Written by: Jenn Argy, Aspire of WNY Supported Individual and Communications Intern
Advocacy begins with a voice. Paris Adams has been using his for more than fourteen years through his work with Aspire of WNY, focusing on the practical issues that affect people with disabilities every day. His approach is built on a commitment to real, sustainable change, and over time he has become a steady presence in conversations about disability policy across the state. For Paris, advocacy is personal and driven by the belief that people deserve support that truly reflects their needs.
Paris’ work in a law office is proof of his determination to be independent and informed. Each day for 24 years he has commuted back and forth, managed responsibilities and contributed valuable insights as a member of a team. Working in an office shows his reliability, dedication and willingness to do what needs to be done. He takes pride in maintaining this routine, showing up to do his best and holding a meaningful and active role in his community. That same attitude is a force he takes into his advocacy.
Paris’s advocacy began with an invitation to Albany, where he was chosen to speak about fair wages for Direct Support Professionals. Seeing the impact of his words made it clear that his voice carried weight, and it set him on a path he continued to follow, returning to the Capitol time and time again to make sure those perspectives aren’t overlooked. “I’m not here to keep my mouth closed,” he says.
Behind the scenes, Paris comes prepared, precise, and passionate. With skills gained from a public speaking course in Ithaca, he knows how to shape a message, so it lands with the right ear. He believes confidence comes from clarity. Before an event, he spends the day centering himself and reviewing his core points until they feel true to him.
Paris emphasizes that the 1.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment given to disability service agencies is simply not enough, and people with disabilities feel the gap the most. Funding levels directly affect the quality of care agencies can provide, shaping how individuals live, work, and pursue personal success. The gap shows up in essential areas like staffing, transportation, healthcare access, and day‑to‑day services. The issue demands attention.
Rallies are more than noise. They serve as a living reminder of the persistence and strength of the disability community. They take over space. Crowds are packed together, signs lifted overhead, names of places like Nassau and Gowanda New York held high for lawmakers to see. People stand for hours, shoulder to shoulder, filling the sidewalks and steps, waiting for their turn to be heard. “It was wild,” Paris said “Tremendous. Huge for everybody.”
The size of the event is what hits first. It’s a room full of people showing up at once, all for the same reason, making the issue impossible to ignore. Every sign, every voice adds to the pressure, turning individual stories into something visible and unavoidable. In that moment, it’s not quiet or distant, it’s front and central to the people in power making decisions.
When asked how people can join together, Paris says, ‘’It doesn’t matter what their decisions are, the air we breathe or your walk of life, people need to get up and fight for what’s right. Speak up because we matter.’’