DAVID D’ARCANGELO
Disabilty Policy Expert with 25 years of experience
Profile
America’s Disability Policy Expert David D’Arcangelo
With over 25 years of dedicated public service, David D’Arcangelo stands as a leading Disability Policy Expert and Disability Inclusion advocate. Having served as a three-time elected official, Presidential appointee, Gubernatorial appointee, Commissioner, and Director, David D’Arcangelo brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Bio Language
David is currently the CEO of Arc Angel Communications a Limited Liability Corporation that is a Certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise. Legally blind from a young age, David D’Arcangelo, is a passionate leader and advocate for people with disabilities and underserved populations. He has built successful and meaningful careers in both the public and private sectors.
David’s distinguished career includes serving as a Presidentially appointed (Trump) member of the of the National Council on Disability (NCD), Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB,) Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD,) and being elected three times as City Councilor At-Large.
As a Presidential appointee, David served NCD, which is an independent federal agency that plays a leading role in crafting disability policy, and advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on disability policies, programs, and practices. As a Gubernatorial appointee, David served MCB & MOD and led both agencies through extensive modernization and innovations that produced positive results for people with disabilities.
David is known for his innovative ideas. He championed groundbreaking and transformative projects that led to increased independence and self-determination for people with disabilities. These improvements include systems modernization through technology enhancements for the blind, being a catalyst for the creation of the Municipal ADA Improvement grant Program, establishment of the collaborative low vision Residency Fellowship with the New England College of Optometry and devising and implementing the Employer Challenge program, which asks employers to “Do One More Thing” to reduce stigma and increase employment by providing access to employment opportunities.
He also collaborated on enterprise-wide (~41,000 Executive Branch Employees) telework, hybrid work, and alternative work options programs that arose because of COVID. As Commissioner, David oversees the agency’s $35M budget to ensure the highest quality of vocational and social rehabilitation services are delivered to individuals with blindness throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
David’s experience is deep and includes service in the Governor’s Office, Massachusetts State Senate, and multiple executive agencies. Additionally, David is a trailblazer for people with disabilities by both serving as an elected official who openly identified as a person with a disability and being the first openly identified person with a disability to reach a statewide ballot when he was the 2014 GOP nominee for Secretary of State.
The Council of State Governments (CSG) recognized David as one of the 30 Leaders in the United States Impacting Disability Policy in their Capitol Ideas Magazine celebrating 30 years of the ADA. David also served on the national “Work Matters” Task Force, which designed a framework for states to use in workforce development for people with disabilities. David’s extensive speaking skills include presenting at the National ADA Symposium, the American Enterprise Institute, the National Governor’s Association State Learning Lab, and numerous other conferences, meetings, and events. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the 2022 Toll Fellowship from the Council of State Governments; Marquis Who’s Who in America 2021; I Migliori Government Service Award, Pirandello Lyceum, 2019; Community Collaborator of the Year Award, Career Collaborative, 2017, and others. One of David’s ideas was recently selected into the competitive 10X process, Project #11: Connecting the Vocational Rehabilitation Data Landscape.
Aligning his leadership with social responsibility, David has extensive experience within non-profit leadership, including serving on the Board of Directors for the National Industries for the Blind, Board of Directors for the Arc of Middlesex East, Board of Directors for Resource Partnership, and the Board of Directors for Tailored for Success. David has also served in many other charitable and leadership positions, including Past President of the Malden Rotary Club, member, and former Chair of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Rehabilitation Council (appointed by two Governors), member of the Braille Literacy Advisory Council, and as an Election Officer for the City of Boston.
David’s industry leadership, vision, and innovation includes identifying development sites for the for disabled and senior housing for the nation’s largest non-profit rental CO-OP (CSI Support & Development Services); and spearheading M&L Transit Systems, Inc.’s financial turnaround and budget development.
David is a graduate of Suffolk University, where he served as an adjunct faculty member in the Communications and Journalism Department. David lives in Malden with his wife Lisa and their daughter, who is on the Autism Spectrum.
