Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission

08/28/2026

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission is pleased to announce that today’s Commission Meeting, beginning at 10am CDT, is available for public viewing online via the Webex platform.

The meeting will include a special presentation on the recent passage and signing of the LEAD-K bill, marking an important milestone in advancing language access and early language acquisition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind children across Illinois.

Members of the public who are unable to attend in person are welcome to watch the meeting virtually via Webex and learn more about the Commission’s work and this important legislative development.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and CART captioning are available within the Webex platform. To watch the live meeting, visit the event page: https://idhhc.illinois.gov/events/commission-meetings/2026-08-28.html

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

08/21/2026

The Illinois Board of Interpreters would like your feedback to review the Illinois Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 and its Administrative Rules for possible changes.

Feedback can be submitted through an online form, in American Sign Language (VP), or by voice call.

The Board will review the submitted feedback and develop proposed recommendations at its next meeting, scheduled for September 24-25, 2026. The meeting will be available for public viewing online via the Webex platform.

Visit Seeking Public Feedback for more information:
https://idhhc.illinois.gov/media/videos/interpreter-licensure-act-review.html

08/20/2026

Exciting career opportunity! The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission is hiring an Office Associate in Springfield.

This position provides high-level administrative and clerical support to the Director and professional staff. Responsibilities include reviewing invoices, performing specialized clerical functions, serving as the agency’s receptionist, and communicating through sign language with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, government officials, staff, and other stakeholders.

Location: Springfield, Illinois
Position: Full-time Office Associate
Salary: Anticipated starting salary of $4,144 per month, with a full range of $4,144–$5,429 per month, plus bilingual pay

Candidates must be able to keyboard accurately at 35 words per minute and communicate in American Sign Language at a colloquial skill level.

Apply by August 31: https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-OFFICE-ASSOCIATE-IL-62701/1420148500/

07/31/2026

Nominations are now 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:

07/31/2026

Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 1783, the Language Equality Acquisition for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Children (LEAD-K) Act, into law. The legislation is now officially in effect.

This marks an important milestone in advancing language access and early language acquisition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind children in Illinois.

Press Release: https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-signs-legislation-to-protect-illinois-most-vulnerable-residents

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission recognizes Representative Michelle Mussman, Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois LEAD-K Team, and stakeholders for their leadership and dedication in the successful passage of the LEAD-K Act.

07/10/2026

Join us and be part of the conversation, share your ideas, and stay informed at the upcoming Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Statewide Alliance!

Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday July 22, 2026
2pm to 5pm

St. Francis Borgia Church Hall
8033 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60634

Join the Conversation. Create Change!

The Statewide Alliance is bringing partners from across Illinois together to discuss the issues that matter most to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. From interpreter access and healthcare to employment, mental health services, and community support, your voice can help shape a more accessible and equitable future.

📅 Wednesday, July 22, 2026
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM
📍 St. Francis Borgia Church Hall
8033 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL

Learn about organizations and resources, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with others who are passionate about creating system-wide change. This event is FREE! Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

05/28/2026

The IDHHC page serves to share information with the community. IDHHC does not monitor or respond to comments on posts.

To receive a timely response, please send general questions or information requests by email to [email protected].

We look forward to connecting with you.

05/27/2026

Join us and connect with the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission at our informative table booth during the Community Health Fair for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities on May 31, 2026, from 1pm to 4pm at the Chicago Hearing Society!

This free event offers accessible health education, wellness resources, preventive care information, community referrals, and interactive workshops with ASL and captions provided. Connect with local organizations, explore valuable resources, and strengthen community well-being together.

The CHS Community Health Fair is coming up at the end of the month! We can't wait to see you there. You can find all the information about the event and also sign up on our website or by scanning the QR code.

05/21/2026

The Language Equality Acquisition for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Children Act (also known as the LEAD-K Bill) has passed the Illinois Senate unanimously and has now passed both chambers.

To stay updated on the bill’s next steps, visit the Bill Status page linked below.

Welcome to the Official government website of the Illinois General Assembly