COMMUNITY HEALTH AND LITERACY PROGRAM (CHLP)

Piloted in 2019, the CHLP has been providing Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing children and families with critical communication skills they need to succeed.
 The Community Health and Literacy Program is a home-based, family-centered program that sends trained Deaf mentors to visit families with Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing children. Mentors provide two-hour weekly sessions for 10 months during the school year, supporting communication skills, literacy, and social-emotional development.

During visits, mentors:
  • Teach American Sign Language (ASL) to the child and family members
  • Integrate ASL into daily learning environments
  • Help children and families bridge ASL to English for reading and writing
  • Support literacy, language acquisition, incidental learning, and Deaf culture

Our program also emphasizes building strong emotional bonds within families, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen connections.

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 and interactive events for families with Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and non-verbal children. During the event, a Deaf mentor signs a children’s book in American Sign Language, and ASL interpreters are provided. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts activities. This free event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families and meet our Deaf mentors.

Families Apply to Join:

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)