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As we stay cool this summer, CHS is hard at work planning events, hosting workshops and sign language classes, and partnering with organizations to better serve our Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
Stay connected to learn more about our initiatives,
and feel free to reach out with any questions!
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Celebrating DeafBlind Awareness Week
In recognition of DeafBlind Awareness Month, CHS was proud to partner with a national trainer to host our second Co-Navigator training. This hands-on session brought together 10 Co-Navigators and 5 DeafBlind community members, building on the skills introduced during our April training. Co-Navigators work alongside DeafBlind individuals to provide environmental information, empowering them to independently navigate their daily lives and make informed decisions.
Ways to Celebrate DeafBlind Awareness Month:
- Explore communication methods used by DeafBlind individuals, such as Tactile and Pro-Tactile signing, Braille, and assistive technologies.
- Advocate for policies that enhance accessibility and inclusion.
- Attend events or volunteer with organizations that serve the DeafBlind community.
Want to learn more about the CHS DeafBlind Community Program?
Contact Us today!
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CHS Provides Follow-Up Training for Co-Navigators Supporting the DeafBlind Community.
Co-Navigators are trained individuals who work one-on-one with DeafBlind individuals to provide visual and environmental information, facilitate communication access, and support navigation in real-world settings. This unique role helps promote independence, empowerment, and full community participation for DeafBlind individuals.
CHS's follow-up training session built on foundational skills and provided opportunities for hands-on practice, reflection, and continued growth in this essential support role.
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Caption with Intention
Over the course of nearly a year, CHS and FCB Chicago collaborated closely to research, prototype, and test dozens of caption variations using iconic scenes from acclaimed films. Through in-person sessions, remote feedback, and real-time design refinements, the system was built with and for the Deaf community—addressing key shortcomings like speaker attribution, synchronization, and intonation in a way that hadn’t been done before.
“We brought together a diverse group of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, whose lived experiences and expertise guided the team in shaping a system designed to serve our community and beyond. Centering Deaf perspectives was essential to ensuring the authenticity of this new caption design system,” said Karla Giese Coordinator of Training and Education, CHS.
Following this community-led development phase, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized the Caption with Intention technology in support of a new industry standard. Reaching a wider audience at the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards on April 29, the work and contributing individuals were recognized with an Award of Merit—an Oscar statuette—among those “who have developed and supported captioning technology, whether open or closed, for film.”
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Jurassic Park Screening
Featuring “Caption with Intention”
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In continued partnership with FCB Chicago—established nearly a year ago—CHS hosted a special screening of Jurassic Park featuring the innovative “Caption with Intention” format. This dynamic captioning system goes beyond standard subtitles by conveying tone, emotion, and speaker identity, enhancing the viewing experience for D/DB/HH audiences.
Before the film, attendees viewed a recap of the past year’s collaboration, which included feedback from CHS staff and community members, and insight into how FCB incorporated that input into refining the captions. A full theater of participants was interviewed both before and after the screening to capture their responses to this groundbreaking approach to accessible media.
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CHS Youth and Family Connections Program
Hosts Annual KidFest
Our annual KidFest welcomed families with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children for a day of fun and connection. CHS staff, in collaboration with the Chicago Park District Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs, organized an engaging event featuring games, a water-themed art project, face painting, and fishing activities designed for all ages.
| | To learn more about the CHS Youth and Family Connections Program, including our Deaf Mentor Program, early literacy support services, school partnerships, and more, Contact Us! | | |
Thank You for Making the First-Ever
CHS Health Fair a Success!
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for the inaugural CHS Health Fair! Our building was filled with energy as attendees engaged with a wide range of exhibitors—some even made their own bath bombs.
Workshops covered topics such as mental, physical, hearing, and breast health, and were presented with full accessibility in English, ASL, and captions. Children enjoyed games and hands-on STEM activities in the youth area, while the rooftop offered relaxing sessions in yoga, breath work, and a sound bath experience. Guests also tested their health knowledge at the “Spin the Wheel” station and took home fun prizes.
CHS is proud to launch this new initiative and looks forward to making the Health Fair an annual tradition!
*CHS Health Fair funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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CHS Creates New Videos Sharing
Vital Information about Domestic Violence
Deaf individuals experience domestic violence at significantly higher rates than hearing individuals—research shows that nearly 1 in 2 Deaf women (47%) have experienced intimate partner violence, compared to 1 in 3 hearing women. Communication barriers and lack of accessible resources often leave Deaf survivors without the support they need.
CHS's new videos aim to change that. They provide clear, accessible information about:
- The warning signs of domestic violence
- Your legal rights and options if you are in a DV situation
- The responsibilities of service providers
- How Deaf survivors can access equal, affirming support
Everyone has the Right to Effective Communication—especially in DV cases.
- Presented in ASL with voiceover and captions
- Learn how communication access can change lives
- Watch now and share to raise awareness!
Together, we can ensure Deaf survivors get the support they deserve. For more information, Contact Us.
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CHS YOUTH POP-UP SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Teaching hearing children American Sign Language (ASL) offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Communication Skills – ASL helps children express themselves, improving both verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Cognitive Development – Learning a second language, including a visual one like ASL, strengthens memory, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
- Earlier Language Acquisition – Babies and young children can use ASL before they develop spoken language, reducing frustration and improving early communication.
- Career Opportunities – ASL proficiency can lead to careers in interpreting, education, healthcare, and advocacy.
- Stronger Social Connections – ASL allows children to communicate with Deaf peers and others who use sign language, broadening their social networks.
Learning ASL provides lifelong advantages, making communication more accessible and inclusive for all!
CHS's classes are geared toward elementary and middle school students and will be held ONLINE using Zoom. All levels welcome!
View Schedule and Register
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CHS ADULT SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Have you always wanted to learn American Sign Language (ASL) or refine your signing skills? CHS offers sign language classes both in person and through Zoom. We offer Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level classes for adults. All of our classes are taught by Deaf instructors. There will be no voice/no audio used during classes. Our content focuses on grammar and structure of ASL as well as Deaf Culture and lived experiences of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people.
View class schedules
and registration
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Custom Classes: CHS offers classes for companies and organizations. We make sure that we also adjust our curriculum based on your need. For example, we can add banking signs, residential living signs, medical signs, etc. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
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Tutoring/Specialized Instruction: Looking for a more personalized learning experience? If group classes aren’t the right fit, Contact Us to explore our specialized classes and tutoring options.
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CHS INTERPRETING AND CAPTIONING SERVICES
The law requires businesses and agencies to make certain accommodations to provide Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people an equal opportunity to participate in services offered to the public.
CHS helps you locate and employ qualified and licensed sign language interpreters, certified deaf interpreters and real-time caption services.
Learn more about CHS's services by Contacting Us.
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CHS AUDIOLOGY CLINIC
Not only does CHS offer full-service options such as hearing evaluations, testing, and amplification consultation, but we offer:
- Hearing aid cleaning and check-ups
- Programming adjustments
- Hearing aid repairs
- Tubing changes
- Wax traps, domes, batteries, and supplies
To schedule an appointment, place an order, schedule a pick-up or request drop-off or mail order instructions, Contact Us.
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DEAF INCLUSIVE NIGHT AT WRIGLEY
Purchase Tickets and Select CHS as the Non-Profit recipient of donations
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