Aaron Waheed’s early years were spent in Woodbury, Minnesota. As he grew older, Aaron migrated to Lakeville, Minnesota, where he lived for the bulk of his adult life. Throughout Aaron’s mainstream education, he attended Como Elementary, Highland Park Middle School, and Senior High School in St. Paul. Following his high school graduation, Aaron embarked on his higher education journey at Gallaudet University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. His commitment to advancing his knowledge and expertise in the field led him to pursue a Master of Education in Educational Psychology, specializing in Special Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, at the University of Minnesota.
“American Sign Language (ASL) is my primary means of communication. Not only is it the language I use daily, but it also plays a fundamental role in my ability to comprehend English effectively. ASL is the bridge that enables me to engage in meaningful conversations and interactions.” Within Aaron’s family, ASL is also utilized, allowing them to communicate effortlessly. “This shared language has been pivotal in maintaining strong connections and understanding within my family.” While ASL serves as Aaron’s primary mode of communication, English functions as his secondary language. “It enhances my written and reading skills, enabling me to connect with a broader range of individuals. This proficiency in English facilitates my capacity to engage in diverse forms of communication, both in written and verbal contexts.”
Aaron’s journey of self-discovery began in his childhood when he identified as deaf. “However, it wasn't until I embarked on my undergraduate education at Gallaudet University that I truly came to understand and embrace Deaf culture. Gallaudet was a transformative experience in my life, fostering personal growth and shaping me into the person I am today. I take immense pride in being a part of the Deaf community and fully embracing its rich culture, values, and the concept of Deafhood.”
In addition to his Deaf identity, Aaron also celebrates his biracial heritage. His mother's family has its roots in Italy and Germany, while his father's family hails from Pakistan. “This diverse background has contributed to my unique perspective and enriched my understanding of different cultures.” At the core of Aaron’s identity is his passion for helping others and advocating for accessibility and inclusion. ”I am proud to consider myself a helper, as I believe that assisting others is a significant act of kindness and a fundamental part of who I am.”
Aaron’s career began in the mental health field, where he dedicated over a decade of service in various capacities at People Incorporated and Anu Family Services. During this time, Aaron worked with a diverse range of individuals, including those with Deaf+ conditions, which encompassed a spectrum of physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, behavioral disorders, communication disorders, and more. Following his tenure in the mental health field, Aaron transitioned into the educational realm with a strong desire to help children thrive and achieve independence, specifically self-advocacy. For seven years, he worked at Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in multiple roles, including Residential Supervisor, Paraprofessional, Substitute Teacher, DeafBlind Intervener, and Student Teacher. This experience allowed him to contribute to the development and growth of young learners.
Aaron also served as a Support Service Provider (SSP) - or Co-Navigator - for DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM), further enhancing his understanding of the unique needs of the DeafBlind community. His connection with the DeafBlind culture began when he was about 10 years old, “As I had the privilege of befriending wonderful individuals who shared invaluable insights into DeafBlind life. Their experiences and teachings have profoundly influenced my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the DeafBlind community's resilience and resourcefulness.” Seeking new challenges and experiences, Aaron pursued a role as a DeafBlind Employment Specialist at the Helen Keller National Center, which led to his relocation from Minnesota to Texas. “This experience provided valuable insights into the differences in how Texas operates compared to my home state.”
Aaron’s current position as a Program Coordination Specialist at Texas Health and Human Services—Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) marks his most recent career move, where he has been contributing for the past year. This workplace has given him the opportunity to work with a wide array of departments, programs, and services, allowing him to learn more about Texas and how to contribute to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. He currently works in Austin. As a Program Coordination Specialist, Aaron ensures the effective operation of programs both internally and externally for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This involves data collection, gap analysis, and system strengthening. He plays a supporting role for the DHHS team and the DHH community, focusing on accessibility and inclusion. His responsibilities encompass the full spectrum of program management, from planning and developing service projects to establishing program goals, guidelines, and policies. Aaron supports program goals in a variety of ways. He provides consultation and technical assistance to various stakeholders. He also evaluates the effectiveness of program activities, delivers strategies as needed, and performs additional duties to ensure the department's seamless operation.
“I find immense enjoyment in my work for several reasons. I'm part of an exceptional team, fostering creativity and shared passion. Exploring collaborations across various departments within Health and Human Services allows us to find creative solutions and enhance our service for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Working with resource specialists to support the community's access to resources and advocacy tools further amplifies our impact. In essence, the fantastic team, innovation, and meaningful change opportunities make my work truly fulfilling and enthusiastic.”
What inspires Aaron is the opportunity to create a positive impact in the lives of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, not just in Texas, but everywhere. “Knowing that our work at the intersection of accessibility and inclusion can lead to meaningful change on a broader scale motivates me each day. Additionally, the passion and dedication of my colleagues and the collaborative spirit within our team inspire me to strive for excellence in serving the community and finding innovative solutions to the challenges we encounter. Ultimately, the prospect of making a tangible difference globally is a constant source of inspiration in my work.”
Challenges include navigating complex regulations, resource constraints, a lack of awareness among stakeholders, and the need to enhance awareness about Deaf culture and Deaf education. “We overcome these challenges through strategic relationships, seeking external funding for general professional opportunities to continue the importance of the service within Health and Human Services, and prioritizing education and outreach.”
“To solve these issues, we will take a comprehensive approach that emphasizes teamwork and resourcefulness. To manage complex rules, we cultivate strong connections with stakeholders, seek external funding sources to complement resources, and focus education and outreach to promote awareness and understanding of community needs. This comprehensive strategy helps us overcome difficulties and provide strong support to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.”
Aaron shares the following advice: “Prioritize building self-advocacy tools, embracing collaboration opportunities, valuing relationships, prioritizing continuous learning, and cultivating empathy and cultural sensitivity. These professional principles contribute to more effective support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.”
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys a variety of hobbies, including outdoor activities like disc golf and swimming, reading, internet research, photography, socializing, video games, practicing mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones.
“I actively share job opportunities with the DHH community, including DeafBlind individuals, as helping others is a meaningful endeavor. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of kindness and understanding, acknowledging that we may not always be aware of everyone's hidden struggles.”
The #CanDoAnything campaign showcases people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing at work, giving them an opportunity to share what they do at their jobs and explain how communication access works for them. This campaign shows what our community can do, which is anything!
