Organization
Canadian Hearing Services(CHS)
Canadian Hearing Services is a national bilingual organization — and the largest accredited service provider of its kind in North America — that has empowered Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians since 1940 through audiology, sign language interpretation, mental health support, and employment services. CHS provides culturally informed, community-based programs to help people with hearing loss live independently and participate fully in Canadian society.
About
Founded in 1940 as the National Society of the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing and rebranded as Canadian Hearing Services, CHS is headquartered at 271 Spadina Road, Toronto, Ontario. CHS is the largest and only fully accredited organization of its kind in North America, providing bilingual services in English, French, American Sign Language (ASL), and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).
What They Do
CHS delivers audiology assessments and hearing aids, sign language interpreting and deafblind intervenor services, community mental health and counselling, employment coaching, and educational programs for Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians of all ages. The organization also advocates for systemic accessibility improvements in healthcare, employment, and public services.
Who They Serve
CHS serves Canadians who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind, as well as hearing families and professionals who work alongside Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Services are available across multiple provinces through in-person and virtual delivery.
Related Organizations
National Association of the Deaf(NAD)
Silver Spring, MDNationalFounded in 1880, NAD is the oldest and largest organisation of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans, advocating for civil, human, and linguistic rights including captioning, Video Relay Service, and the recognition of American Sign Language as a full language.
Disabled-LedDeaf / Hard of HearingAdvocacyHearing Loss Association of America(HLAA)
Bethesda, MDNationalHLAA is the nation's largest consumer organisation for people with hearing loss, primarily serving adults who are hard of hearing (rather than culturally Deaf). HLAA is the leading advocate for hearing loop (audio induction loop) technology in public spaces in the United States.
Mixed LeadershipDeaf / Hard of HearingAdvocacyAutistic Self Advocacy Network(ASAN)
FeaturedWashington, DCNationalASAN is a national advocacy organisation run by and for autistic people, working to advance the rights of autistic people through public policy, community-building, and direct support. Their motto is "Nothing About Us Without Us."
Disabled-LedAutismAdvocacy