Youth & Family Connections Program

The CHS Youth & Family Connections statewide program provides children who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing, and their families: mentors, support services, advocacy, information and referral, early literacy support, and educational opportunities.

Welcome Maddie Hinkle to the CHS Youth & Family Connections Program!

Maddie Hinkle has been involved in the Deaf community for the past ten years and is fluent in American Sign Language. After receiving an undergraduate degree in English from Oberlin College, she went on to attend Gallaudet University to complete her MA in Deaf Studies: Early Language Advocacy. Prior to arriving at CHS, Maddie worked for the Northwestern Illinois Association in various deaf educator roles with a range of age groups, most recently with preschool students. She also worked at the Center on Deafness in their youth residential homes. As a disabled person, she is especially passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. She specializes in the early development of Deaf and hard of hearing children. Her master's thesis focused on positive representational literature in picture books aimed at young Deaf audiences. Contact Maddie for support, services, or questions.

Learn More: Youth & Family Connections Program

September Parent Meet-Up:

Deaf Autism

Our virtual Parent Meet-Up will be held September 27 from 6-7pm CST. Guest speaker Krista Hine will present about techniques and tools to support Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children with Autism. Families with DDBHH children or the professionals who work with them are welcome to attend.

Krista Hine is an educator and advocate for Deaf children with additional disabilities and is well known for her online ASL company, Pineapple and Cheese. As a graduate of Gallaudet University's Early Language Advocacy Master's Program, she has focused on raising awareness and understanding interventions, particularly for Deaf children with Autism.

ASL/English interpretation, as well as live Spanish captioning will be provided.

Family Sign Language Classes (SLC)

WELCOME FAMILIES! If you have a Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing child, or are a family member, we have FREE sign language classes for you! Classes are 6 weeks in duration and are offered in English and Spanish.

Winter Session will run November to early December.

Family Beginners English SLC: Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm (November 7 - December 12)
Family Beyond Beginners English SLC: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (November 2 - December 7)
Family All Level Spanish SLC: Saturdays, 10:00-11:30am (November 5 – December 10)

Registration will open soon!

Learn More

Tots Playgroup

YFC is partnering with Chicago Park District's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program for a Babies & Tots Playgroup!

Join us: Tuesdays from 10am-12pm

September 13-December 6

Gage Park (2411 W. 55th Street, Chicago 60632)

Deaf Mentors Wanted!

We are actively recruiting Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing adults to participate in our ARMED (Adult Role Models in Education of the Deaf) program and to join our Deaf Mentor program in providing one-on-one support to families with DDBHH children.

Visit CHS Web Site