Andrew J. Imparato

Lawyer · Advocate

United States

Bipolar disorderSelf-disclosed [1]

Andrew J. Imparato is a disability rights lawyer and policy leader who has spent more than three decades working in government and advocacy and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Disability Rights California. [2]

Last updated September 15, 2026

Career and work

Imparato has worked in disability law, policy, and advocacy for more than three decades. His roles have included attorney adviser at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, General Counsel and Director of Policy at the National Council on Disability, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, Disability Policy Director for Senator Tom Harkin on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Executive Director of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. [2]

He joined Disability Rights California in 2020 and is now its Chief Executive Officer. He was a leader in the coalition supporting the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and helped negotiate disability provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. [2]

What has been publicly discussed

“My most important mood stabilizer is my work.”
— Andrew J. Imparato [3]

The following sources contain information that supports the claims made in this profile.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionStatement of Andrew J. Imparato
First-person testimony in which Imparato identifies himself as a person with bipolar disorder and discusses disability and employment protections.
Disability Rights CaliforniaLeadership Team
Current professional biography covering Imparato’s leadership at Disability Rights California, previous government and advocacy positions, major legislative work, education, and lived experience with bipolar disorder.
USC Gould School of Law“On-the-job and living with mental health disorders”
Covers his diagnosis around the end of law school, his experience of depression, the role work plays in managing his symptoms, and his approach to being open about his disability.
Alliance for Health PolicyBest Practices for Collecting Patient Feedback
Includes a first-person account of his first serious episode of depression, long-term experience living with bipolar disorder, and development of a positive disability identity.
Truthout“Beyond Awareness: Mental Illness and the Ableism of Capitalism”
Includes an interview with Imparato about disclosure, workplace discrimination, and flexible employment policies.

Recommended books and other resources about Andrew J. Imparato and lived experience.

Section 504 at 50“A Conversation with Andrew Imparato”
A long-form interview about Imparato’s career, disability identity, work in the disability-rights movement, and views on disability policy and advocacy.
The Washington Post“Disability aide reflects on ADA's anniversary”
An interview with Imparato about disability employment, federal policy, and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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