Outreach & Advocacy Home
ISD Outreach Program
What We Do
Our mission at ISD's Outreach Services is to passionately support families, programs, and services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, throughout Illinois. We are proud to offer a range of free services, including expert-led trainings, to parents, teachers, students, and educational personnel dedicated to working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Illinois.
Services We Offer
- Training on topics associated with hearing loss
- Consultations and technical assistance
- Regional parent conferences in Illinois
- Annual conference for educational personnel
- Assessments to identify educational and vocational needs
- Cochlear implant support
- Special education advocacy support
View Our Training Catalogue
Interested in learning more about deaf education and hearing loss?
ISD offers free training as part of the Outreach’s commitment to community empowerment and education.
Why request a Training?
Our trainings are designed to address specific learning needs, enhance professional development, and foster a more inclusive and informed community. You should utilize our training request service when you or your team need:
- Specialized Knowledge: Deep dives into specific topics related to Deaf Education, Communication & Language, Assistive Technology, and Education Advocacy.
- Skill Development: Practical skills to better serve individuals with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education with professional development credits and staying current with best practice.
- Customized Learning: Training tailored to your group’s unique context and objectives.
Click here to view our training catalogue and sign up today!
We’re Here to Help!
How to Contact Us:
General Questions
Specific Questions
Cochlear Implant Specialist
I provide services statewide to students with cochlear implants, as well as training and support for staff who provide direct services to students with cochlear implants.
Tina Childress
email: tina.childress@illinois.gov
Advocacy / IDEA Specialist
I provide individual consultations and advocacy support statewide for children who are deaf/hard of hearing (birth to 21). Having concerns about your child’s IFSP or IEP?
Special Education Advocacy Support Request
Andrea Marwah
email: andrea.marwah@illinois.gov
Office Coordinator
I help manage day-to-day administrative tasks to ensure efficient office operations.
Dawna Howle
email: dawna.howle@illinois.gov
Functional Vision and Hearing Screening Tools Documents
Join the Outreach Mailing List
1800+ parents, professionals, and community members have already become better in using technical assistive equipment, advocate their child's educational rights, or work more effectively in the classroom through Outreach training and consultation. Add your email address below and be the next one.
*We value your privacy and would never spam you. You can click the link at the bottom of any email we send to instantly and securely unsubscribe.