Our Team
Dedicated Leadership and Expertise
Sarah Chen
President & Founding Member
Steering our vision for equitable justice and setting the standard for professional excellence. Sarah is a recognized leader in disability civil rights and has dedicated her three-decade career to challenging systemic barriers in the legal system. As President, she is responsible for the high-level strategy and vision of the WNYDNBA, ensuring all initiatives align with our core mission of inclusion and empowerment. Her experience spans litigation and policy-making, providing the association with indispensable guidance on navigating complex legal and governmental landscapes. Sarah’s commitment to fostering a mentorship culture ensures that the next generation of WNY lawyers is equipped to advocate with both skill and empathy.
David Miller
Director of Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Elevating the bar’s expertise in specialized disability and neurodiversity law. David focuses on the crucial task of training and informing our membership, designing and implementing all of the association’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs. With a strong background in Education Law, particularly concerning IEPs, 504 plans, and transitioning youth, David ensures our curriculum addresses the most current legal challenges and emerging case law. His dedication to professional development means that WNYDNBA members receive rigorous, specialized training necessary to provide top-tier, informed representation for clients in educational and employment settings.
Maya Rodriguez
Policy & Advocacy Chair
Translating community needs into impactful legislative and judicial policy changes.
As the Policy and Advocacy Chair, Maya serves as the crucial link between the community’s lived experience and governmental action. She leads our efforts in analyzing proposed legislation, drafting policy positions, and advocating before local courts and municipal bodies to ensure accessibility and inclusion are prioritized. Maya brings a deep understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community, ensuring that our association’s advocacy is always grounded in the principles of universal design and real-world applicability.
Thomas O’Connell
Secretary & Treasurer
Ensuring the sustained growth and operational integrity of our association.
Thomas is the organizational backbone of the WNYDNBA, managing the association’s administrative operations, financial health, and membership records. With a legal practice focused on Estate Planning, Special Needs Trusts, and Guardianship, Thomas inherently understands the long-term legal and financial security concerns facing our client population. His meticulous attention to detail ensures our resources are managed responsibly and efficiently, guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of our programs and our ability to remain a reliable resource for the Western New York community.
Join us
Be a Part of the Movement
At the Western New York Disability and Neurodiversity Bar Association (WNYDNBA), we are building a legal community committed to justice, inclusion, and empowerment. By joining us, you become a critical voice in advocating for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent communities across the region.
Who Should Join?
Our association is a resource for a diverse group of individuals united by our mission:
- Legal Professionals: Attorneys, judges, paralegals, and law students interested in disability rights, advocacy, and inclusive legal practices.
- Advocates & Service Providers: Individuals working in non-profits, community organizations, and healthcare dedicated to supporting disabled and neurodivergent populations.
- Neurodivergent Individuals & Their Families: Anyone seeking to connect with a supportive network and stay informed about critical legal and legislative developments.
Benefits of Membership
Membership in the WNYDNBA offers essential tools and opportunities to further your practice and passion:
- Professional Development & CLEs: Access seminars, workshops, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits focused on the latest developments in disability law, accommodations, and best practices for inclusive representation.
- Networking & Collaboration: Connect with a dedicated network of legal professionals, community leaders, and advocates who share your commitment to equity.
- Advocacy & Impact: Contribute directly to our efforts to promote understanding of disability rights, influence policy, and foster a more just and equitable legal system in Western New York.
- Resources & Support: Receive regular updates, access to specialized legal resources, and support for implementing inclusive practices in your firm or organization.
Contact us
We are listening to you,
We welcome your inquiries, feedback, and engagement with the Western New York Disability and Neurodiversity Bar Association (WNYDNBA). Whether you have a question about membership, need resources, or want to partner with us, please reach out.
Get In Touch
The best way to reach us is via email or mail. Our dedicated team reviews communications regularly and will respond as quickly as possible.
General Inquiries & Membership
The fastest way to connect with us is by email.
Email: info@wnyd.site
Mailing Address
You can send correspondence to our physical address:
WESTERN NEW YORK DISABILITY AND NEURODIVERSITY BAR ASSOCIATION
3560 ORANGEPORT ROAD GASPORT, NY 14067 US