Jessica Cowell: Acting, Leading, and Speaking Up for Inclusion and Community

Whether she is acting, directing, or speaking up for people with disabilities, Jessica Cowell, who has cerebral palsy, knows how to use her voice. She loves being on stage and is dedicated to making sure everyone feels included and welcome.

"Ever since I was in preschool, I was told it was important for me to use my voice as a person with a disability," says Cowell. "Everyone should be able to use their voice, but not everyone is able to access it."

Unfortunately, Cowell knows what it is like to face discrimination. When she was a little girl, she was excited to learn that her church was putting on a play. However, she was cut from the show about a week before the performance. But this experience did not stop her from going after theater. Instead, it made her belief stronger that every voice matters.

"Now, we see more people with disabilities included in shows," said Cowell. "It's so important to include people with disabilities, because we are part of the world, and we are not lesser because of the body we live in."

Years later, Cowell was going to Columbus State University and taking theater classes. It was during that time that her new church minister asked her to use her experience to write and direct a children's play. Cowell was nervous but excited about the chance. She had only one rule for this production: If someone wanted to be in the play, they got to be in the play.

"If there is something you really love, even if it's not directly related to a disability, try and become involved in it if you can," advised Cowell. "Making connections is essential because that's how you're heard and seen. Don't be afraid to be who you are, because there's nothing wrong with us."

Cowell's work in theater and her church has helped her find a sense of meaning and community in her life. Church and faith are especially important to her, and she is now going to seminary school. She also finds community with her neighbors.

"The bus system in Columbus is not amazing, and I can't drive," explained Cowell. "It's hard to be seen and heard when you can't get places. My neighbors help me get around when they can. I'm so thankful for how kind my neighbors and friends are."

Now, Cowell works hard to make sure other Georgians with disabilities can find their own sense of community by serving as a council member of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). For her, advocacy is vital both to herself and to the larger disability community. Being a council member has also introduced her to yet another community where she belongs.

"Right now, things are a bit scary for people with disabilities," says Cowell. "But when we do our Advocacy Days, I see so many people who care so much. It gives me so much hope. There are people who want the best for us."