Media Advisory: Deaf activist and reality TV star to speak at UB as part of Distinguished Speakers Series

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Deaf activist and reality TV star Nyle DiMarco will speak at the University at Buffalo at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 in Alumni Arena, North Campus, as part of UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

DiMarco empowers others to believe they can do and be anything they want in life, no matter the obstacle. He won the mirror ball trophy on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” (season 22) and was the last model standing on The CW’s “America’s Next Top Model” (cycle 22). Born into a multigenerational deaf family, he is an honorary spokesperson for Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) and founder of the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, which works to improve the lives of deaf people around the world.

DiMarco co-produced the 2018 return to Broadway of “Children of a Lesser God,” starring Joshua Jackson and Lauren Ridloff. DiMarco was also a creative collaborator on The ASL App, created by native deaf signers to teach conversational American Sign Language.

DiMarco has a passion for language, literacy and advocacy within the deaf community and beyond. Believing that his deafness is “an asset rather than a limitation,” he builds a bridge between the deaf and hearing by shining a light on not only the struggles, but also the triumphs of the deaf culture.

During the program, audio and/or video photography, as well as still photography, will be limited to the first five minutes of his lecture.

Working media may reserve tickets by contacting Cory Nealon in the UB Office of Communications at cmnealon@buffalo.edu no later than noon on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the will-call window in Alumni Arena prior to the program. Media may need to show press credentials in order to be admitted to the program.