Darren Bates

Darren Bates Email and Phone Number

Director of Policy @ Disability Belongs
Austin, TX, US
Darren Bates's Location
Austin, Texas, United States, United States
Darren Bates's Contact Details

Darren Bates personal email

n/a
About Darren Bates

Darren Bates is a globally recognized expert in disability employment, accessibility, equity, and disability inclusion. He has gained recognition for his exceptional ability to help companies identify and address inequality, dismantle barriers, and cultivate a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture. With over 18 years of extensive experience, Darren has advised government agencies, civil rights organizations, and corporate America on enhancing organizational development and promoting inclusion initiatives. His expertise encompasses improving accessibility, engaging diverse communities, and advancing the meaningful participation of adults with disabilities.As the President/CEO of Darren Bates LLC, a prominent boutique consulting firm, Darren is a catalyst for change, empowering companies to cultivate corporate cultures that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. What sets Darren apart is his commitment to co-designing solutions with disabled people, not for disabled people, amplifying their voices and intersectional perspectives at every stage of initiative, program, product, and service. By actively dismantling barriers, Darren helps organizations unlock the full potential of their workforce.Previously, as the National Director for the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, Darren led a groundbreaking $10 million initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Through technical assistance, collaboration, and the dissemination of best practices, he empowered employers to outreach, hire, retain, and promote individuals with disabilities. His strategic initiatives have shattered barriers, championed inclusive practices, and paved the way for a more equitable and diverse workforce.Darren's impact extends far beyond the corporate world. He is the visionary Founder of 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 older adults and disabled people into urban development, Darren envisions a future where cities are designed to embrace the full spectrum of human abilities.Darren's exceptional expertise has gained recognition on a global scale. He is sought after by government agencies, civil rights organizations, and corporate America for his insights on enhancing organizational development and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.For consulting and speaking engagement requests, contact: booking@darrenbatesllc.com.

