- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Aspire Living & Learning is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization, providing treatment and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to live more fully and more independently in their communities.
Yared Neseran, a Direct Support Professional at Aspire, started working in the human services field more than 25 years ago. He had no prior experience, but quickly developed a passion for helping people who are DeafBlind live independent lives. He has worked with Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) DeafBlind consumers from the start.
Through a wide range of meaningful activities, Yared works with people to pursue their passions, make choices about their development, explore their community, and build connection. Activities include support for employment, volunteer opportunities, social connection, communication, and functional skills in each person’s self-directed routine.
He empowers people by giving them the support they need to achieve their goals while taking a backseat approach.
“I know their capabilities and I push them to succeed, however I cheer them on from the shadows as I want them to be independent,” he said. “My favorite part of my jobs is seeing them accomplish their goals after all their hard work.”
A strong proponent of advocacy, Yared takes people to the Massachusetts State House so they can meet with lawmakers and voice their opinions.
“Without advocacy, people with disabilities would be forgotten,” he said. “The more voices we have, the more people with disabilities will be heard. The more we raise our voices, the more people with disabilities will be integrated into the community. The more integration into the community, the more support people with disabilities will have.”
Yared encourages family members, caregivers, and providers to build a support system and utilize all the community and online resources at their disposal.
“People have heard of blindness and Deafness, but many have not heard of DeafBlindness,” he said, while explaining why he thinks DeafBlind Awareness Week is so important.
People who are DeafBlind make up 0.2% to 2% of the global population and are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups, according to the World Federation of the DeafBlind.
“Let’s give them every opportunity they deserve,” Yared implored. “Let’s be their voice. The more voices we have, the better we can support them. Let’s work together across the state to be one powerful voice. We can change the world one step at a time."
