Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Rafaty.
Dylan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started back in spring 2012 when I self-published my book to spread awareness about my personal special education experiences at Plano ISD. This book recognizes the need for more transitional guidance for people with disabilities as they age out of high school and transition into adulthood. This opportunity has given me the opportunity to become a speaker before educators and families with their loved ones with disabilities. Over the next several months in the Summer/Fall of 2012, I started to recognize my peers and I struggled for employment and training opportunities. This led me to start up my own company, DylanListed, to engage the United States workforce to increase employment and training opportunities for all people with disabilities. Over the last several years, DylanListed went through a number of challenges and ultimately decided it was best to be a company that provides professional or consulting services that emphasizes on disabilities and Transition Support services for Youth and Adults with Disabilities. Today, DylanListed continues to be an advocate and leader in educating the importance of increasing opportunities for People with Disabilities in Education, Employment, Transition, Independent Living, etc.
DylanListed has also given me the opportunity to expand my leadership, advocacy and management skills to help contribute to other teams. I had the unique pleasure to previously work for Life Time Fitness in Plano, NextCareer Consulting (for Veterans and Veterans with Disabilities) and serve as Member of the World Para-Taekwondo Education Committee.
Currently, I am the Chief Navigation Officer for DylanListed, Owner at Rafaty Publications, Chairman and Executive Director at DylanListed Connect (Texas 501c3 Nonprofit), Show Host at Rafaty’s Rant Show, Manager of Disability Engagement at iCode East Frisco and Interim President at Dragonflymind.com. In addition, I serve as Member for the Special Education Board Advisory Committee at Plano Independent School District, Chairman of Committee on Social Responsibility at International Association of Ice Cream Distributors and Vendors and Committee Member at Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a social entrepreneur, I continuously try to find innovative ways to educate, inspire, motivate and encourage all stakeholders to work inclusively to increase opportunities for the people with disabilities. For me, I have experienced many cases where community leaders, governmental agencies and organizations that tries to prevent you from reaching for my goals. I had to learn on how to properly communicate with different audiences (or different stakeholders) by speaking their language, develop patience, continue to be positive and uplifting and learning how to let go when opportunities are unproductive.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DylanListed – what should we know?
Today, DylanListed’s focus is on promoting opportunities for gainful employment for active job seekers who self-identify as persons with a disability. The business launched in 2013 by offering a smart online recruitment site dedicated to job seekers with disabilities who self-identify. Since 2015, the business pivoted and the focus now is on empowering an important segment of the talent pool of the future, namely empowering the special needs youth in high school to smartly prepare for the transition to employment after the student leaves high school. This is done through personalized ‘whole transition’ training for the SpEd youth and their parents/caregivers and through small, interactive support groups.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I had the unique pleasure to meet hundreds, if not thousands, of people from around the world who represent different political opinions, an array of experiences, knowledge, and expertise. I am tremendously blessed with a large, supportive network from around the globe. There is too many to mention but more specifically to my parents, my brother, and my closest group of friends.
Pricing:
- 2-Hour Initial Transition Support Services Consultation – $275
- Transitional Advocate Services – $150/Hour (Only After Initial Consultation)
- Transitional Consultant at ARD Meetings – $300/ARD Meeting (Only After Initial Consultation)
- 3-Hour Disability Diversity & Inclusion Training Seminar – $3,500
- Optional, Disability Strategy Consulting Services – $275/hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 8105 Rasor Blvd.
Suite 227 Plano, TX 75024 - Website: www.DylanListed.com
- Phone: 469-487-3199
- Email: Dylan@DylanListed.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