Darren Bates's Current Company Details
Disability Belongs

Disability Belongs

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Director of Policy
Austin, TX, US
Website:
DisabilityBelongs.org
Employees:
88
Darren Bates Work Experience Details
  • Disability Belongs
    Director Of Policy
    Disability Belongs
    Austin, Tx, Us
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  • Darren Bates, Llc
    President/Ceo/Global Accessibility & Disability Inclusion Strategist
    Darren Bates, Llc 2013 - Present
    Darren Bates LLC is an industry-leading boutique consulting firm dedicated to assisting companies in cultivating accessible and inclusive corporate cultures. Our firm strongly emphasizes valuing and respecting all individuals, including those with disabilities and intersectional identities. We collaborate with organizations to develop tailored solutions prioritizing equitable access and fostering inclusion. Our overarching goal is to enhance diversity, equity, and accessibility outcomes, and we firmly believe in co-designing with disabled people, not for disabled people.Founded in 2013 by disability advocate Darren Bates, our company is deeply committed to social justice and equality, particularly for historically marginalized communities.At Darren Bates LLC, we offer comprehensive services, including customized training, consulting, and technical assistance. We work closely with client teams, key stakeholders, and both internal and external partners to promote best practices for accessibility and disability inclusion in the workplace, marketplace, and supply chain.In addition, through our Smart Cities Library initiative, we extend our expertise to urban planners, designers, academics, and policymakers. Our aim is to collaborate with these stakeholders to co-design Smart Cities that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive, fully integrating the needs of people with disabilities.At Darren Bates LLC, we are dedicated to driving positive change, empowering organizations to create environments that embrace diversity, promote equity, and ensure accessibility for all.
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  • Smart Cities Library
    Founder/Global Accessibility & Disability Inclusion Strategist
    Smart Cities Library 2017 - Present
    Established in 2017, the Smart Cities Library™ is a groundbreaking initiative that empowers cities and stakeholders to strategically plan, design, and transform into accessible and inclusive Smart Cities. In the face of rapid global urbanization and technological innovation, our mission is to ensure that no citizen is unintentionally left behind or excluded.Key Objectives:Integration of Disability and Marginalized Communities: We work towards integrating the perspectives and needs of people with disabilities and other historically underserved and marginalized populations into urban design. Our customized support extends to a diverse network of urban planners, architects, designers, policymakers, and academics, enabling global urban design to be inclusive of disabled individuals and those with intersectional identities.Empowering City Leaders and Private Industry: We provide a comprehensive range of services, including corporate training, technical assistance, and consulting. We aim to empower city leaders and private industry worldwide to collaborate in co-designing accessible, equitable, and inclusive Smart Cities. By supporting and integrating the needs of people with disabilities and other historically underserved populations, we ensure that urban design and technological innovation are inclusive and responsive.The Smart Cities Library™ is committed to driving positive change by fostering an environment where disabled individuals and marginalized communities are considered and included in urban planning and technology advancements. Together, we can shape the future of cities, making them truly accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all.
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  • Employment Alliance For People With Disabilities (Eapd)
    Founder/President/Ceo
    Employment Alliance For People With Disabilities (Eapd) 2010 - Dec 2015
    Darren Bates is the Founder and President/CEO of the Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities (EAPD), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EAPD collaborates with disability advocacy, service organizations, workforce development entities, and economic organizations to advance employment opportunities and transform the lives of individuals with disabilities.Darren's Key Contributions:Leadership and Strategic Guidance: Darren provides visionary leadership, shaping EAPD's values, mission, vision, and goals. He assists the board in monitoring and evaluating EAPD's effectiveness and relevance to the community.Community Integration and Advocacy: Darren facilitates the seamless integration of EAPD into the community. He collaborates with community representatives, business organizations, stakeholders, and municipal leadership to promote engagement and collaboration.Inclusive Job Fairs: Under Darren's direction, EAPD organizes annual job fairs catering to job seekers with disabilities while welcoming the general public. These job fairs have seen significant growth. For instance, in the first year, 350 job seekers and 40 employers participated, resulting in 35 hires. In the second year, participation increased to 450 job seekers and 40 employers, with 96 on-the-spot interviews and 117 hires.Acknowledgment and Recognition: EAPD's exceptional work led to the prestigious 2012 Lex Frieden Employment, Martha Arbuckle Award. This recognition by the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities commended EAPD's community achievements and contributions to the advancement of people with disabilities.Darren's unwavering dedication and visionary approach have left a lasting impact on disability employment and the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through his leadership, EAPD has achieved remarkable growth, empowerment, and success, serving as an inspiring model for inclusive organizations driving positive change.
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  • The Viscardi Center
    National Project Director
    The Viscardi Center 2014 - Aug 2015
    Albertson, New York, Us
    Darren Bates was handpicked by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to spearhead and strategize the National Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) initiative. This groundbreaking $10 million collaborative project, funded by ODEP in partnership with The Viscardi Center, aimed to bolster employer commitment and capacity to effectively engage, hire, retain, and promote qualified individuals with disabilities.Key Contributions:Strategic Planning and Team Management: Darren developed the comprehensive strategic work plan and oversaw the performance of 12 cross-functional project teams. These teams, comprised of governmental staff, disability service organizations, top-tier academic institutions, business leadership organizations, and nonprofits, were remotely located throughout the United States. Darren collaborated closely with key stakeholders to coach, train, and provide best practice strategies and customized resources to employers, enabling them to harness the advantages of accessibility and disability inclusion.Interactive Technical Assistance Website Development: Through collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and employers, Darren played a pivotal role in shaping the content of EARN's interactive technical assistance website. This platform was designed to guide employers in cultivating accessible and inclusive workplace cultures, while also enhancing their recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals with disabilities as part of their broader diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies.National Spokesperson and Public Engagement: Darren served as the prominent public face of EARN, representing the initiative at media events, national conferences, and webinars. His dynamic presence and expertise established EARN as the foremost authority on disability inclusion and employment, fostering its reputation as the go-to resource in the field.
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  • National Disability Institute
    National Workforce Strategist
    National Disability Institute 2013 - 2014
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
    Darren was recruited by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Social Security Administration to provide expertise on federal and state work incentive policies and programs related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). His contributions include the following:Technical Assistance and Research: Darren provided technical assistance and subject matter expertise to the U.S. Social Security Administration, conducting research and demonstration projects to address the needs of beneficiaries with disabilities. He analyzed federal disability employment policies and practices to enhance services for beneficiaries and developed strategies to improve coordination among federal and state programs for job seekers with disabilities.Leadership in Workforce Development: Leading a cross-organizational team of 10 staff members, Darren worked with State Workforce Agencies and workforce development boards to assist employers in implementing innovative strategies, including public-private partnerships, to hire and retain qualified job seekers with disabilities.National Presentations and Advocacy: Darren collaborated with government agencies to present findings, research, and technical assistance at national conferences and policy forums, advocating for disability employment issues.Innovative Training and Communication: Darren developed interactive training, outreach, and communication strategies on disability employment topics. He presented at conferences, facilitated virtual training events, and utilized social media platforms to engage diverse audiences.Darren Bates's expertise and leadership significantly advanced disability employment policies and programs, creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce.
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  • Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
    Regional Disability Director/Navigator
    Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board 2009 - Nov 2012
    Corpus Christi, Texas, Us
    As a direct report to the President/CEO, Darren Bates played a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive accessibility at 10 One-Stop Career Centers in the Coastal Bend region. His contributions include:Strategic Planning and Capacity Building: Darren developed a logic model and three-year strategic work plan to enhance the capabilities of One-Stop Career Center staff in effectively serving job seekers with disabilities. This approach aimed to improve accessibility and provide tailored support for individuals seeking employment.Ticket to Work Employment Network: Darren successfully implemented the Ticket to Work Employment Network business model and operational plan. Within the initial 2.5 years, it generated $200K and exceeded the state average for engaging job seekers with disabilities in competitive employment by 20%.Mobility Options Project for People with Disabilities (MOP): Darren led a collaborative effort involving diverse community organizations to establish the Mobility Options Project. This initiative provided over 3,000 employment and work-related trips to more than 100 individuals with disabilities, covering 42,385 miles in its first year.Public Education and Training: Darren conducted informative presentations, public education campaigns, and targeted training on disability-related topics. His efforts raised awareness, promoted inclusivity, and fostered a better understanding of disability, accommodations, and accessibility.Stakeholder Engagement and Employer Outreach: Darren engaged with community leaders, elected officials, employers, and key stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of employment-related resources within the public workforce system. The goal was to assist employers in recruiting, advancing, and retaining individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive workforce.Darren Bates's visionary leadership and impactful contributions transformed disability employment and inclusion for the Coastal Bend region.
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  • Texas Workforce Commission
    Resource Specialist
    Texas Workforce Commission 2005 - Jun 2007
    Austin, Texas, Us
    As a subject matter expert, Darren Bates provided invaluable technical assistance to individuals and community-based organizations accessing the public workforce system. He played a crucial role in connecting the general public with local community resources and facilitated their utilization of the One-Stop Career Center's offerings to secure, retain, or transition employment. Darren delivered comprehensive workforce development services, offering personalized job search assistance to individuals facing multiple and significant barriers to employment. His dedication and expertise enabled individuals to overcome obstacles and access meaningful employment opportunities.
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Darren Bates Skills

