National and State Organizations for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals and ASL Advocacy and Resources
Advocates for Access (AFA)
Advocate for Access is an organization managed by and for people with disabilities. AFA provides outreach, advocacy, and support to people who are D/deaf and hard of hearing.
Illinois Association of the Deaf (IAD)
The Illinois Association of the Deaf is the Illinois state level associate of NAD (see below).
Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC)
The IDHHC is Illinois' executive state agency dedicated promoting understanding and awareness of legal legal requirements for communicating with D/deaf and Hard of Hearing people. It provides resources to support American Sign Language education and various interpretation methods and programs.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services covers many areas regarding disability, rehabilitation services, and elder services. IDHS extends vocational support to multiple communities, including the D/deaf.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The National Association of the Deaf is the primary association of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing people. The association advocates for the rights and interests of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, provides internship opportunities, hosts events, and extends many more resources, services, and opportunities to the community. NAD represents the United States in the World Federation of the Deaf, its international counterpart.