Darren Bates is a trailblazing force in the realm of disability employment, accessibility, equity, and disability inclusion. As a professional with disabilities and a visionary thought leader, he has dedicated his career to empowering historically marginalized and underrepresented populations, including the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. With over 15 years of invaluable experience, Darren has provided expert guidance to government agencies, civil rights organizations, and corporate America, driving impactful change in organizational development and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Darren is widely acknowledged as a leader in his field. He possesses a unique talent for helping companies identify and confront inequality head-on while dismantling barriers and fostering a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture. His expertise cultivates transformative workplaces and ignites a broader societal shift towards inclusivity.
In addition to his pivotal role as President/CEO of Darren Bates LLC, a prominent boutique consulting firm, Darren's personal experiences as a professional with disabilities further fuels his advocacy and commitment to change. His comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities enables him to adopt a holistic approach, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are at the heart of every stage of initiative, program, product, and service development By centering on co-designing solutions with disabled people rather than designing for disabled people, Darren catalyzes organizations to unlock the full potential of their workforce and foster a culture of belonging.
As a changemaker, Darren recognizes that dismantling barriers is not solely the responsibility of organizations but also extends to broader societal change. He advocates for the removal of physical, attitudinal, and systemic obstacles that hinder the participation and advancement of disabled individuals in all aspects of life. Through his visionary approach, he seeks to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute their talents.
Darren's visionary pursuits extend beyond the corporate landscape. He is the driving force behind the Smart Cities Library, an initiative that supports urban planners, designers, academics, and policymakers in creating accessible, equitable, and inclusive Smart Cities. By integrating the needs of diverse populations, including older adults and people with disabilities, into urban development, Darren envisions a future where cities become vibrant hubs that celebrate the full spectrum of human abilities.
As the former National Director for the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, Darren spearheaded a groundbreaking $10 million initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Through strategic collaboration, technical assistance, and the dissemination of best practices, he empowered employers to embrace inclusivity by expanding outreach, promoting hiring, and supporting the advancement of individuals with disabilities. His unwavering dedication shattered barriers, championed inclusive practices, and paved the way for a more equitable and diverse workforce.
Darren's exceptional expertise and visionary leadership have earned him global recognition. He is in high demand, sought after by government agencies, civil rights organizations, and corporate America for his unparalleled insights on enhancing organizational development and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through his impactful speaking engagements, consulting services, and thought-provoking writings, Darren inspires audiences and guides organizations to embrace the transformative power of diversity and inclusion.