Expertise in Disability Policy
As a recognized Disability Expert, David D’Arcangelo has played pivotal roles in shaping and implementing disability policies at local, state, and federal levels. Leveraging a comprehensive understanding of legislative processes and regulatory frameworks, David D’Arcangelo has successfully influenced policies that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Disability Inclusion Advocacy
Promoting Disability Inclusion is at the core of David D’Arcangelo’s mission. By working closely with organizations, businesses, and government agencies, David D’Arcangelo has developed and executed strategies that foster inclusive environments. These efforts ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else, thereby enhancing their quality of life and contributions to society.
Comprehensive Disability Consulting Services
As a seasoned professional in disability consulting, David D’Arcangelo offers tailored consulting services to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s advising on compliance with disability laws, developing inclusive workplace policies, or providing training on disability awareness, David D’Arcangelo delivers insightful, practical solutions that drive positive change.
Why Choose David D’Arcangelo?
Proven Leadership – Extensive experience as an elected official and appointee at various levels of government.
Policy Expertise – In-depth knowledge of disability policies and their implementation.
Inclusive Vision – Commitment to promoting disability inclusion in all sectors.
Customized Solutions – Personalized consulting services to address specific challenges and goals.
Courage – David has the fortitude to face challenges and overcome them with goodness.
Join numerous organizations and institutions that have benefited from David D’Arcangelo’s expertise in disability policy, inclusion, and consulting. Contact David D’Arcangelo today to learn how you can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for individuals with disabilities.
Public Policy Executive
Public Policy Executive
PUBLIC POLICY EXECUTIVE
Focused on engaging with mid-sized companies and institutional organizations, particularly those dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities, David D’Arcangelo delivers results by providing innovative solutions that prioritize collaboration, technology integration, and a profound respect for the human condition.
Legally blind since childhood, David emerges as a resolute leader and champion for people with disabilities and underserved communities. Having forged prosperous and purposeful careers in both the public and private sectors, he brings a wealth of experience to the benefit of his clients and their customers.
Leadership Progression
Leadership Progression
LEADERSHIP PROGRESSION
President & CEO, Arc Angel Communications LLC
2023–Present
Leadership Impact: Present innovative efforts, as a private disability-owned business enterprise, by championing inclusion and accessibility to solve complex challenges. Empowering organizations to navigate and embrace diversity, fostering environments where every individual contributes to success.
Board Member, National Industries for the Blind
2023–Present
Leadership Impact: Provide servant leadership to the largest employer of people who are blind in the country. Support the direction and governance of the $800M+ non-profit organization.
Community Lead for vision impairment, Open Inclusion
2023–Present
Leadership Impact: Leadership consultant to global inclusive research agency working with major global brands. Providing strategic leadership consultancy and offering insights that enhance the agency’s effectiveness. Mentoring and guiding team members on inclusive practices, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Researching and monitoring emerging trends in accessibility and assistive technologies, ensuring Open Inclusion remains at the forefront of inclusive practices. Contributing to research projects for billion-dollar businesses.
Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
2018–2023
Leadership Impact: Direct a staff of 138, Report to the Secretary of Health & Human Services, Manage and administer $36.7M budget, Serve as State Director to the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration regarding Vocational Rehabilitation programs for the blind, served as Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee for the state’s COVID-19 Workforce Planning Initiative
Member, National Council on Disability
2020–2022
Leadership Impact: Appointed by the President of the United States. Served as Council Member to advise the President, Congress, & federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures impacting people with disabilities.
Director, Massachusetts Office on Disability
2015–2018
Leadership Impact: Appointed by the Governor to advise and administer disability laws, regulations, and policies. Expert on Disability Employment Policies, Member of Interagency Council, Grant Implementer, and Member of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board; Made recommendations for appointment of new members to the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board.
