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MEDIA ADVISORY: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wanonna Gray, Communications Director
Office of the Detroit Ombudsman
Detroit, MI 48226, (313) 224-6000 | Wanonna.RobertsGray@DetroitMI.gov
DETROIT OMBUDSMAN HOSTS COMMUNITY LEARNING SESSION TO ADDRESS ACCESSIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION BARRIERS
"An estimated 45,000–50,000 Detroit residents are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing, representing approximately 7% of the city's population."
"Breaking Barriers…Building Bridges"
DETROIT, MI — Detroit Madam Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed. invites members of the media, community stakeholders, educators, advocates, residents, and service providers to attend "Breaking Barriers…Building Bridges," a community learning session focused on advancing accessibility, equity, and communication access for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or living with disabilities.
Hosted by the City of Detroit Office of the Ombudsman, this important community forum is being presented in partnership with the City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department, the City of Detroit Office of Disability Affairs, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, and Wayne County Community College District.
The event will provide an opportunity for residents to share their lived experiences, identify barriers to accessing services, and engage directly with government and community leaders committed to building a more inclusive Detroit.
WHAT:
Breaking Barriers…Building Bridges
Community Learning Session on Accessibility, ADA Compliance, and Communication Access
WHO:
- Madam Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed.
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Director Jade Mathis, City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department
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Director Chistopher Samp, City of Detroit Office of Disability Affairs
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Director Kenya Lowe, Michigan Department of Civil Rights-Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing
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Glenn Stewart, ASL Professor Oakland Community College District
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Teddy R. Dorsette, III, Founder & Director of Access, Equity, & Leadership Collective (AELC)
- Community advocates, educators, parents, students, and residents
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Wayne County Community College District–NW General Arts Bldg
8200 W. Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219
WHY:
The Office of the Ombudsman is committed to ensuring that every Detroit resident has equitable access to city services, programs, and opportunities. This listening session will focus on identifying communication barriers, improving accessibility, strengthening ADA compliance, and promoting inclusive practices across public institutions and community spaces.
Discussion topics will include:
- Accessibility and communication barriers facing residents
- ADA compliance and best practices
- Access to certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
- Resources and advocacy services for deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and disabled residents
- Inclusive engagement strategies for schools, public agencies, and community organizations
- Recommendations to improve accessibility throughout the City of Detroit
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Opening remarks from Detroit Madam Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo
- Interviews with representatives from partnering agencies
- Community testimonials and stakeholder perspectives
- Discussions on disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion
- Photo, video, and B-roll opportunities
"Every resident deserves to be heard, understood, and able to access the services they need. Through partnership and dialogue, we can break down barriers and build bridges that create a more accessible and inclusive Detroit for all."
— Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed., Detroit Madam Ombudsman
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this important community conversation.
TODAY: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Free Food Served Promptly 5-5:45PM
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