State Government Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): A Statewide Deaf Services Coordinator is available to ensure that effective communication is provided in the delivery of services. For questions or information, contact Rebecca Patton at Rebecca.Patton@illinois.gov, 217 785 2651 (V) or 312 957 4817 (VP). DCFS Deaf Services Brochure: Know Your Rights as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Client

Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health (DHS-DMH)
A Statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator is available to assist in with finding mental health services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind individuals. 
Website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=155329
Contact Information
Statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coordinator 
Phone: 217-786=0023 (V) or 217.303.5807 (VP).  Mental Health Services for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Late-Deafened.

Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-DRS): Helps individuals, who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, or Deafblind find jobs, get ready to go to work, or obtain services required to maintain employment; and serves as a resource to professionals, state agencies, community organizations, and the public, providing information related to employment, training, and accommodations for persons who have a hearing loss. A listing of Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is available. Filling out an online Rehabilitation Services Referral form in order for a local counselor to contact you is also available. The DRS Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing can be contacted at DHS.DRSSDHH@illinois.gov.    

Central Management Services (CMS)
Administers several programs and services for people with disabilities through the Disabled Workers Program in order to increase the number of qualified employees with disabilities working for the state.

Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities (ICED) 
Advocates for the rights of state employees with disabilities and serves as a resource for state agencies on disability-related issues. Its goals are achieved through education and legislation.

Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)
Offers a comprehensive and coordinated array of social services to help improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals, families and communities across the state. DHS administers community health and prevention programs, oversees interactive provider networks that treat persons with disabilities, mental health and substance abuse challenges and provides rehabilitation services. DHS also aids eligible, low-income individuals and families with essential financial support, locating training and employment opportunities and obtaining child care in addition to other family services.

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Special Education Services: Partners with school districts to provide programs and services for students with specialized educational needs and assures state and federal requirements are met and regulates the educational interpreters working in the K-12 setting.

Department of Human Services, Early Intervention: Assures families who have infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with diagnosed disabilities (including hearing/vision loss), developmental delays, or substantial risk of significant delays receive resources and supports that assist them in maximizing their child's development while respecting the diversity of families and communities.