Bruce Darling
Co-founder, President and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR)
Bruce Darling is an esteemed advocate and leader within the disability rights community. As the co-founder and President of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR), based in Rochester, New York, he has dedicated nearly four decades to advancing the cause of independent living and ensuring access to necessary resources for individuals with disabilities. His significant contributions have influenced public policy, community organizations, and the lives of many, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the movement for disability justice.
Early Life and Education
Bruce's path to becoming a disability rights advocate began with his educational experiences. Despite being neurodivergent, the lack of testing and accommodations during his school years presented challenges. However, his mother, Norita, played a crucial role in supporting and assisting him, enabling him to develop the skills needed for success. After graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1983, he pursued higher education at the University of Rochester, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1986. His academic journey included studies in literature, psychology, sociology, photography, filmmaking, history, and business courses at the Simon School. These diverse disciplines gave him a broad understanding that would later enhance his advocacy work.
1989 Bruce advanced his education further by earning a Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Syracuse University. The program's focus on public relations, communications, and management theory, along with coursework in journalism and emergency communications, equipped him with the skills essential for his future in advocacy.
Founding the Center for Disability Rights
In 1990, Bruce co-founded the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) in Rochester, New York. This organization, an Independent Living Center, is dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Under his leadership, CDR has become a significant force within the disability rights movement, tackling issues such as accessible housing, public transportation, and community-based alternatives to institutionalization.
In 2000, CDR launched a pioneering project to transition individuals from nursing homes back into the community without the benefit of additional funding. This initiative has since enabled hundreds of people to return to independent living, showcasing Bruce's commitment to the principles of the 1999 Olmstead decision, which mandates that services for people with disabilities be provided in the most integrated setting 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.
Bruce 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.
Activism and the Summer of ADAPT
Bruce led his first disability rights protest in 1987, focusing on securing wheelchair lifts on public buses in Rochester, NY. His activism skills were further honed over decades of participation in numerous disability rights protests. A highlight of his activism career was leading the Summer of ADAPT in 2017, a 36-day series of demonstrations across the United States. This historic event demonstrated the disability rights movement's determination and resilience, making it the longest ongoing disability rights protest in a broad geographic area.
Awards and Recognitions
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 Hobbies
Besides his professional achievements, Bruce enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his husband and their two intelligent border collies. His hobbies, such as gardening, cooking, and crafting, provide him with a peaceful escape from his demanding advocacy work.
Philanthropy and Volunteerism
Bruce is also committed to philanthropy, regularly donating to disability and LGBTQ+ organizations. Notably, his advocacy through CDR was initially voluntary, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to social justice.
Bruce E. Darling's career is a testament to the impact of steadfast advocacy and a deep commitment to social justice. As the co-founder and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights, he has transformed countless lives, advocating for independent living and community integration. His legacy is marked by resilience, determination, and a deep belief in every individual's inherent worth and dignity. Portfolio: https://brucedarling.com/
