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These are just a few of the accolades typically showered on Jean Irwin-Hatfield, a Deaf Educational Specialist and long-time advocate of the hearing impaired.

Some 20-plus years ago, Jean received an Ambassadorial Scholarship that allowed her to do the groundbreaking research into reading and deafness which earned her a Master’s Degree from Nottingham University in England. Her commitment to that cause – and to Rotary – has been unwavering ever since. She has spoken at hundreds of Rotary Conferences and received numerous awards, including Rotary’s Service Above Self Award in 2009.

Taking Language from The Rich & Giving it to the Poor: Lessons Learned in Nottingham

Jean considers one of her most important roles was serving as a grassroots coordinator for the passage of a Nevada bill requiring mandatory testing of hearing before a newborn can leave the hospital. Because hearing is so critical to language development, this assessment is particularly important. In the first two years after this bill was passed, Nevada moved from 36th to 8th in the nation for children tested at birth for hearing loss.

Her inspirational stories of helping children will have you laughing and still feeling the tug on your heartstrings.” says District Governor Tina Akins. "We were so glad she was able to speak to the incoming Club Presidents at this year's PETS dinner. Every Rotarian interested in youth, education, or literacy should attend to hear her presentation. She inspires us all to want to do more." “A home run.”

Jean and her husband, David, live in Rancho Cordova, California. David is the past-president of the Rotary Anne’s.

Dinner & Inspiration Tickets $45