The Deaf-Blind Program serves people throughout the state of Illinois with varying degrees of visual and hearing losses, providing access to other Lighthouse programs, services within the community, and appropriate referrals to agencies.

• Information and referral
• Case management and advocacy
• Sign language training
• Independent living skills training
• Braille training
• Career guidance
• Ongoing counseling
• Social services
• Crisis intervention
• Functional assessment
• Academic tutoring

Staff also assists with communication devices, such as TTY phone equipment with Large Visual Display and Braille accessories. Training on the use of the Braillephone is also provided for eligible individuals.

The Deaf-Blind Program is a proud sponsor of Le COBDA (The Club of Blind-Deaf Adults). A central component within the program, this social club joins peers together for monthly recreation activities and outings. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month. Le COBDA does not meet January, June, and August. To view the current Le COBDA newsletter, click here.

The Deaf-Blind Program also sponsors the annual Deaf-Blind Retreat which is held in June.  The 2009 Deaf-Blind Retreat for Deaf-Blind and Support Service Providers will run from June 17^th to June 20^th. The retreat will be held at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville, IL. The focus of the retreat is for Deaf-Blind individuals to participate and present educational workshops and train their sighted guide/volunteer/ SSP (support service provider) how to work with Deaf-Blind in various settings.

The Deaf-Blind Program hosts their annual Deaf-Blind Awareness Day in October.

For more information, please contact:
Joann Rushing
Program Manager of Deaf-Blind Outreach/Braillephone Trainer
Tel: (312) 666-1331 ext. 3415
Fax: (312) 243-8539
TTY: (312) 666-8874
Email: joann.rushing@chicagolighthouse.org

Videophone number: (866) 675-0924

Mindy Joy Mayer's TTY number: (312) 421-4788

E-mail: deafblindinfo@chicagolighthouse.org