Life Changing Speech Therapy

CHAT (Communication Health, Advocacy & Therapy) is a nonprofit that exists to increase access to speech-language therapy for children with few—if any—other options.

CHAT Updates!

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2024 Year in Review

CHAT changed more lives than ever in 2024, thanks to your support! We can’t change lives without our dedicated, passionate team, and continuing to invest in our workplace culture while serving more children in need.

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Now Presenting: The Hyperlexia Handbook: Therapy that Works, Volume 2

As the speech and language pioneer in hyperlexic learning, CHAT has published a new resource to support hyperlexic learners.

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Giving Back: A CHAT about Neurodiversity, Advocacy, and Possibility for your Child

CHAT is hosting a free, inspirational webinar for families of neurodivergent children, speaking to the power of possible from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.

 

For 45 years, CHAT has given children in need the gift of communication. Focused on inclusion and centered in social justice, CHAT provides life-changing speech therapy to children with few—if any—other options. Through our clinic, in schools, and in partnership with community nonprofits, we tailor services specifically to children’s needs and build on their strengths. We approach our work with deep cultural humility, and understand the need for systemic change in healthcare and education so that our students can be more sustainably supported. We strive for more communication justice by serving under-resourced children whose communication disorders and differences contribute to their inequitable treatment, and by working to remove structural barriers to access.

Communication is a human right. Every child needs to communicate with the world around them. CHAT exists to include and empower children whose voices have not been heard, helping them to access a better future.

"Of all of the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Stories + Blog

CHAT 2024 Year in Review

CHAT changed more lives than ever in 2024, thanks to your support! We can’t change lives without our dedicated, passionate team, and continuing to invest in our workplace culture while […]

Giving Season

At CHAT, we are grateful every day for the chance to support our incredible children. We see the world through their eyes and help fuel their imaginations.

CHAT can’t do this work without your support

CHAT can’t do this work without your support. Donate today and give the gift of communication to more children in need. CHAT works to reach as many underserved children as […]

CHAT With Us

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Annual Appeal

Corey's story.

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Executive Functioning

Helps 10-18-year-olds with organization, time management, and attention

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Meet Our Team

Testimonials

Amelia & Julie

Clients

"All of the speech pathologists that I have worked with at CHAT have been nothing but positive, professional, hardworking, & well-educated in current best practices in the fields of speech and language pathology & special education. I do not believe that the transition to teletherapy would have been beneficial or effective with anyone but CHAT."

Emily A. Wallen, B.A., M.A.T.

Director of Special Education, Jackson Charter School

“It is exciting to see the Center that started with a small idea and grew to support a number of wonderful families is now reaching so many more. The ability to go where the children are and touch so many more lives is beyond meaningful.”

Phyllis Kupperman

CHAT (CSLD) Founder

“My child has gone from hating reading to loving it. She now reads all evening long. Her self-confidence has been boosted tremendously. She can’t wait to go back to school and advocate for herself. Thank you for allowing my child to participate in this amazing program!”

Rose, mother of nine year old

Summer 2019 Language to Literacy Program

Our Partners

We are proud to partner with organizations across Illinois to provide life changing speech services to children in need. Learn more about some of our partners: