News Summary
Dylan Rafaty leads efforts to promote disability inclusion in North Texas through the North Texas Disability Chamber. Since its launch, the organization has formed 20 partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and municipalities. The Disability Inclusion Toolkit, created with Ernst & Young LLP, provides resources for equitable policies. Rafaty reflects on his own hearing loss and the importance of time management and collaboration while advocating for disability rights. His initiatives, including Disability Inclusion Night and a DEIA Summit, aim to improve visibility and access for individuals with disabilities in the region.
North Texas – Dylan Rafaty is spearheading significant initiatives aimed at enhancing disability inclusion across North Texas through the establishment of the North Texas Disability Chamber. Since launching the organization last year, Rafaty has successfully introduced 20 new partnerships with various sectors, including corporations, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and local municipalities. His leadership focuses on collaborative efforts to create an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities, aiming to improve overall accessibility within the region.
One of the cornerstone projects under Rafaty’s leadership is the Disability Inclusion Toolkit, developed in partnership with Ernst & Young LLP. This toolkit serves as a resource for organizations seeking to adopt equitable policies regarding accessibility and disability inclusion. Rafaty reports growing receptiveness from businesses and other organizations, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing the disability inclusion agenda.
In a recent Q&A feature for the 2025 Dallas 500, Rafaty reflected on his professional journey and the lessons learned throughout his career. He shared personal insights about adapting to his own hearing loss, which resulted from an ear infection that led to total hearing loss in his right ear during childhood. Rafaty underwent stapedectomy surgery to address this issue and now relies on his left ear and a hearing aid for communication. He openly acknowledges the ongoing challenges he encounters in connecting with others, further motivating his advocacy work in the disability sector.
Rafaty’s academic achievements include a Master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and an associate degree from Collin College. His career began at Life Time Fitness, where he developed essential skills in teamwork and customer service. During his time there, he created a “5-minute follow-up rule” to enhance communication, which has remained an integral part of his professional approach.
Despite his advancements in the field, Rafaty identifies managing time and supporting partners as some of his greatest challenges. He actively encourages equitable policies regarding accessibility and disability support, insisting that organizations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area adopt these practices to improve opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Under Rafaty’s leadership, several influential events have been organized, including the Texas Rangers’ inaugural Disability Inclusion Night and the region’s first Disability-led Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Summit. These events have contributed to raising awareness and fostering an inclusive atmosphere within the local community.
Rafaty expresses a strong desire for increased visibility regarding disability rights and inclusion initiatives. His outlook for the future includes establishing more partnerships and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through broader access to social services and opportunities. He has professionals hopes of evolving into a strategic advisor or consultant in his career, further supporting disability inclusion advancements.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Rafaty enjoys recreational activities such as basketball and pickleball, along with relaxing at Life Time facilities. He possesses a collection of national soccer jerseys from various countries he has visited, reflecting his passion for global travel. Among his favorite dining spots in the area is Las Palmas restaurant, known for its carne asada. He also cherishes childhood memories associated with Zereshk polo, a traditional Persian dish.
Rafaty’s vision includes creating a legacy that positively impacts individuals with disabilities and their families. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the disability inclusion sector in Texas, emphasizing the need for collaboration among organizations to drive meaningful change.
As he continues to utilize tools like generative AI for research and idea generation in his work, Rafaty remains committed to fostering inclusive pathways for individuals with disabilities. His dedication to enhancing these initiatives reflects a promising movement towards greater equity and accessibility in North Texas.
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine: Meet the Dallas 500 – Dylan Rafaty
- Dallas Innovates: The Cost of Disabilities
- Dallas News: Disability Inclusion is a Business Imperative
- NBC Dallas-Fort Worth: Mother and Son Triathlon Team
- WFAA: Inclusive Coffee Shop Opens in Frisco
