General
Information

INTRO

Hearing Loss Link is a unique program designed to serve people who lose their hearing. Serving a broad range of individuals with hearing loss, the Hearing Loss Link coordinator specializes in assisting people with acquired hearing loss who have traditionally been neglected by service agencies. Typically, those with acquired hearing loss face a loss of self-esteem and struggle with their identity. A hearing loss later in life means you cannot easily communicate with family, friends or co-workers; you can't even listen to music or attend movies as before.

C.A.R.E.-focused programs and services combine Counseling, Advocacy, Referral and Education to prepare individuals with acquired hearing loss for the unique needs and challenges of coping in today's fast-paced world.

COUNSELING

Many people who lose their hearing are faced with the prospect of losing their self-esteem along with their ability to communicate properly. To aid people with acquired hearing loss in the crucial transition process, the Hearing Loss Link coordinator provides personalized counseling on several different levels.

supports client on personal and job-related issues.

counsels family, friends and co-workers on coping strategies.

offers self-help support groups.

provides in-house visits if necessary.

ADVOCACY

Hearing Loss Link is dedicated to improving communication options and accessibility for those with hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Link coordinator works with other agencies in advocating change, and supports the individual in learning how to become a stronger self-advocate.

supports real-time captioning in workplace and public forums.

assists employers with accessibility and support issues.

promotes the rights of persons with hearing loss through legislation and lobbying.

REFERRAL

Providing information and referral services, the Hearing Loss Link coordinator contacts doctors, audiologists, attorneys and other service providers to serve people with acquired hearing loss.

provides information and training on assistive devices and new technology.

networks with other social service agencies, health care providers and government agencies.

links clients with consumer groups such as A.G. Bell Association, Cochlear Implant Club International, A.L.D.A. and S.H.H.H.

materials available in Spanish.

EDUCATION

The Hearing Loss Link coordinator strives to educate those who are experiencing a hearing loss, and it also works closely with schools, service providers and government agencies to sensitize the general public toward hearing loss issues.

develops and distributes training materials.

teaches sign language, speechreading, and communication classes.

presents workshops and training sessions.

hosts conferences for individuals with hearing loss, their families and friends.

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Vocational services for individuals with severe hearing loss target such areas as job search, job support, job accommodations, career changes, and legal rights of employees. Additionally, the minority population may experience difficulty in accessing rehabilitation services due to varying cultural experiences and language barriers. Hearing Loss Link's vocational services program includes instruction concerning assistive technology for persons with hearing loss, enhancement of communication skills while adjusting to hearing loss, and counseling on adaptation to hearing loss in the workplace. The Hearing Loss Link coordinator is there to address businesses on job-related issues such as workplace accessibility and occupational technology too. We also offer training seminars and provide information to employers on tax incentives and ADA compliance.

HOW TO REACH US

Our address:
2001 N. Clybourn Avenue, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60614

Our phone numbers:
773-248-9121 Voice
773-248-9174 TTY
773-248-9176 Fax