Thread by @Okanlami

I was fortunate to be invited to @WhiteHouse to engage in an event called “Communities in Action: Building A Better Michigan” put on by the @WhiteHouseOPE46

While I’m honored to have been invited, it started off with an incident that, I feel, justified my very presence…(1/5)

We were directed to an address to have a COVID test before entering. As we approached, it was apparent that there was no wheelchair access. I was w/ state rep from Kalamazoo, Julie Rogers, & she went in to let them know I was waiting outside and couldn’t get in. (2/5)

Once inside @WhiteHouse, I used that as an opportunity to talk about how we can implement wonderful policies, but if the very people who are intended to benefit from those policies can’t even physically access them, all we are doing is further exacerbating this disparity.(3/5)

I told this story twice, & afterwards, @MayorMikeDuggan spoke up & made it very clear that he was disappointed by the response (or lack thereof), & both he & @SecGranholm acknowledged the importance of making sure we provide equitable access for the disability community. (4/5)

Later, @DrKhaldun said the following words:
“You just made a significant change to WH policy.
Representation matters.
Sponsorship matters.
Who’s in the room matters.
That made my day.”

#RepresentationMatters
#DisabusingDisability
#Disability
#Accessibility
#HealthEquity (5/5)