Bruce Darling
Co-founder, President and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR)
Bruce Darling, the President and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) in Rochester, New York, has long been a key figure in advancing the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities. His nearly forty-year tenure in disability advocacy has been marked by significant legislative and societal changes that have improved living conditions and rights for disabled individuals across the United States.
Early Life and Path Toward Advocacy
Born into an environment where educational support for neurodivergent students was scarce, Bruce faced numerous challenges from an early age. His mother, Norita, noticed the lack of institutional support and took it upon herself to ensure he received the necessary assistance to succeed. Her advocacy and support helped him navigate his educational journey, graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1983 and attending the University of Rochester. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1986, diving deep into literature, psychology, sociology, photography, filmmaking, and history. He also studied business at the Simon School, which introduced him to a broader perspective on organizational management and operations.
Bruce's passion for advocacy and change led him to pursue a Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1989. This program refined his strategic communication and public relations skills, which would become central to his advocacy work.
Establishing the Center for Disability Rights
In 1990, recognizing a profound need for structured advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities, Bruce co-founded the Center for Disability Rights. CDR quickly became a leading force in the disability rights movement, championing the rights to accessible housing, effective public transportation, and community-based living options over institutionalization. His vision was to see all individuals with disabilities living as independently as possible, a vision that CDR has pursued through various programs and initiatives.
One of Bruce's landmark initiatives was the 2000 project, which worked to transition individuals from nursing homes and other institutional settings back into the community. This project directly responded to the Olmstead decision and practical implementation of its mandate for the most integrated setting appropriate for each individual.
Wide-Reaching 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:
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.
A Leader in Disability Rights Activism
Bruce's role as a national leader in disability rights activism was solidified during the Summer of ADAPT in 2017 when he led nationwide protests calling for major reforms in disability policies and services. These protests played a crucial role in bringing about legislative changes and heightened public awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Accolades and Honors
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:
Personal Life and Passions
Outside of his professional life, Bruce leads a fulfilling personal life with his husband and their two border collies. He finds joy and relaxation in hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and crafting, which provide him with a sense of balance and well-being. These activities enrich his personal life and recharge his passion for advocacy.
Philanthropy and Ongoing Commitment
Bruce is also deeply committed to philanthropy, regularly contributing to disability and LGBTQ+ organizations. His dedication is particularly noteworthy in his volunteer efforts, where he has spent countless hours advocating for better services and policies even without compensation, particularly in the early years of CDR.
Legacy and Future Impact
As he continues to lead CDR, Bruce's legacy is characterized by his unyielding commitment to the empowerment and rights of individuals with disabilities. His visionary leadership shapes current policies and practices and inspires future advocates. His ongoing efforts ensure that the movement for disability rights continues to gain momentum and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Bruce E. Darling's extensive contributions to the field of disability rights have solidified his status as a pioneer and advocate for change. His life's work has not only transformed policies and improved individual lives but has also fostered a broader understanding and respect for the rights of people with disabilities. As he moves forward, his leadership inspires and drives the disability rights movement, indelibly impacting society.
Early Life and Path Toward Advocacy
Born into an environment where educational support for neurodivergent students was scarce, Bruce faced numerous challenges from an early age. His mother, Norita, noticed the lack of institutional support and took it upon herself to ensure he received the necessary assistance to succeed. Her advocacy and support helped him navigate his educational journey, graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1983 and attending the University of Rochester. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1986, diving deep into literature, psychology, sociology, photography, filmmaking, and history. He also studied business at the Simon School, which introduced him to a broader perspective on organizational management and operations.
Bruce's passion for advocacy and change led him to pursue a Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1989. This program refined his strategic communication and public relations skills, which would become central to his advocacy work.
Establishing the Center for Disability Rights
In 1990, recognizing a profound need for structured advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities, Bruce co-founded the Center for Disability Rights. CDR quickly became a leading force in the disability rights movement, championing the rights to accessible housing, effective public transportation, and community-based living options over institutionalization. His vision was to see all individuals with disabilities living as independently as possible, a vision that CDR has pursued through various programs and initiatives.
One of Bruce's landmark initiatives was the 2000 project, which worked to transition individuals from nursing homes and other institutional settings back into the community. This project directly responded to the Olmstead decision and practical implementation of its mandate for the most integrated setting appropriate for each individual.
Wide-Reaching 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.
A Leader in Disability Rights Activism
Bruce's role as a national leader in disability rights activism was solidified during the Summer of ADAPT in 2017 when he led nationwide protests calling for major reforms in disability policies and services. These protests played a crucial role in bringing about legislative changes and heightened public awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Accolades and Honors
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 Passions
Outside of his professional life, Bruce leads a fulfilling personal life with his husband and their two border collies. He finds joy and relaxation in hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and crafting, which provide him with a sense of balance and well-being. These activities enrich his personal life and recharge his passion for advocacy.
Philanthropy and Ongoing Commitment
Bruce is also deeply committed to philanthropy, regularly contributing to disability and LGBTQ+ organizations. His dedication is particularly noteworthy in his volunteer efforts, where he has spent countless hours advocating for better services and policies even without compensation, particularly in the early years of CDR.
Legacy and Future Impact
As he continues to lead CDR, Bruce's legacy is characterized by his unyielding commitment to the empowerment and rights of individuals with disabilities. His visionary leadership shapes current policies and practices and inspires future advocates. His ongoing efforts ensure that the movement for disability rights continues to gain momentum and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Bruce E. Darling's extensive contributions to the field of disability rights have solidified his status as a pioneer and advocate for change. His life's work has not only transformed policies and improved individual lives but has also fostered a broader understanding and respect for the rights of people with disabilities. As he moves forward, his leadership inspires and drives the disability rights movement, indelibly impacting society.
