'Community has the power'

Nickole Cheron, Portland's ADA Title II Disability Equity Manager, advocates for improved accessibility in city programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Her work is rooted in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates the removal of barriers to ensure equal opportunities. Cheron's personal experiences with accessibility challenges shaped her commitment to this mission after she faced obstacles in pursuing higher education. She conducts biennial Disability Equity and Engagement Surveys, gathering insights from 4,000 residents to identify community barriers, particularly in areas like North Portland where wheelchair users often navigate the streets. Cheron encourages residents to report barriers via ADA accommodation request forms or through the PDX 311 program, emphasizing the need for community voices in decision-making.

Her notable successes include the Adaptive Biketown initiative, which responded to requests for accessible bike options. Cheron’s approach combines persistence, humor, and community engagement to foster a more inclusive city. By representing the disability community, she aims to drive meaningful change in Portland's governance.