2023 Impact Report

Letter from the Project Director

Dear Supporters and Allies,

As we reflect on the past year, I am proud to present the 2023 Impact Report for the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium. It has been an honor to serve as Project Director, a journey that began in January 2020, following years of dedicated service in various capacities since 2015.

Throughout 2023, our Consortium continued to advance our mission with unwavering commitment and passion. Our programming accomplishments stand as testaments to our collective efforts and dedication to inclusivity and advocacy.

• Intersection of Race and Disability Project: One of our significant achievements was the successful completion of the Intersection of Race and Disability project, a pivotal initiative that shed light on the intersectional challenges faced by people of color who have disabilities. Through this project, we collected and shared oral histories and personal stories for 12 individuals and organizations, and promoted greater understanding and empathy.

• Transforming Community Living: Additionally, our storytelling work around the closing of Polk Center resulted in a compelling video and event, providing a reminder of the history of institutionalization, how far we have come, and what works still needs to be done to ensure home- and community-based services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

• Supporters Program: In line with our commitment to growth and sustainability, we proudly launched the new Supporters Program, inviting individuals and organizations to join us in our mission to use disability history to ensure disability rights. This initiative continues to garner significant support and enthusiasm, fueling our efforts to effect positive change.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce the receipt of the Gather for Change grant from Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. This grant will enable us to host six workshops in the coming year, providing invaluable resources and education to our community. These workshops will serve as catalysts for empowerment and advocacy, furthering our collective impact.

As we embark on the journey ahead, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and allies who continue to champion our cause. Together, we will continue to strive for a more equitable and inclusive society, where every individual is valued and truly given equal treatment and opportunity!

With gratitude,

Cindy Leonard
Project Director

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Programs and Impact: By the Numbers

12

“Intersection of Race and Disability” stories documented and shared in 2022-2023.

128

“Transforming Community Living” event attendees.

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Bulk Email

• 3 newsletters
  + 17 emails sent
• 10,417 total recipients

Website

• 6,200 users
• 17,035 page views

Facebook

• 923 followers
• 26,114 total reach

YouTube

• 24 subscribers
• 518 views

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Programs and Impact: Intersection of Race and Disability Project

“The Intersection of Race and Disability” project documents and shares the stories of people with disabilities who are people of color. These stories have often been overlooked, not only in the narrative of disability history but also in the contemporary disability rights movement.

In addition to expanding the historic record, these stories provide a starting point for community conversations about the struggles of people of color who have disabilities, and their inclusion in the broader struggle for racial equality, civil rights, and social justice.

These histories feature individuals and organizations who represent different types of disabilities, past eras of disability services, pivotal disability rights movements, and seminal leadership.

Read the histories:

“I wasn’t leaning on any support system at that time. I was being what they told you being the strong Black woman is. But I learned that that’s not really what it is. At that time, I was trying to do it myself and keep it to myself.”

~ Cicely Moore, speaking about adjustment to her daughter’s epilepsy diagnosis

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Programs and Impact: Transforming Community Living – From the Era of Institutions to the Innovative Options of Today

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, we held a virtual event to debut our new short film: Polk Center 1897-2023: A Reflection.

This film offers perspective on the 2023 closing of the institution and the remarkable evolution in community living over the last half-century.

The event examined the development of home- and community-based services and looked to the future with an engaging program that featured two impactful short films, a keynote address by a distinguished guest, and a thought-provoking panel discussion with experts in the field.

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2023 Funders, Donors, and Partners

Partners

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