Advocacy Specialist Jeremy Daffern to Discuss ‘Listening Differently’

Jeremy Daffern, an advocacy specialist for the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will present a program titled “Listening Differently” on October 28, 2023. The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Frey Conference Suite at Wayne State College. Admission is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Participants will also be provided with food during the event.

During the program, Daffern will share insights from his experiences navigating a world often designed for those who can hear. “Being deaf or hard of hearing is an experience I can never completely understand,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of learning from individuals who have successfully adapted to their environments. “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,” he added.

A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Daffern, an alumnus of Gallaudet University, brings a wealth of experience, including international development work in Latin America. He will be accompanied by ASL interpreter Meghann Cassidy during his presentation. Together, they will discuss Daffern’s journey as a deaf individual, focusing on themes of resilience and hope in a world that can be challenging for those with hearing impairments.

The program aims to facilitate conversations, address questions, and provide resources for attendees seeking to learn more about the experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It will conclude with a segment where participants will “listen differently” to performances by members of the Wayne State Department of Music.

Collaborative Sponsorship

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

For additional information, interested individuals may contact Barbara Engebretsen at Wayne State at 402-375-7044 or via email at [email protected]. This initiative underscores the commitment to inclusivity and understanding within the community.