Daniel Clark Darkow

Daniel Clark Darkow, age 32, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2026, in Oxford, Ohio. Though his time on earth was far too brief, Dan lived with extraordinary purpose, leaving a lasting mark on the countless students, colleagues, friends, and family members who were privileged to know him.
Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clark and Opal Lease, and Donald and Mary Kay Darkow; and by his beloved service dogs, Tilly and Julep, from Canine Companions.
He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Jeffrey and Barbara Darkow; his sister, Sarah Otts (Mitchell), and his nieces, Elaina and Madeline; his brother, James Darkow (Alexa), and his service dog, Kismet. His many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins will forever hold him in their hearts. He was a devoted son, proud brother, and cherished uncle.
Dan grew up in Avon Lake and graduated from Avon Lake High School in 2011. From an early age, his intelligence and resilience were unmistakable. Living with spinal muscular atrophy and using a wheelchair his entire life, Dan lived unapologetically in his disabled identity, insisting on access and working to dismantle the barriers around him. His independence was supported by Carlos Rodriguez, his full-time personal care assistant, along with the many Miami student personal care assistants who worked with him. Together, they created interdependent teams, forming close bonds and enabling Dan to live on his own terms.
He earned a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Wright State University in 2015, followed by a M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University in 2017. Dan will be awarded his Ph.D. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University, posthumously. His research centered on disability services in higher education and the cultivation of a campus-wide culture of access.
Dan found his life's calling in ensuring access and inclusion for students with disabilities and was often described as an "access architect." He served as Director of the Miller Center for Student Disability Services at Miami University beginning in April 2024, after previously serving as Assistant Director and Access Coordinator. He also served as an adjunct faculty member in Disability Studies at Miami University. Prior to that, he was Director of the Office of Disability and Testing Services at Cleveland State University. Through his consulting work with Accessible Information Management, LLC. (AIM), Dan partnered with universities nationwide to improve service delivery through the use of disability services technology.
Dan was a tireless advocate for those with disabilities. He was instrumental in projects that improved accessibility across campus, including the implementation of accessible foot push buttons for elevators in Miami University's Shriver Center, Armstrong Student Center, and the Miami Cleveland Clinic Health Sciences Facility.
Dan's love for his work was evident in every role he took on. He served on the Board of Directors for NMD United, an international nonprofit led by and for adults with neuromuscular disabilities. Dan was also an active leader in Ohio AHEAD, the state chapter of the Association on Higher Education and Disability, serving as Treasurer and, most recently, as President-Elect, where he presented at the national conventions.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dan was unforgettable for his personality. He had an incredible work ethic and an unmatched ability to multitask. He navigated life with sharp humor, sarcasm, and a signature side-eye that those closest to him will never forget. He loved Taylor Swift, passionately following Cleveland sports, and binge-watching television shows with a similar joy he brought to his advocacy work.
Dan's life was defined not by his disability, but by his impact. He showed others that strength is not measured by physical ability, but by heart and self-empowerment. Though we grieve his loss, we celebrate a life lived boldly and purposefully, with unwavering dedication to access for all.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dan Darkow Scholarship Fund (Fund 7037-001) at Miami University, 725 E. Chestnut St. Oxford, OH 45056, supporting future students and continuing the work to which Dan devoted his life.
Funeral Service Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Bethesda on the Bay Lutheran Church, 28607 Wolf Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140. Interment private. FRIENDS RECEIVED AT THE BERRY-McGREEVEY-MARTENS FUNERAL HOME, 26691 DETROIT RD. WESTLAKE, OH 44145 FROM 5-8 P.M. FRIDAY, AND AGAIN AT CHURCH ON SATURDAY STARTING AT 2 P.M. See funeral website for livestream information.