As part of our 60 Highlights for 60 Years series, we are shining the spotlight on Aren Zakarian, a 16-year-old young adult, who receives services through Lanterman Regional Center.
For many years, Aren has utilized assistive technology (AT), a tool that has truly transformed his life. His mother, Nanor Kabakian, shared the profound impact AAC has had on Aren’s life:
“Assistive technology has been the most impactful support my son has received to date. After years of living in silence without a way to express his wants and needs, he finally found his voice. His communication device has opened countless doors for him, both in education and in everyday life, and empowered him with the self-advocacy skills to express himself, make choices and be heard.”
Aren has channeled his voice into writing powerful poetry. His very first poem, “Me,” was recently selected as a Topical Winner by the Live Poets of New Jersey (NJ). This winning piece is featured in the anthology American High School Poets: In Like a Lion 2025, which is now available on Amazon.
Aren’s second poem, titled “I Rise,” was written as a summer school assignment responding to Maya Angelou’s iconic work, “Still I Rise.” It has been published in various newsletters. In addition, this poem is now part of a reading assignment for a high school poetry class under the disability justice section, where it will be read and analyzed by students.
We are absolutely proud to share Aren’s poem, “I Rise,” with you:
I Rise.
You may think I belong with animals,
With your filthy, prejudicial lies,
You may push me out and smear me,
But still, like dust
I’ll rise.Does my stimming bug you,
Why do you look at me like that,
Whether the noise deafens you
Or worse yet drives you crazy,
Whether you wish to silence me,
Just watch,
Still, I’ll rise.Does my constant moving,
Put your rest in jeopardy?
Does conforming in society,
Surpass my need to be me?
You may want to tame me.
And follow your ridicule rule,
Regardless where you bury me,
Just watch,
I’ll fight,
I’ll rise.Do these words upset you,
Does it come as a surprise,
That a messed up soul like me,
Can express thoughts this wise?Out of society’s rejection,
I rise,
Up from a past of abuse,
I rise,
I am a warrior and a survivor,
Defying all the odds,
I rise.Leaving behind a somber past,
I rise,
Looking forward to a bright future at last,
I rise,
Advocating for the many like me,
I rise.
I am the voice for those with autism,
I rise,
I rise,
I rise.