with special needs – whether it’s related to hearing loss, mobility, etc. The kids get really excited to point out a child in the story who looks like them.
Dana, Developmental Therapist of Hearing
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