On April 2nd, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) was the setting for the 2026 Illinois Statewide Alliance, Town Hall Meeting. The Alliance brings partners from across Illinois together to remove barriers and create system-wide change for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
Attendees were part of the system-wide change conversation, sharing their ideas, and stayed informed at the Town Hall Meeting. Their discussions included improving access and equity for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities by addressing key issues such as interpreter access, employment, mental health services, healthcare accessibility, youth and senior supports, and community education.
System-wide change for these communities includes shifting from a “need-based” model to a “deaf-led” model. This involves centering DDBHH individuals in decision-making, improving access to communication (ASL/captioning), strengthening transition services, and ensuring Deaf-led organizations manage advocacy.
You can learn more about the Statewide Alliance at chicagohearingsociety.org/about/alliance