Aryav Dube

Aryav DubePhoto given by Aryav Dube.The hum of a wheelchair motor, and the steady clink of a spoon against a plate – these were the sounds that changed Aryav Dube’s life forever. A junior at Washington High School in Fremont, California, Aryav founded SpecialThinkers, a platform dedicated to raising awareness, improving access to resources, and promoting inclusive environments for individuals with communication disorders. Through weekly blogs and heartfelt interviews, Aryav sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by neurodiverse students, advocating for equality and accessibility.

Aryav’s journey as an advocate began with a simple visit. The fluorescent lights of Room 64 hummed softly, blending with the whir of a wheelchair and the tapping of a communication board. Aryav hesitated at the doorway. The scent of disinfectant mixed with something faintly sweet, like spilled juice, filled his nose. He watched as Mario, his face red with effort, strained to lift himself from his chair, his knuckles white as he gripped the armrests. A lump formed in Aryav’s throat. He’d never considered the sheer effort behind such a seemingly simple action. Then his gaze shifted to Jada, her hand trembling as she guided a spoon toward her mouth, each movement a hard-won victory. At that moment, something changed within Aryav. It wasn’t pity he felt, but a deep respect and a realization that these students possessed a strength he had yet to understand. This wasn’t just a classroom but a place where resilience and determination were part of everyday life.

This experience ignited a fire within him. Aryav realized that many students in general education were unaware of the daily struggles and achievements of their neurodiverse peers. He recognized a lack of awareness and felt he had to bridge that divide. Driven by this newfound empathy, Aryav founded a special education club at his high school. It wasn’t just another extracurricular activity; it was a bridge, a place where general education and neurodiverse students could connect, form friendships, and break down the walls of isolation. The club organizes inclusive events, from shared lunches to collaborative art projects, helping create genuine connections and promoting understanding within the school community. The laughter shared during a painting project and the quiet conversations over lunch built a foundation of connection.

But Aryav knew he needed to reach a wider audience. He launched Special Thinkers, a platform where he shares blogs related to communication disorders and other special education disabilities. His blog posts are raw and honest, recounting his personal experiences, including that pivotal first day in Room 64. He writes about Mario's determination and Jada's quiet determination, giving a voice to their experiences and challenging stereotypes about disability. Through Special Thinkers, Aryav provides resources, insights, and a platform for meaningful conversations about inclusivity. He has interviewed therapists, educators, and caregivers, amplifying their voices and sharing valuable information with a growing audience.

Aryav’s empathy wasn't just a feeling; it was a force that pushed him to take action. His work shows that one moment of courage and understanding can grow into a movement that transforms lives. He has the qualities of a true hero: empathy, advocacy, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive world. His efforts have not only raised awareness but also fostered genuine connections and a sense of belonging within his school community and beyond. Aryav’s story is a powerful reminder that true heroism often begins with a simple act of seeing – truly seeing – the humanity in others.