Emily Mathis

My name is Emily Mathis, I am a proud San Francisco resident and an advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and disability representation. In 2025, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a dynamic and often invisible disability that dramatically changed how I navigated daily life, work, and the activities I love. Like many people with invisible disabilities, my diagnosis came after months of uncertainty, medical appointments, and learning to adapt to a body that no longer functioned the way I expected. While the diagnosis presented new challenges, it also introduced me to a vibrant disability community and inspired me to become more involved in advocacy. Through that journey, I learned that accessibility is not simply about compliance—it is about ensuring that all people have the opportunity to participate fully in their communities.

My passion for advocacy is rooted in the belief that disability should never be a barrier to belonging. As someone who is actively involved in San Francisco's arts, entertainment, and nightlife communities, I am particularly interested in advancing accessibility in spaces where disabled individuals are often underrepresented or overlooked. Whether attending live events, participating in community programs, or navigating public spaces, everyone deserves the opportunity to engage safely, independently, and with dignity. I believe meaningful change happens when policy is informed by lived experience and when diverse voices are included in decision-making. By serving on the Mayor's Disability Council (MDC), I hope to help strengthen accessibility throughout San Francisco while fostering greater awareness of invisible and dynamic disabilities. It is an honor to serve the residents of San Francisco, and I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow council members, commissioners, community organizations, and city leaders to create a more inclusive city for all.