LITERACY
Reading drives language acquisition and enhances every child’s overall development. FHSR’s goal is to apply our unique knowledge of DHH education to support early literacy and pre-literacy skills. By creating a strong literacy base for DHH children, we aim to help them develop to their fullest potential.Â
FHSR stepping forward to set a new standard of care in supporting the education of DHH children in Illinois. Our initiatives include trainings for parents, caregivers and Early Intervention professionals and a unique book scholarship that allows parents and caregivers to receive a free book each quarter from a vetted list of titles featuring characters with hearing loss, assistive devices and communication modes that mirror their child’s identity.Â
LITERACY TRAININGS FOR PARENTS, SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS AND EARLY INTERVENTION PROVIDERS
FHSR, in partnership with CHS (Chicago Hearing Society), is providing free early literacy trainings for parents, school professionals and Early Intervention providers. Participants in each training will receive a free set of books featuring characters with hearing loss, to begin building their home or classroom library, share with families, and build deaf and hard of hearing children’s self-esteem and lifelong love of reading.Â
All trainings will be delivered virtually.Â
Early Literacy trainings will resume in fall 2026. Â Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about any upcoming dates
Early Literacy Training for School Professionals
The Foundation for Hearing & Speech Resources (FHSR) is providing a virtual training for school professionals on best strategies for teaching early literacy to deaf and hard of hearing children. Participants will receive a free set of books featuring characters with hearing loss for your classroom or school library.
Training will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Choose one of two dates:
- Monday, March 9th at 12pm OR
- Thursday, March 12th at 3 pm.
Literacy Training for DT-H and SLP’s:
- Wednesday March 19th 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Literacy Training for Parents and Caregivers:
- Saturday April 12th 9:30 – 11:30 am
Cary Library
These seminars are FREE to attend, but registration is required!
Secure your spot today by signing up.
EARLY LITERACY TRAINING SEMINARS
Reading aloud to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children is a powerful way to promote language development, build literacy skills, and create strong bonds through shared stories. For DHH children, reading aloud helps provide visual language exposure, promotes comprehension, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world around them. At FHSR, we are committed to ensuring that these children have the resources and support they need to become confident, lifelong readers.
In honor of this mission, we’re offering two upcoming literacy training workshops designed to support families and providers in partnership with CHS – Chicago Hearing Society :
📅 Virtual Literacy Training for DT-H and SLPs
Date: March 19, 2025Â Â Â 6:00-8:00 PM (Virtual)
- Free workshop focused on effective strategies for story-sharing and literacy development with DHH children.
- 2 hours of EI Education Credits available.
- Complementary set of books featuring characters with hearing loss for all providers attending the workshop.
📅 Literacy Training for Parents & Caregivers
Date: April 12, 2025.  9:30-11:30 AM
Location: Cary Library, 1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary, IL 60013
- Free training for parents of DHH children ages 2-5.
- 4 complimentary books featuring characters with hearing loss.
- FREE Musical Storytime will be provide for children who’s parents/caregivers are attending the workshop.
- ASL and Spanish interpreters available upon request.
We’re committed to helping foster early literacy in the home and empowering DHH children to develop strong language skills and a love of reading. 🌟
New Parent Resource Downloads Now Available!
Developed by Dr. Anna Tess, our Education Coordinator, our Education Resources deliver valuable insights and information. All downloads are available in English and Spanish.
- The Parent Resource Guide has information about parent rights, the IEP process, accommodations 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.
- Additional resources include Milestones and Deaf with Disability.
BE A PART OF IT ALL.
Share the joy of literacy with a child.
Your donation to the EARS (education, advocacy, resources) Literacy Program is critical to bringing our services and programs to the children who need them most.
