Advocacy Specialist Jeremy Daffern to Present ‘Listening Differently’ Event

URGENT UPDATE: The Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing has just announced that advocacy specialist Jeremy Daffern will present an important program titled “Listening Differently” on Tuesday, October 28, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Kanter Student Center’s Frey Conference Suite in Wayne. Doors will open at 5:30 PM, and the event is free and open to the public, with food provided.

This timely event aims to foster understanding and empathy for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Daffern states, “Being deaf or hard of hearing is an experience I can never completely understand.” He emphasizes the importance of listening to those who have navigated a world designed for hearing individuals, urging attendees to “walk a while… side by side” to become better friends and allies in their communities.

Daffern, an alumnus of Gallaudet University with extensive international development experience in Latin America, will share his personal journey of resilience and hope. Together with ASL interpreter Meghann Cassidy, he will facilitate a series of conversations aimed at enlightening participants about the challenges faced by the deaf community.

The program will conclude with a unique segment where attendees will “listen differently” to members of the Wayne State Department of Music. This event is sponsored by Wayne State’s public and global health honors students, the service-learning program, and the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Why This Matters: This event is crucial for raising awareness about the experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in an increasingly complex society. Attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering inclusivity and understanding in their everyday lives.

What’s Next: Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with important discussions and resources. For additional information, contact Barbara Engebretsen at Wayne State at 402-375-7044 or via email at [email protected].

Join us in this vital conversation and learn how to make a difference in the lives of those around you!