CHS Youth Connections News & Updates
The CHS Youth Connections Program supports children who are Deaf, DeafBlind and
Hard of Hearing, and their families, in the home, school and community.
Virtual Monthly Parent Meet Up
Join us on March 23rd at 6pm for a virtual presentation for parents: "La Clave para el Éxito Académico Está en la Comunicación" ("The Key to Academic Success is in Communication"). Presentation will be in Spanish with English translation and ASL provided. 
 
In this presentation, audiologist Eva Lopez and speech-language therapist Marianna Rivera will talk about how parents can support their children to excel academically. Learn about how to ensure good hearing health, how to help your child develop reading skills, and how to support their learning at school.
 
Register now to reserve your spot!
Youth Online Sign Classes
Does your child want to learn Sign Language? In February, we just completed a two week session focusing on food related signs. We are preparing for our next two week session in March (16, 18, 23, 25). The focus will be on signs for spring! Register Now!
Our team of 10 Deaf Mentors thank the University of Illinois at Chicago's HRSA funding which supports our training.
CHS Deaf Mentor Program

Our Deaf Mentor Program is designed to support families of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children from birth through high school. Through this program, families can learn American Sign Language and have the support of a Deaf adult role model as they learn about deafness and Deaf Culture. If you are interested in learning more about this program or applying to connect with a Deaf Mentor, reach out to Karla Giese at CHSYouth@anixter.org.
National Deaf Youth Day

According to the National Association of the Deaf website, National Deaf Youth Day was developed to recognize and bring together deaf and hard of hearing youth from schools for the deaf, mainstream programs, and universities. National Deaf Youth Day serves two purposes:
  • To celebrate the unique identity of deaf and hard of hearing people and their accomplishments; and
  • To promote the idea that deaf and hard of hearing youth can do anything.
This year, in honor of National Deaf Youth Day, CHS Youth Connections will be hosting a panel of Deaf Adults who will share their stories through Zoom. Come join us on Friday, March 5th from 1-2pm CST. Voice interpretation will be provided. Join us! 
Family Sign Language Classes

Are you the parent, caregiver, or family member of a Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing child? We are in the process of setting up dates for evening classes, beginning in late March. The classes are six weeks long and meet for one hour each week. Interested in more information? Email CHSYouth@anixter.org and request to be put on the sign language mailing list.
Importance of Reading to Children

A key component of pre-literacy skills is fostering a love of books from a young age. Surrounding children with positive experiences connected with books is very powerful and is also a great source of language exposure. To support this bonding experience, our READ Kits are available for check out to families of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children.

Learn more and check out a FREE Kit on our web site. 
Volunteer Spotlight - Laird Mintz

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Laird Mintz. Laird has been working closely with the Youth Connections Program and supporting the Youth Online Sign Language classes. Laird has been providing instruction to elementary and middle school students curious about learning sign language. As a result, we have been able to provide online classes every month for a year. We couldn't have done it without him!
Thank you Laird!
EHDI DAY - Save the Date

This year's EHDI Day (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Day) will be March 31st. Stay tuned for more information about how we will honor and celebrate those who work in early hearing and detection. We'll also offer ways that you can celebrate the parents and caregivers who are making sure that their Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing children have access to a strong language foundation.
Sign Language Tutoring

Do you want to work individually with a Sign Language Tutor? Or have specialized classes for you, a small group or your work place? CHS offers ASL Tutors for any age or level. Sign up today!
Questions about our Youth Program?

Questions about CHS Programs and Services?