Jeremy Daffern to Present “Listening Differently” on Oct. 28

UPDATE: Jeremy Daffern, an advocacy specialist with the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will deliver a compelling presentation titled “Listening Differently” on Tuesday, October 28, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Wayne State College in the Kanter Student Center’s Frey Conference Suite. Doors will open at 5:30 PM, and the event is free and open to the public, with food provided.

Daffern’s presentation promises to be an enlightening experience, focusing on the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. “Being deaf or hard of hearing is an experience I can never completely understand,” Daffern remarked. “Perhaps learning from people who have successfully navigated an increasingly complex world that is designed for people who do hear can help us ‘walk a while’ not in their shoes, but side by side, so that we can be better friends with all our neighbors.”

With a background as an alumnus of Gallaudet University and international development experience in Latin America, Daffern will share his personal journey of resilience and hope in a world that often overlooks those with hearing impairments. He will be joined by ASL interpreter Meghann Cassidy, enhancing accessibility for all attendees.

The program will not only include Daffern’s insights but will also facilitate meaningful conversations, questions, and resources about the deaf and hard of hearing experience. The event will conclude with a unique opportunity to “listen differently” to members of the Wayne State Department of Music, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the arts.

This event is part of a collaborative effort sponsored by Wayne State’s public and global health honors students, its service-learning program, and the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

WHAT TO WATCH: Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and enjoy provided refreshments. This event is a critical opportunity for community engagement and awareness regarding the challenges faced by the deaf and hard of hearing population.

For more information, contact Barbara Engebretsen at Wayne State at 402-375-7044 or via email at [email protected]. Don’t miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of listening and communication in our diverse community!