Community Outreach Nonprofits Leadership Public Speaking Training Program Management Workforce Development Fundraising Disabilities Non Profits Government Program Development Coaching Policy Strategic Planning Recruiting Management Grants Strategy Career Counseling Americans With Disabilities Act Interviews Accessibility Leadership Development Staff Development Public Relations Grant Writing Diversity And Inclusion Employee Training Public Policy Strategic Partnerships Employment Research Community Development Nonprofit Organizations Independent Living Veterans Job Search Strategies Team Building Strategic Communications Employee Relations Employment Transportation Organizational Development Performance Management Change Management Policy Analysis Project Management Capacity Building Cross Functional Team Leadership Workshop Facilitation

Darren Bates Education Details

  • The University Of Texas At Austin
    The University Of Texas At Austin
    Fine Arts /Interdisciplinary Humanties
  • The A.C.T. Conservatory
    The A.C.T. Conservatory
    Dramatic Arts

Frequently Asked Questions about Darren Bates

What company does Darren Bates work for?

Darren Bates works for Disability Belongs

What is Darren Bates's role at the current company?

Darren Bates's current role is Director of Policy.

What is Darren Bates's email address?

Darren Bates's email address is da****@****scb.org

What is Darren Bates's direct phone number?

Darren Bates's direct phone number is +156292*****

What schools did Darren Bates attend?

Darren Bates attended The University Of Texas At Austin, The A.c.t. Conservatory.

What are some of Darren Bates's interests?

Darren Bates has interest in Disability Employment, Interested In Full Time.

What skills is Darren Bates known for?

Darren Bates has skills like Community Outreach, Nonprofits, Leadership, Public Speaking, Training, Program Management, Workforce Development, Fundraising, Disabilities, Non Profits, Government, Program Development.

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