BIO FOR DARREN DIONE AQUINO

Founder & CEO – Advocates for Disabled Americans, Veterans, Police, Firefighters & Families (ADA Advocates)

Civil Rights Champion | 9/11 Survivor | Veteran Advocate | Former Federal Candidate

Biography: Defender of Justice, Voice for the Voiceless

Darren Dione Aquino is a nationally recognized civil rights advocate, a tireless warrior for the disabled, and the National Chief Advocate of the 501(c)(3) organization Advocates for Disabled Americans, Veterans, Police, Firefighters & Families, founded in 1983. For over four decades, Darren has stood on the front lines of constitutional defense for disabled citizens, veterans, first responders, and their families.

As a proud 9/11 survivor, Darren emerged from tragedy with renewed conviction, dedicating his life to protecting the vulnerable, demanding justice, and ensuring that no disabled American is ever left behind. He has battled institutional injustice at the highest levels — from the Social Security Administration to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — and has filed federal ADA Title II complaints on behalf of individuals whose rights were ignored or denied.

Foundations of Leadership

• Disability Rights Advocacy Since the Reagan Administration

Darren began his advocacy under President Ronald Reagan’s administration and played a foundational role in the movement that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

He is a rare early architect of national ADA awareness, and a trusted voice in Washington and beyond.

• Founder of ADA Advocates

Established in 1983, ADA Advocates is a nationally recognized non-profit civil rights organization defending the rights of the disabled, veterans, first responders, and their families.

• Political Leadership & Public Service

Darren has run for public office to bring integrity and disabled voices into the halls of power:

• Former Candidate for Mayor of New York City

• Former Congressional Candidate in Florida’s 19th District

• Executive Committee Member of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee (CCREC) in Naples, Florida

Fierce Legal Advocate for the Disabled

Darren is not an attorney — he is something more rare: a disabled advocate with firsthand knowledge, lived experience, and a relentless commitment to justice. He has successfully represented numerous clients in front of the Social Security Administration, fighting discrimination, wrongful benefit denials, and retaliation against the mentally and physically disabled. He has also taken on Title II ADA litigation in federal court and secured victories on behalf of disabled Americans.

Darren has exposed and challenged systemic violations within government agencies, especially where due process, medical privacy, and equal access have been denied.

Recognition & Representation

• Recognized by local and national leaders as a constitutional conservative voice for the disabled

• A trusted advocate for veterans, including caretaking and defending the rights of his uncle, an 82-year-old disabled veteran unlawfully denied VA Aid & Attendance benefits

• Regularly cited and referenced in ADA advocacy networks, court filings, and national legal briefs

A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced

Darren believes that liberty is not negotiable, and that the ADA is not a privilege — it is a protected right. His battle cry is simple: “We don’t need permission to fight for justice — we were born with that right.”

As the National Chief, Darren stands not just as an advocate — but as a living embodiment of resilience, righteousness, and unwavering dedication to those society forgets.

Connect with Darren Aquino

Website: www.ADAadvocates.org

Email: info@adaadvocates.org

Location: Naples, Florida