Illinois Association of the Deaf

08/25/2026

Nominations are still being accepted for individuals interested in serving on the LEAD-K Advisory Council on Language Needs and Monitoring. The Council will support implementation of the LEAD-K Act by providing expertise and recommendations to help ensure equitable language acquisition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind children.

If you have relevant experience, expertise, or an interest in language development, or know someone who would be a great fit, please share this opportunity. To apply, complete the Boards and Commissions Member Recommendation Nomination Form and submit it to [email protected] and [email protected].

Deadline: Submit applications as soon as possible.

Nomination Form:https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/444093-20251-DYN.RE.pdf

08/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Efe7mh5PS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

Did you know Midway International Airport supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program? 🌻

This program lets travelers discreetly signal to our team that they may need extra support navigating the airport.

08/12/2026

Link to obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/theodore-huber-obituary?id=62101602&utm_source=copiedlink&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=obitshare&fbclid=IwY2xjawTpcTtwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUhEaGxPRnlmZ3VqOFYybVVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeTbHqX1hrEJEhl12eSIOxrgBCuvPKv0I3ktzC6xd7ieVyhsT3AceL5egoGgI_aem_WkQ_CRkyktmo6dPxV8LLFA

08/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1864nwZQtH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

New Illinois Law Targets Language Development Gaps For Deaf Children: The law establishes early language assessments for children who are deaf, hard of hearing or DeafBlind. The Bill was sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg.

07/21/2026

https://youtu.be/j6rRbAPCoBM

Quick Summary of the HB-1783:

This bill will strengthen the language assessment programs for deaf children aged 0-5 in Illinois. By setting language milestones and tracking progress in language acquisition, this bill will make sure families and schools are provided the data and support needed for their child to start kindergarten successfully.

Message from Libby Oxenham, co-chair of the Illinois LEAD-K core team.