How do you plan on working with disabled people in your community to hear concerns and work collaboratively on policy solutions?

Throughout my time in office, I have worked closely with members of the disability community to elevate their concerns in city government. In 2023, I was proud to secure $1 million for the Sidewalk Repair Program, which prioritizes projects requested by residents with disabilities. In 2024, we built on that progress by winning $150,000 for bus stop improvements to expand wheelchair accessibility and $205,000 for bus driver training in diversity and sensitivity, ensuring that disabled riders are treated with dignity and respect. I also voted to cancel our Transdev contract which brought paratransit services in house. We now have same day paratransit services. I will continue to listen to and uplift the needs of the disability community by holding regular listening sessions, working alongside community organizations, and strengthening partnerships with the Office of Disability Affairs.

Why do you believe healthcare is a fundamental right of all people?

Access to quality healthcare is the foundation for a person’s ability to fully participate in community life. When people can’t afford to get the care they need, the costs show up in every aspect of our city. While the city government does not control the entire healthcare system, we have a responsibility to work with our public health department, hospitals, health clinics, and nonprofit community organizations to identify gaps in healthcare coverage in our city. In particular, we need to ensure that those who are eligible for free or low-cost healthcare have the tools and information they need to enroll.

Why do you believe it is important for disabled people to be a part of your governmental body’s employees?

I believe that those closest to the problem are closest to the solutions. I’m proud that Detroit’s Office of Disability Affairs is already leading in this work by elevating the voices of disabled residents and ensuring that city agencies consider accessibility from the very beginning. As a council member, I will continue to champion efforts to recruit, hire, and promote disabled employees across departments, because a government that reflects the full diversity of its people is stronger.

How do you envision the future of disabled residents in your community?

According to U.S. Census Data, about 1 in 5 Detroiters has a disability. I envision a city where every resident, regardless of their race, disability, sexual orientation, or gender, has access to the resources they need to live with dignity. Too often, people living with disability are left navigating systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. My goal is to ensure that accessibility and inclusion are built into the foundation of how our city operates.