08/26/2025
Announcing the Retirement of Norman G. DeLisle, Jr.
After more than five decades of unwavering advocacy in the disability community, Norman G. DeLisle, Jr. has retired from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. We know Norm has influenced, advocated for, and impacted so many of you. Please join us in thanking Norm for his advocacy and commitment to disability justice and rights.
Since 1970, Norm has been a fierce champion for disability rights, bringing his lived experience and combat veteran perspective to every aspect of his work. A combat veteran who served with the First Air Cavalry Division, Norm's career included 13 years with Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services, 18 years as MDRC's director, and continued service as a consultant. His impact spans medical, educational, substance abuse, mental health, and developmental disability programs across Michigan.
But numbers and titles don't capture who Norm truly is. If we could summarize Norm to people who didn't know him, we would describe him as authentic and a deep challenger of any person, cultural norm, or policy that tries to control individuals—a leader who believes deeply that people with disabilities deserve choice and possibility in every aspect of their lives.
A Note from Executive Director Theresa Metzmaker:
"I started my career under Norm's leadership, and I am so incredibly proud to have worked for him. Norm was the kind of leader who led with and for the people. He didn't just talk about peer support—he lived it, attending trainings, participating in the movement, and sharing his own experiences. He centered disability and questioned power at every single interaction. And he had our backs as staff. He trusted us to make decisions in the community and to advocate boldly, knowing he would support us no matter what pushback we faced.
Norm showed up to work in his own uniform—his jean MDRC logo shirt, blue jeans that matched the shirt, belt, and those white sneakers (sometimes black). I remember when someone once questioned his clothes, and I thought they really didn't understand Norm at all, they don't understand MDRC. That outfit wasn't casual—it was authentic. It was his brand, like Steve Jobs and his turtleneck. You don't mess with something that real, that genuine. When Norm entered the room, the people we worked with, the people we worked for, our community, knew Norm was there to advocate, using his power as the director of MDRC, but he was one of us, and he didn't forget it.
Under Norm's leadership, MDRC became truly intersectional. When we launched our Building Bridges initiative in 2006-2007, fostering alliances between disability rights and LGBTQ+ communities, we faced pushback from some who felt we were 'taking focus off disability.' But Norm—a true ally—refused to back down. That pivotal moment transformed MDRC into the intersectional, anti-violence organization we are today.
Those who know Norm know how often and how beautifully he speaks about his wife Jill. As he begins this new chapter with Jill and their dogs, we are a bit sad for ourselves but truly happy for them.
Norm, it has been the greatest honor of my professional life to work for you. I am the advocate I am today because of working with you, learning from you, watching you lead with such integrity and courage. Your legacy will live on in every policy we fight for, every barrier we tear down, and every person with a disability who gets to live the life they choose because you never stopped believing it was possible. We will all remember to challenge power and control.
With the deepest gratitude and admiration,
Theresa Metzmaker"
To honor Norm's legacy, consider making a donation to MDRC: https://tinyurl.com/wbv6emrj
[Image Description: A graphic announcement featuring a circular photo of Norman G. DeLisle, Jr., a white man with white hair wearing a blue button-up shirt, smiling at the camera. . The background is purple with orange accents. The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition logo appears in the top left corner. The main text reads: "After 50+ years of fierce disability advocacy, Norman G. DeLisle, Jr. has retired. Thank you, Norm, for challenging power and fighting for choice and possibility." Website: www.mymdrc.org. A white speech bubble contains "NORM" in bold letters.]
