Bruce Darling
Co-founder, President and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR)
Bruce Darling, whose career as a champion for disability rights spans nearly four decades, has profoundly influenced the movement for equitable treatment and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As the co-founder, President, and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) based in Rochester, New York, he has tirelessly advocated for systemic change, significantly impacting public policy and individual lives.
Roots of Advocacy
Bruce's advocacy is rooted in personal experience. He dealt with a neurodivergent condition in an educational system that lacked adequate support mechanisms. This challenge was compounded by the scarcity of testing and accommodations for students with disabilities during his school years. His mother, Norita, recognized his unique needs and became his earliest advocate, ensuring he received the support necessary to succeed academically and personally.
Bruce graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1983 and proceeded to the University of Rochester, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1986. His education was broad, spanning literature, psychology, sociology, photography, filmmaking, history, and business courses at the Simon School. This multidisciplinary education equipped him with the diverse knowledge and skills to fuel his later advocacy efforts.
1989 Bruce completed a Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Syracuse University. The curriculum there further honed his public relations, communications, and management theory abilities, which would prove crucial in his future career.
Founding the Center for Disability Rights
In 1990, Bruce co-founded the Center for Disability Rights to provide a voice and advocacy platform for individuals with disabilities. Under his leadership, CDR has become a key player in the disability rights movement, addressing crucial issues such as accessible housing, public transportation, and community-based alternatives to institutionalization.
One of Bruce's significant achievements through CDR was initiating a project in 2000 to transition individuals from nursing homes back to community living. This initiative was aligned with the principles of the 1999 Olmstead decision, which advocated for services for people with disabilities to be provided in the most integrated settings possible.
Advocacy and Policy Work
Bruce's advocacy efforts extend far beyond the local level. He has played a pivotal role in advancing policies that promote community living for individuals with disabilities both nationally and in New York State. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
- Assisting in the development and implementation of the Community First Choice Option.
- Collaborating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the national Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program.
- Leading efforts to file complaints with the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights.
- Organizing and participating in direct action activities to ensure the practical application of the Olmstead decision.
He has also authored several public policy analyses on disability rights issues, including the influential "Early to Bed/Late to Rise," a 200-page evaluation of community-based personal assistance services published by CDR in 1993.
Many of the recommendations from this report have been implemented through the development of consumer-directed personal assistance programs in multiple counties in upstate New York.
Leading Activism and Mobilization
Bruce's activism took a national stage with his leadership in the Summer of ADAPT in 2017. This landmark campaign consisted of protests across the United States advocating for legislative changes and greater accessibility for people with disabilities. As the principal organizer, he orchestrated these protests to highlight the urgent need for systemic reform.
Awards and Recognition
Bruce's dedication to disability rights has earned him numerous accolades and recognitions throughout his career. Some of the most prestigious awards he has received include:
- Inductee, New York State Disability Rights Hall of Fame, New York State Independent Living Council, 2019
- Lead On Award, Access Living, 2018
- Rudy Frank Award for Activism (Accepted for ADAPT), Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, 2017
- Frank Harkin Memorial Award, National Council on Independent Living, 2016
- Sally Johnston Advocacy Award, Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State, 2015
- Justice for All Disability Rights Award, American Association of People with Disabilities, 2011
- Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr. Advocacy Award, New York State Assembly, 2007
- Corey Rowley National Advocacy Award, National Council on Independent Living, 2004
- Francis Olivero Advocacy Award, New York State Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, 2004
- Robin Shaikin Systems Advocacy Award, New York State Independent Living Council, 2001
- Region II Advocacy Award, National Council on Independent Living, 2001
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce maintains a balanced and fulfilling personal life. He lives with his husband and their two border collies, finding joy and solace in their companionship. His interests in gardening, cooking, and various crafts provide him with a peaceful retreat from his advocacy work, offering moments of tranquility and personal satisfaction.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Bruce's dedication to social justice extends to his philanthropic activities. He regularly supports disability and LGBTQ+ organizations. His advocacy work was primarily voluntary in the initial years of CDR, showcasing his commitment to the cause beyond professional obligations.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
As CDR's co-founder and President, Bruce remains a key figure in the disability rights movement. His legacy is characterized by his relentless pursuit of equality and justice for individuals with disabilities, his ability to inspire and mobilize community action, and his visionary leadership in public policy advocacy.
Bruce's career exemplifies the impact that dedicated advocacy and strategic leadership can have on public policy, community organizations, and individual lives. His efforts have not only transformed the landscape of disability services but also ignited a continuing passion for advocacy in the next generation of activists.
Bruce E. Darling's influence in the field of disability rights is indelible. Through his leadership at CDR, innovative policy work, and commanding activism, he has played a crucial role in advancing the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities across the United States. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of comprehensive support systems, and the transformative impact of dedicated advocacy. His journey inspires a continued commitment to the cause of disability rights, ensuring his legacy will resonate for generations to come.