About us

Every unique mind, heard

Rooted in the belief that every story deserves to be heard, Maangaar Voices amplifies the voices of immigrant individuals with disabilities and their families.

Maangaar means unique mind in Somali.

Our story

How Maangaar Voices began

Maangaar Voices was officially founded in 2024, building upon nearly two decades of grassroots advocacy and activism for the immigrant disability community. In 2020, a collective of parents, professionals and providers, including Dr. Hussein Awjama, coined the term ‘Maangaar,’ meaning ‘Unique Mind.’ It was created to replace harmful and stigmatizing language, offering a positive, asset-based view of autism that emphasizes strengths and individuality.

Our focus includes autism and related disabilities. We provide culturally relevant resources and amplify the voices of immigrant individuals with disabilities and their families, fostering an inclusive environment and a deeper understanding within our community.

Autism
Neurodevelopmental conditions
Down syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Deafness
Blindness
ADHD
and more

Nearly two decades
Somali parents and allies build grassroots advocacy and activism for the immigrant disability community.
2020
A collective of parents, professionals and providers, including Dr. Hussein Awjama, coins the word Maangaar, meaning “unique mind.”
May 2023
The first annual Maangaar Conference at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Many of the people behind Maangaar Voices helped create it, spoke at it and made it a gathering to remember.
December 2023
Board chair Anisa Hagi-Mohamed gives the TEDxStCloud talk “Changing words to transform lives.” More
2024
Maangaar Voices is officially founded. The first Maangaar Summit gathers families on September 2. More
November 2024
Wellness Wednesdays begins, meeting weekly ever since (first session November 13, 2024). More
Summer 2025
Private swim lessons for Muslim women begin with FOSS Swim School in Burnsville. More
August 2025
The second Maangaar Summit: “Our Minds. Our Stories. Our Power.” More
2026
Sensory-friendly Eid prayers with South Metro Islamic Center, and the next Maangaar Summit on November 27. More

What we do

Three ways we work alongside families

We amplify voices
Celebrating neurodiversity through authentic narratives
At the heart of our mission is storytelling. We share the lived experiences of the disability community through Maangaar Media, the Maangaar documentary, poetry and our work with journalists, so that every voice is heard and valued.
- Maangaar Media →
- Press →
We create supportive spaces
Empowering communities, one space at a time
Spaces that meet families where they are: Wellness Wednesdays, our weekly support group for women; private swim lessons for Muslim women; sensory-friendly Eid and inclusive dugsi; and online support groups on WhatsApp, Facebook and Snapchat.
We educate & advocate
Knowledge that empowers action
Through the annual Maangaar Summit, workshops with schools and organizations, and media interviews, we build cultural understanding of autism and related disabilities. Our board members also help families navigate schools, county services and disability systems, and advocate for policy and systems change.
- Maangaar Summit →
- Request a workshop →

Our mission

Maangaar Voices empowers autistic individuals, their families, and support networks through storytelling, education, person-centered practices, and advocacy for policy and systems change.

Our vision

To create a future where every unique mind is heard, valued, and supported through inclusive communities, equitable systems, and person-centered care.