River City Six: John Wyvilll
A proactive state agency established in 1979, the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) (www.ncdhh.nebraska.gov) works towards building support, cooperation, and understanding regardless of hearing ability, resulting in fairness and equality for all Nebraskans. John Wyvill is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Tell us a little about NCDHH.
We promote and advocate for Nebraskans who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to achieve equality and opportunity in all aspects of their daily lives and enhance effective communications and telecommunications technology.
How did you get started in the Commission?
Governor Huckabee asked me to work on his transition team in Arkansas in 1996 and I came to realize that my calling was to support and advocate people with disabilities, not in the practice of law.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
When people focus on a person’s disability not their ability; or being told I cannot do something.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Making a positive difference in the lives of the people I work with and for on a daily basis.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married sixteen years to my wife Andrea. We have two children; the oldest in junior high, youngest in elementary school.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Friday, November 13, 1998 – the first date with my future wife.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Go fishing.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
Apart from being a die-hard Cubs fan, most people don’t know that at age 4 I was diagnosed with a 95% hearing loss. The medical team told my parents that my educational opportunities were limited and not to be thinking about college.
What are you the most proud of?
My family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
From my parents: You can accomplish anything you want do with hard work. I became first person in our family to graduate college and law school.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Passionate.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
The theme song from Rudy.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Omnilingualism: The ability to understand, speak and read any language in the world.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to consistently hit a golf ball well.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Hands and Voices. It’s a parent driven organization to provide unbiased support to families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing. I feel it’s my way to pay it forward and give the families the same opportunities I have had.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
What is your favorite movie?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. That is why I wanted to be a lawyer.
What is your favorite TV show?
House of Cards.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
I would rather have dinner with extended family, past and present.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Call (402) 471-3593 or visit www.ncdhh.nebraska.gov.
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