2024 Impact Report

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Supporters and Allies,

As we conclude another impactful year, I am proud to present the 2024 Impact Report for the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium. It has been my privilege to serve as Project Director, and I continue to be inspired by the dedication and passion of our community as we work toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

In 2024, our Consortium achieved several milestones that further our mission of preserving and sharing disability history to ensure disability rights. These accomplishments are a testament to the collective efforts of our supporters, partners, and allies.

Expanding Our Preservation Efforts: With grant funding, we hired a professional archivist to help craft a comprehensive collections strategy and management plan. These advancements will upgrade our cataloging processes with the goal of making 100% of our archives accessible to the public online as well as enhancing usability and searchability.

Empowering Through Education: Our “Gather for Change” program flourished in 2024 with six educational workshops providing invaluable resources and opportunities for dialogue. Made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, these workshops served as catalysts for empowerment, advocacy, and action within our community.

Advancing Intersectional Understanding: We continued outreach and collection efforts for the “Intersection of Race and Disability Project,” building on this critical initiative to share stories of individuals and organizations at these identities’ intersection. This work remains a cornerstone of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding.

Strengthening Communication: We secured funding to create our first-ever communications plan. This pivotal step equips us to amplify our message, engage new audiences, and foster deeper connections with our community.

Launching Our Supporters Program: This year also marked the formal launch of our Supporters Program, inviting individuals and organizations to actively join us in advancing our mission. The enthusiasm and support for this initiative have fueled our continued progress.

As we look to 2025 and beyond, I am filled with hope and determination. Together, we are preserving the past, empowering the present, and shaping a future where every individual is valued and afforded equal opportunities. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for championing our cause and walking this path with us.

With deep appreciation,

Cindy Leonard
Executive Director

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Programs and Impact: By the Numbers

162

“Gather for Change” event attendees in 2024.

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Bulk Email

• 3 newsletters + 47 emails sent
• 22,753 total recipients

Website

• 8,900 users
• 21,031 page views

Facebook

• 975 followers
• 38,341 total reach

YouTube

• 32 subscribers
• 3,368 total views

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Programs and Impact: Empowered History Grant

In 2024, The Consortium received an Empowered History grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to conduct additional outreach to the original 12 subjects (or their families) who participated in “The Intersection of Race and Disability Project” in order to collect additional historical materials.

“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.

The Empowered History grant is a project of the Pennsylvania State Archives and Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board and is funded by a State Board Programming Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Read the histories:

• Henry Bell
• Aurelia Carter
• Andrea Coleman-Betts
• Dr. Diego Chaves-Gnecco
• The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC)
• Melva Fair

• David Hale
• Milton (“Skip”) Henderson
• Paul Lee
• Marilyn McKinney
• Maurika (“Rika”) Moore
• Florence Reed

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Programs and Impact: Gather for Change

The “Gather for Change” project featured a series of six educational and empowering events held throughout 2024, all aimed at advancing awareness of critical topics for people with disabilities, their families, disability activists, and anyone interested in disability rights and history. Five of the events were held virtually and one event in person.

Each of these events provided valuable information and created spaces for dialogue, understanding, and connection within the community. By addressing the unique needs and perspectives of individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates, WPDHAC is fostering an environment where the rich history of disability rights in Western Pennsylvania can be celebrated and built upon.

This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

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2024 Funders, Donors, and Partners

Funders

• Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
• FISA Foundation
• Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
• Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission

Donors

• Holly Dick
• Sierra Green
• Mary Hartley
• Anne Madarasz
• Emily Ruby

Partners

Supporters Program

Learn more about our Supporters Program and join the Consortium today!

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