In recognition of October as Disabilities Awareness Month, Penn State University Libraries are hosting a panel discussion, “What is big “D” and small “d” deaf culture,” on Wednesday, October 16, 2–3 p.m., and a presentation by Josh Swiller, “A Memoir of Deafness,” on Thursday, October 17, 7–8:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session. Both events are in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and will be facilitated by interpreters, with captioning. The October 17 presentation will also be available at live.libraries.psu.edu
Swiller, deaf since the age of 4 and recently returned to hearing through a computer implanted in his skull, is the author of “The Unheard: a Memoir of Deafness and Africa,” a story about his growing up deaf and living for two years in a rural African village. A New York Times best seller, it has been optioned for a movie. He has been lauded for his compassion, humor and literary skill.