Maangaar Voices – Empowering Autistic Immigrants and Their Families

Bringing the East African community together around disability & inclusion:

Event date: Fri. 27th
Nov. 2026
Event time: 2:00PM –
7:00PM
Address: 1701 American
Blvd E Ste 15,
Bloomington,
MN 55425
Admission: Free
& open to
community

Summit 2026 details & registration

Maangaar Means
Unique Mind

Inspired by Takiwātanga, the Māori term for autism meaning “in their own time and space,” the Somali term Maangaar emerged through conversations among autistic self-advocates, parents, professionals, community leaders, and allies seeking a more affirming way to talk about autism in Somali communities. Meaning “Unique Mind,” Maangaar reframes autism as adifferent way of experiencing and engaging with the world rather than something to be feared or hidden. The term reflects a collective vision of acceptance, belonging, and celebration of neurodiversity. Like Takiwātanga, Maangaar honors the value of every mind and guides our mission to build more inclusive communities.

Maangaar Voices team members standing together at the Maangaar Summit.

Programs & Services

Maangaar Voices offers culturally relevant programs to empower the immigrant disability community, with a focus on autism and related disabilities. Our initiatives provide education, support, and creative expression opportunities to foster understanding and inclusion.

Sensory Sundays at Brian Coyle
Partnership with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation - a welcoming, safe free space where children of all abilities can explore, play, and learn through sensory-focused activities.
Support Circle with Dr. Abyan Bashir
A collaboration between Maangaar Voices and Let's Talk Healing providers. This is a free weekly two-hour Zoom session for women in the disability community.
Online Support Groups
Our support groups on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Snapchat connect self-advocates, parents, caregivers, and providers. These spaces offer real-time discussions, shared resources, and mutual support.
Online AI Tools
Online tools, including AI-powered resources to support parents, providers, and the community. These tools offer guidance, answer questions, and provide culturally relevant information, making support accessible anytime, anywhere.
Maangaar Workshops
Our monthly workshops offer parents, caregivers, providers, and self-advocates practical tools, resources, and culturally relevant insights. These sessions foster learning, connection, and community support in a welcoming space.
Maangaar Stories
Maangaar Stories showcases authentic autism experiences in the immigrant community through blogs, videos, podcasts, art, and more. These stories celebrate neurodiversity and build understanding, with future plans for impactful publications.

Maangaar Summit 2024 – Sibling Panel
Somali TV of Minnesota

Voices of Siblings

On September 2nd, 2024 we hosted our Maangaar Summit where we had over 200 participants spanning parents, providers, professionals and community members. One of our panels featured the stories of siblings of autistic children and adults. Through their moving stories, our panel shared the profound challenges, resilience, and love that define their journey. From feelings of responsibility and moments of joy to the struggles of navigating misunderstood realities, these stories provide an honest and heartfelt perspective on the impact of autism within families, highlighting the strength of sibling bonds and the power of shared understanding.