A grid of white and light blue dots forming the Usher Syndrome Society Logo

Past Events • December 12, 2022

This is USH: An Evening of Conversation

On December 12th, 2022, The Usher Syndrome Society hosted the first This is USH event, where we heard from Steven McCoy and Rebecca Alexander about the unique experience of living with Usher syndrome. Steven McCoy is the first recognized black deafblind journalist in the US and Rebecca Alexander is an award-winning author and psychotherapist.

 

The conversation was moderated by esteemed media personality, Danita Chantel, who guided Steven and Rebecca throughout a range of conversation topics, including: How to cultivate a deeply meaningful life in the face of adversity, using vulnerability as a tool for empowerment, finding comfort with discomfort, grief and loss, intersectionality, and self-advocacy.

 

The Usher Syndrome Society looks forward to hosting more of these intimate dialogues and sharing the complex realities of life with Usher syndrome.

Danita Chantel, Nancy Corderman, Steven McCoy, and Rebecca Alexander stand in front of Harvard Medical School letters at the This is USH event
Two men are chatting at a table in the reception at the This is USH: An Evening of Conversation.
Two men are seated in the audience at the This is USH: An Evening of Conversation event
An image of Danita Chantel, Rebecca Alexander, and Steven McCoy on stage at the This is USH: AN Evening of Conversation
An image of two people standing closely together at reception of This is USH: An Evening of Conversation
A portrait set up next to a wine bar in the reception of the This is USH: An Evening of Conversation event
An image of a woman in the audience at the This is USH event communicating through ASL
Three people standing around a table talking at the reception of the this is USH: An Evening of Conversation event

More Events

2026 Shine a Light Portrait Sign ups

2026 Shine a Light Portrait Sign ups

Jul 17, 2026 |

2026 connections conference portrait sign upJoin the Shine a Light on Usher syndrome Portrait ExhibitThe Shine a Light on Usher Syndrome Exhibit is the largest collection of photographs and stories from people around the world living with Usher syndrome, designed to...

USH X Swim Alcatraz 2026

USH X Swim Alcatraz 2026

Oct 17, 2026 |

Upcoming Events • October 17, 2026USH X Swim Alcatraz 2026This October, the Usher Syndrome Society will host a swim from Alcatraz to shore in honor of a crossing that Rebecca Alexander completed more than a decade ago. The event will include 20 swimmers in total: 10...

Cocktails and Conversations with USH in Chicago

Cocktails and Conversations with USH in Chicago

Apr 16, 2026 |

Past Events • April 16, 2026Cocktails and Conversations with USH in ChicagoOn April 16th, 2026, the Usher Syndrome Society hosted Cocktails and Conversations with USH in Chicago at the Blue Door Farm Stand. This sold out event featured an authentic, humorous, and...