About

About Me

Bruce Darling is a distinguished advocate and leader in the disability rights movement, co-founder, President, and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) based in Rochester, New York.

During his almost forty-year career, Bruce has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives to promote independent living and ensure that individuals with disabilities can access the resources and support they need.

His work has profoundly impacted public policy, community organization, and individual lives, making him a significant figure in the fight for disability justice.

Early Life and Education

Bruce’s journey into disability rights advocacy began with a solid foundation in education. Although he is neurodivergent, testing was not common when he was in school, and providing accommodations for Disabled students was even rarer. He credits his mother, Norita, for recognizing that he needed support and providing the assistance he needed to develop the skills to be successful.

After graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1983, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rochester in 1986, where he studied various disciplines, including literature, psychology, sociology, photography, filmmaking, and history. His education also included several business courses at the Simon School, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of various subjects.

In 1989, Bruce furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Syracuse University. This program equipped him with advanced public relations, communications, and management theory training.

The coursework included journalism, developing public relations and emergency communications plans, and interagency relations, which would later prove invaluable in his advocacy work.

Founding the Center for Disability Rights

In 1990, Bruce co-founded the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) in Rochester, New York. CDR is a disability rights organization and Independent Living Center dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Under Bruce’s leadership, CDR has grown into a formidable force in the disability rights movement. It addresses many issues, including accessible housing, public transportation, and community-based alternatives to institutionalization.

In 2000, without additional funding, CDR launched a groundbreaking project to transition individuals from nursing homes back into the community. This initiative has since helped hundreds of people return to independent living, exemplifying Bruce’s commitment to promoting the principles of the 1999 Olmstead decision, which mandates that services for people with disabilities must 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, part of a campaign to secure wheelchair lifts on public buses in Rochester, New York.

He honed these skills over several decades, participating in or organizing many disability rights protests. One of Bruce’s most notable achievements as an activist was his role as the lead organizer of the Summer of ADAPT, a 36-day series of protests in 2017 across the United States.

This historic event was the longest-running disability rights protest across the broadest geographic area, from Arizona to Alaska and Maine to Miami. Protests were held in cities like El Paso, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and Norman, Oklahoma. The Summer of ADAPT was a powerful demonstration of the disability rights movement’s determination and resilience.

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

Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce leads a fulfilling personal life. He and his husband share their home with two intelligent, creative border collies. He enjoys interacting with his dogs, gardening, cooking, and building/making things.

Gardening, in particular, provides him with a sense of quiet and tranquility, offering a welcome respite from his demanding advocacy work.

Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Bruce’s commitment to social justice extends to his philanthropic efforts. He regularly donates to disability and LGBTQ+ organizations, supporting causes close to his heart. Remarkably, despite aligning his activism work with his paid employment, much of his advocacy has been voluntary. His dedication was entirely volunteer-driven for the first eight years of CDR’s existence, including the writing of “Early to Bed/Late to Rise.”

Bruce E. Darling’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to social justice. As a co-founder and CEO of the Center for Disability Rights, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals with disabilities, promoting independent living and community integration. His tireless efforts have shaped public policy and inspired a new generation of advocates to continue the fight for disability rights. His legacy is one of resilience, determination, and a profound belief in every person’s inherent worth and dignity.