Darren Bates, Director, Policy
Darren Bates
Darren Bates is the Director, Policy, at the disability advocacy nonprofit organization Disability Belongs™.
Darren is a seasoned policy leader and disability rights advocate with more than 18 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and systems change. Throughout his career, Darren has focused on advancing equity, economic empowerment, and political agency for disabled people, with a commitment to intersectional justice. His work uplifts the voices of those at the intersection of disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and economic inequality.
Darren previously served as the National Director for the Employment Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), where he successfully led 12 cross-functional teams across the United States, secured $10 million in federal funding, and developed strategic initiatives to promote workforce inclusion for disabled people. His expertise spans disability employment, accessibility, and policy development, making him a sought-after voice in the field. As a person with multiple non-apparent disabilities, Darren’s advocacy is deeply informed by lived experience. He is passionate about creating policies that prioritize inclusion, accessibility, and justice, ensuring that disabled people have equitable opportunities in all aspects of life. Darren holds a strong vision for proactive leadership in public policy, aiming to shape national and international conversations on disability rights and equity. He is committed to empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and driving systemic change to create a more accessible, just, and inclusive world.
Contact Darren Bates
Reach Bates at DarrenB@DisabilityBelongs.org.
