PUBLICATIONS

Detroit Disability Power | April 2026

Eric co-authored the latest edition of Detroit Disability Power's report on polling place accessibility. This year's report presents detailed findings from observations at 447 polling places (415 Election Day polling locations and 32 early voting sites) across 45 Michigan jurisdictions. The observations, conducted during elections throughout 2025, significantly expanded the scope of the polling place audit program adding several communities that had not previously been assessed for accessibility.

• Report

• Fact Sheets

• Briefing Slideshow

• Briefing Recording

Detroit Disability Power | May 2025

Eric co-authored this groundbreaking report based on the accessible polling site audit program he implemented at Detroit Disability Power during the 2024 election cycle. The publication presents detailed findings from assessments of 294 polling locations across 21 Michigan jurisdictions, documenting accessibility barriers and compliance issues. This influential research provides election officials with actionable recommendations to improve ballot access for voters with disabilities while establishing a replicable methodology for accessibility audits nationwide. 

University of Michigan | January 2024

In collaboration with the University of Michigan's Science, Technology and Public Policy Program, Eric co-authored this influential publication during his tenure at Detroit Disability Power. The Playbook addresses the critical need for ethical, reciprocal relationships between academic researchers and the communities they study. It provides concrete methodologies for ensuring research projects deliver meaningful benefits to participating communities while maintaining scientific integrity. 

Detroit Disability Power | June 2022

Eric served as a co-author of this comprehensive guide designed to transform campaign practices. The publication offers valuable strategies for grassroots organizations launching their first campaigns while providing established political operations with actionable frameworks for disability inclusion and accessibility. This resource has become essential reading for campaigns committed to making disability a part of their win strategy. 

Michigan Voices | April 16. 2026

Michigan's polling places are failing disabled voters, not because the fixes are hard, but because the will to act is missing. In a piece for Michigan Voices, Detroit Disability Power's Eric Welsby and Kenia Flores share findings from their 2025 audit of more than 400 polling sites: only 10% met basic accessibility standards required by law. The barriers are documented, the solutions are known. Read the full article to learn what needs to change — and how you can help push for it. 

Bridge Detroit | December 10, 2025

Eric co-authored an opinion piece with Detroit-based disability partners encouraging Detroit's new Mayor and City Council to  lead in making the city more accessible for all it's residents.