UPDATE: Advocacy specialist Jeremy Daffern will take the stage for an urgent program titled “Listening Differently” on October 28, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Wayne State College. This free event aims to foster understanding and connection within the community, focusing on the experiences of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Doors open at 5:30 PM, and attendees can enjoy complimentary food while engaging with important conversations. Daffern, representing the Nebraska Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, emphasizes the need for empathy: “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.”
This event is particularly relevant as it seeks to bridge gaps in communication and understanding in a world that often overlooks the needs of those with hearing impairments. Daffern, an alumnus of Gallaudet University, brings a wealth of experience, including international development work in Latin America. He will be joined by ASL interpreter Meghann Cassidy, ensuring an inclusive experience for all participants.
Attendees can expect a dynamic presentation detailing Daffern’s personal journey and insights on resilience and hope in navigating today’s challenges. The program will also provide resources for further learning and culminate in a unique opportunity to “listen differently” to members of the Wayne State Department of Music.
Sponsored by Wayne State public and global health honors students, as well as the college’s service-learning program, this event underscores the importance of community engagement and awareness. It serves as a timely reminder of the need for inclusivity and understanding in all aspects of life.
Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights and connect with others in the community. For more information, contact Barbara Engebretsen at Wayne State at 402-375-7044 or via email at [email protected]. Act now to be part of this significant conversation!
