DETROIT — As a little person and wheelchair user, Dessa Cosma knows firsthand the challenges people with disabilities face.
And because of her personal experiences, Cosma said she has dedicated herself to advocating for the disability community.
“Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to do social change work,” Cosma said. “I did a lot of different social justice work over the course of a 20-year career. Then five years ago, I decided to focus on disability justice and started Detroit Disability Power.”
Detroit Disability Power (DDP) is a social-impact, nonprofit organization that focuses on building the political power of the disability community to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in metro Detroit.
“We work to build awareness about our community,” Cosma said. “We try to bring solutions to the table as co-decision makers in creating communities that work for all people.”
The Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Comerica Bank continue the Disability Pride Month Game Changers series throughout July by celebrating Cosma, the organization’s founder and executive director.
“We are inspired by the work of Dessa Cosma and Detroit Disability Power, elevating conversations around accessibility, equity and inclusion for the disability community across metro Detroit,” said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Dessa is making a lasting impact on the lives of countless others — the true merit of a Game Changers honoree.”
DDP works with local organizations, cultural and academic institutions, business leaders, city officials and policymakers to create more accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“We know that if we are not at the table making decisions, then we’re going to continue — inadvertently or on purpose — being neglected,” Cosma said. “We’re about stating what we need and trying to figure out how to work together to make our community better.”
Cosma describes DDP as a “broad, cliché organization,” because “people with disabilities are everywhere.”
“We live in all neighborhoods, go to all schools and work all kinds of jobs,” Cosma said. “Any place that there are humans, there is also opportunity to make the world better for the disabled people who are there.”
Cosma said navigating life with a disability can be difficult, but this unique perspective of the world helps her guide DDP as a more well-rounded leader.
“Having those barriers are extremely important to how I solve problems,” Cosma said. “On the flip side, having a disability is a good opportunity to build certain types of skills. Those of us with disabilities are typically very skilled at creative problem-solving, adaptation and improvisation.”
When reflecting on the growth of DDP, Cosma said she is proud that the nonprofit has become a catalyst for change in the community.
“I see the impact of our organization,” Cosma said. “There is so much more being prioritized with the disability community in Detroit and the state of Michigan because we continue to raise these issues in a very public as well as direct way.”
Cosma said the Game Changers series is special, as her partner, Soh Suzuki, was named an AAPI Game Changers honoree in the month of May for his past work with the Detroit Asian Youth Project.
“I’m just so proud and happy for him,” Cosma said. “Then when I was notified, I laughed. That was cool for us as a family, but I am honored. It’s important to recognize Disability Pride Month, because it’s a wonderful opportunity to uplift the disabled residents of Detroit.”
For more information about DDP, visit DetroitDisabilityPower.org.