Dylan Rafaty is an author, self-advocate, and founder of DylanListed® LLC. Dylan now serves as the Director of Community Development, Engagement & Partnerships at C-Hear, Inc in Plano, TX. Due to his personal experience as a hearing-impaired student in Special Education, Dylan acquired a special understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of youth in Special Education and the transition to the w
orld after high school. During his time working at Life Time Fitness in Plano, he found his joy and special skills in helping to make departments more cohesive in order to better serve the members. This natural extrovert self-published a book/memoir and then started a company that is rooted in the core belief that the total life experience of students of Special Education-turned differently-abled adults, matters, and especially their participation in the American workplace. Dylan donates his time and passion to several non-profit partners that serve and advocate for individuals with disabilities and is a frequent public speaker before educators, students and adults with disabilities and businesses across the country. Dylan also meets with every stakeholder (businesses, nonprofits, service providers, local/state governments, etc.) beginning in his home area, the North Texas area, to address the concerning needs for people with disabilities and US veterans. Dylan recently took on voluntary roles serving as Chairman for the Social Responsibility Committee at IAICDV, Plano ISD Special Education Advisory Board Committee, Advisory Board Member for the Care and Mercy Foundation and on the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. Dylan recently ran a great campaign as he ran for Plano ISD School Board of Trustees for the May 2019 local election. While Dylan did not win, he brought attention to the many issues he cares about most. Dylan's hopes is to continue his efforts to better serve the community, engage in opportunities and provide inspiration to others. Rafaty was born — just a month after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed and signed into law. Dylan proudly self-identifies as being deaf (right-ear), hard of hearing (left-ear) with a hearing aid, and with spinal back and neck fusions. Rafaty is an activist, disability inclusion advocate, public speaker, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit professional. Dylan has received his associate’s degree at Collin College in Frisco and a bachelor of science degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Phoenix. Currently, Dylan is attending Southern Methodist University and pursuing a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution with the expected graduation in Spring 2022. Dylan Rafaty currently serves as the Head of Accessibility Strategy & Partnerships for C-Hear, Inc, a company that has developed a way to make images accessible and heard, serves as the Founder/Chief Navigation Officer for DylanListed, a transition support services and consulting provider for people with disabilities and veterans. He also currently serves on many volunteer executive boards including serving as the Founder, President & Chairman for the North Texas Disability Chamber, the fifth of its kind in America. Throughout Dylan’s life, he faced many obstacles and challenges but his positivity and love for people have always kept him moving forward! One of those challenges includes being a special education student (and graduate) who wanted to be academically challenged but wasn’t given the chance. He then struggled at Collin College where Dylan was required to go through two and a half (2-1/2) years of developmental courses prior to starting his associate’s program. In April 2012, this enabled him to later self-publish his book; Occupy Special Education – Children Should Be Seen and Heard. It recaps Dylan’s young, multicultural life and a critical look back during his time in special education. This book encourages students with disabilities to speak up about their personal educational experiences, the need to build strong working relationships with teachers, administrators and the need to have proper transitional guidance throughout their time in school. In November 2012, Dylan founded the concept/idea that the cross-disability community needs to do a better job to collaborate, share ideas, partner, and transact in meaningful ways that increase opportunities for people with disabilities across North Texas and the United States. Eventually, this led Dylan to start his own business that initially focused on employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2015, Dylan expanded his efforts to serve others in different communities. These efforts include providing mentorship, consulting, and motivational support to current/incoming entrepreneurs with disabilities, families, disabled veterans, the homeless, nonprofit executives, businesses, service providers, colleges, and government agencies. In addition, Dylan takes a continuous interest in getting involved in advancing innovative ideas/projects that further support the community. In Spring 2019, Dylan pursued an inspiring journey to run for local office. He was running for a school board trustee position at Plano Independent School District (PISD). Despite his loss, this journey was challenging and rewarding for him. It opened new doors and opportunities for him. This experience has encouraged Dylan to continuously stay involved locally, attend meetings and be an active voice for all in Plano and Collin County. Its community leaders and members recognize Dylan as a devoted, passionate, energetic, caring self-advocate who seeks to advance meaningful, sustainable opportunities for all. Throughout each of these real-life experiences, Dylan is fortunate to come from a blessed, multicultural, and intelligent family that continues to guide him throughout his journey. AWARDS:
Certificate of Appreciation, United States Department of Agriculture (Fort Worth), April 2016
“Changing the World” Award, Top Achievers Foundation, June 2017
“Appreciation and Dedication” Award, Camp Craig Allen, October 2017
Honorary Superstar, Night of Superstars Dallas-Fort Worth, October 2017
“Appreciation for your support for People with Disabilities" Award, Community of Permanent Supported Housing, September 2018
National Disability Mentoring Coalition, Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Inductee, January 2020
Southern Methodist University, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Director's Diversity Award for Excellence & Inclusion, September 2020
Oticon USA, Focus On People, Advocacy Award Winner, January 2021
Dallas Business Journal, Leaders in Diversity Awards, Champion for People with Disabilities Honoree, March 2021
Plano Chamber of Commerce, Rising Star Award, December 2021
