Below you will find a variety of resources to support early intervention professionals serving children who are visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing.
- ISBE Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind, Visually Impaired Information page - Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Special Education informational web page for educators regarding students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, or Visually Impaired. Resources around the laws, guidance, locations, and education policies for IDEA Part B Services are helpful to know when a child transitions from EI to Early Childhood Special Education. Some resources listed include birth to age 3.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources
This webpage provides statewide resources including advocacy, education, equipment, state employment and ADA information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Illinois. If you see a specific program that should be added on this page, please contact IDHHC with your recommendation.
This program supports families by providing training, skill development, and consultation, so they can make informed decisions and advocate on behalf of their child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
A parent driven, non profit organization that supports families with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodologies.
Parent information section of this civil rights organization of, by and for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Illinoisans.
This program works with parents and providers to ensure all babies get screened for hearing loss no later than 1 month of age; all infants who do not pass their hearing receive a diagnostic evaluation no later than 3 months of age; and all infants with a hearing loss enroll in early intervention services no later than 6 months of age. Works with parents and providers to ensure all babies get screened for hearing loss no later than 1 month of age; all infants who do not pass their hearing receive a diagnostic evaluation no later than 3 months of age; and all infants with a hearing loss enroll in early intervention services no later than 6 months of age.
Illinois works with EHDI NTRC (formerly known as Early Childhood Hearing Outreach [ECHO] Initiative), which is a part of the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM - pronounced "en-cham") at the Utah State University. This initiative focuses on extending the benefit of periodic hearing screening to children 0 - 3 years of age in a variety of health and education settings. The following materials may help you promote otoacoustic emissions (OAE) hearing screening:
Vision Resources
The Opening Doors provides support to families of infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired, to assist them in making informed decisions on behalf of their child, and to provide information on their child based on observation and assessment. This program is supported by the following:
- Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) - a residential/day school fully accredited by the North Central Association. The mission of ISVI is to serve as a statewide resource offering students with visual impairments quality educational services which will enable them to become personally productive and self-sufficient citizens. ISVI provides educational programming for children from birth to 21 years of age.
Project Reach (affiliated with the Phillip J. Rock Center and School) provides technical assistance, consultation, information, training, and family support to address the needs of children with deaf-blindness and their families. Additionally, you can visit the Project Reach Facebook page that is updated regularly.