City Councilor At Large, Elected Three-Times
2011–2017
Leadership Impact: Elected to City Council 3 times, set policy; adopted ordinances, orders, and resolutions. Reviewed and approved the City’s annual budget of greater than $173M.
Nominee for Secretary of State
2014
Leadership Impact: Won Nomination for Secretary of State. The first statewide candidate in Massachusetts to identify as a person with a disability and reach a general election ballot.
Lecturer of Communication & Journalism. Suffolk University
2010–2014
Leadership Impact: Taught Professional Communications & Public Speaking, created curriculum, and instructed on how to become an expert communicator.
Earlier Career History
Earlier Career History
EARLIER CAREER HISTORY
Regional Development Manager, CSI S&D Services
2007–2008
Chief Communication Officer, M&L Transit Systems, Inc.
2004–2007
Program Coordinator, Mass. Department of Education
2003
Communication & Municipal Liaison, Mass. State Senate
1999–2003
Correspondence Aide, Governor’s Office
1998–1999
Trade Mission Assistant, MOITI
1996–1998
Boards & Commissions
Boards & Commissions
Boards & Commissions
Member, Lesley University Threshold Advisory Council
2018–2023
Member, Council of State Governments & National Conference of State Legislatures National Task Force on Workforce Development for Persons with Disabilities
2016-2018
Chair, Mass. Commission for the Blind Rehab. Council
2005–2014
Election Officer, City of Boston, Elections Division
2007–2012
Board Member, Malden Planning Board
2002–2008
Board of Directors, Tailored for Success (501c3)
2009–2013
Board of Directors, Arc of Middlesex East (501c3)
2008–2011
Board of Directors, Resource Partnership (501c3)
2006–2008
Notable Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Notable Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Notable Speaking Engagements & Presentations
- Guest Lecturer to Northwestern University Master of Science in Social and Economic Policy Program, Evanston IL, 2022
- Panelist for State-of-the-Science on Disability Statistics Conference, Washington D.C. 2022
- Featured Speaker Lesley University Thought Leadership Series, A Quest for Independence & Inclusion: Why Employment Matters for People with Disabilities, 2021
- Presenter and panelist for the Department of Defense 2021 Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Virtual Joint Disability and Reasonable Accommodations Summit: “Adapting to a New Virtual World”, 2021
- Moderated Panel – CSG Presents 30 Years of ADA, 2020
- Keynote Speaker for the National Braille Challenge presented by the Braille Institute, 2020
- Member/Panelist in SourceAmerica’s Advisory Committee regarding the “Future of Work and the Disability Community” Washington DC., 2019.
- Presenter at the 2018 National ADA Symposium, Creating a Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program, Pittsburgh, PA, June18, 2018
- Panelist on Disability Employment Policy at the American Enterprise Institute, Washington D.C. “Improving Opportunity for People with Disabilities: Understanding Trends and Effective Return-to-Work Strategies.” Washington, DC., February 7, 2017
- Keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference, Springfield, MA, April 30, 2015
Awards & Honors
Awards & Honors
AWARDS & HONORS
Toll Fellow, Council of State Governments
2022
Idea selected into Phase 1 funding for the GSA’s 10X
2022
Selected as one of 30 Leaders Impacting Disability Policy
2021
I Migliori Government Service Award, Pirandello Lyceum
2020
Collaborator of the Year Award, Career Collaborative
2017
Paul Harris Fellowship award, Rotary International (Malden)
2012
Louis B. Connelly Award, Suffolk University
2010
Education & Certifications
Education & Certifications
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Disability Owned Business Enterprise, Disability
2023
In Accredited Virtual Presenter, SpeakerMatch
2023
SEO Certification, SEOCertification.org
2010
Bachelor of Science, Suffolk University
1996
Downloadable Resume & Bio
Downloadable Resume & Bio
Download One Page Bio for David D’Arcangelo & Full Version Of Resume
Contacts
Contacts
Call to Action
Ready to enhance your organization’s disability inclusion initiatives? Get in touch with David D’Arcangelo, your trusted Disability Policy Expert, today.