Advocacy Specialist Jeremy Daffern to Host ‘Listening Differently’ Event

Jeremy Daffern, an advocacy specialist with the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will present at the event titled “Listening Differently” on October 28, 2023. The program will take place from 18:00 to 20:00 in the Frey Conference Suite at Wayne State College. The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 17:30 and food provided for attendees.

Event Highlights and Speaker Insights

Daffern, a graduate of Gallaudet University, brings a wealth of international experience in development across Latin America. He aims to foster understanding and connection between individuals with varying hearing abilities. “Being deaf or hard of hearing is an experience I can never completely understand,” he stated. “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.”

During the event, Daffern will share his personal journey, highlighting themes of resilience and hope. He will be accompanied by ASL interpreter Meghann Cassidy, ensuring that the presentation is accessible to a wider audience. The program will include facilitated discussions, allowing participants to engage with the topic and ask questions.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

The event will conclude with a unique performance from members of the Wayne State Department of Music, enhancing the experience of “listening differently.” This initiative is sponsored by the public and global health honors students at Wayne State, along with the college’s service-learning program and the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

For those interested in learning more about this significant event, contact Barbara Engebretsen at Wayne State at 402-375-7044 or via email at [email protected].