COMMUNITY HEALTH AND LITERACY PROGRAM (CHLP)

 
Piloted in 2019, the Community Health and Literacy Program (CHLP) provides Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children and their families with critical communication and literacy support needed for long-term success. 
  
 
Piloted in 2019, the Community Health and Literacy Program (CHLP) provides Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children and their families with critical communication and literacy support needed for long-term success.

CHLP is a home-based, family-centered program that sends trained Deaf mentors to visit families with Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing children across Michigan. Mentors provide two-hour weekly sessions for 10 months during the school year, supporting language development, literacy, and social-emotional growth.

By providing early, consistent access to American Sign Language (ASL) and family-centered literacy support, CHLP helps reduce language delays and strengthens children’s academic and social outcomes.

During home visits, Deaf mentors:
  • Teach American Sign Language (ASL) to children and family members
  • Integrate ASL into everyday learning environments
  • Support early literacy, language development, and incidental learning
  • Bridge ASL to English for reading and writing
  • Share Deaf culture and strengthen family communication
CHLP also emphasizes building strong emotional connections within families, helping reduce isolation and create supportive, language-rich home environments.CHLP serves families across Michigan, including urban, rural, and underserved communities, and is free to participating families.

ASL STORY TIME

A group of people are sitting around tables in a library.
A woman in a yellow michigan sweatshirt is ironing a piece of fabric.
A group of people are sitting on blankets in a park.
A group of people are sitting in a circle on the floor in a room.

The Community Health and Literacy Program hosts fun, interactive ASL Storytime events for families with Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and non-verbal children. During each event, a Deaf mentor signs a children’s book in American Sign Language, with ASL interpreters provided. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts and opportunities to connect with other families and Deaf mentors.


ASL Storytime is free and open to the community. Head to the Events tab to learn more!

Join the Community Health and Literacy Program

If you are interested in joining the Community Health and Literacy Program, click the "Sign Up for the Community Health and Literacy Program" button. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and we will get in touch with you.


Please note:

If there is no trained Deaf mentor available in your area, your family will be added to our waitlist. We strive to connect families with mentors as soon as possible.

Join our Community Health and Literacy Program Team!


We are seeking Deaf mentors to join our team! This professional will work with families in their homes or public area to teach them American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.


CONTACT

 Maria Klein

Community Health and Literacy Program Director

 chlmeklein@gmail.com

313-687-4645(text only)