Meet Teddy

A Passionate Advocate for Our Community

Who We Are

Learn About Teddy Dorsette III and His Vision

Theodore “Teddy” Dorsette III is a lifelong Detroiter, community advocate, filmmaker, and nonprofit leader running for Michigan State Representative to serve District 1. His campaign is built on a simple belief: government should work for everyone, and every resident deserves to be heard, respected, and represented.

As a fourth-generation Deaf individual, Teddy brings lived experience that shapes his leadership and public service. Throughout his life, he has navigated systems that were not designed with accessibility in mind.

Instead of accepting those barriers, he has dedicated his career to breaking them down—working to create more equitable opportunities for people with disabilities while strengthening communities across Detroit.

Today, Teddy serves as Executive Director of the Access, Equity & Leadership Collective, where he leads initiatives that advance accessibility, civic engagement, and community leadership. He also serves on statewide boards and advisory councils, including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ Division on Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind, helping shape policies that improve the lives of Michigan residents.

A Proven Advocate for Change

Teddy has spent years working alongside community members, legislators, educators, and advocates to expand access and opportunity throughout Michigan. He has played an active role in advancing important accessibility legislation and public policy efforts, including:

LEAD-K language access initiatives
Hearing aid accessibility legislation
Open captioning legislation
Disability rights and language access advocacy
Greater representation of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities in public policy

Rather than speaking for communities, Teddy believes in bringing community voices directly to decision-makers. His work has focused on ensuring that those most affected by policy have a seat at the table, helping bridge the gap between government and residents who have too often been overlooked.

Our Journey

The Story Behind Teddy Dorsette III

Teddy Dorsette III’s journey began in his local community, where he identified the need for passionate representation. Over the years, Teddy has tirelessly worked on various initiatives, from enhancing educational programs to advocating for affordable housing. His commitment to District 1 has only strengthened as he seeks to create lasting change through dedicated public service.

Event Involvement:

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Michigan Democratic Party Convention

Teddy Dorsette III at the Michigan Democratic Party State Endorsement Convention.

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Michigan Democratic Party Convention

Teddy Dorsette III meeting with longtime disability rights advocate and community leader during the Michigan Democratic Party State Endorsement Convention.

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Michigan Democratic Party Convention

Teddy Dorsette III engaging with advocates who are advancing disability rights and community leadership.

Michigan Democratic Party Convention

Teddy Dorsette III with U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib at the Michigan Democratic Party State Endorsement Convention.

Detroit Pride Parade

Marching in the Detroit Pride Parade in support of equality and inclusion.

Detroit Pride Parade

Teddy Dorsette III showing the American Sign Language “I Love You” (ILY) sign during the Detroit Pride Parade.

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Detroit Pride Parade

Teddy Dorsette III engaging with community members during Detroit Pride.

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Detroit Pride Parade

Teddy Dorsette III with Joanna Whaley, candidate for Michigan State Representative District 2, at Detroit Pride.

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