Celebrating 10 Years of the Western Disability History and Action Consortium
Event Resources
- Browse Event Photo Galleries
- Watch the Woody’s Order! short film
- Check out the Event Playlist on Spotify. The playlist includes a song entitled “Moving” by local band Miracle Minute. The band’s drummer, Bob Nagy, is a Pittsburgher with a Psychology and Social Work whose work embodies the event’s spirit of creativity and inclusion.
On October 22, 2025, the Western Disability History and Action Consortium marked a major milestone – 10 years of preserving, sharing, and advancing the disability history of our region. More than 110 attendees gathered at the Heinz History Center’s Mueller Center in Pittsburgh for an inspiring evening themed “Beyond History: Framing the Past, Shaping the Future.”
A Night of Connection and Celebration
The event began with a lively networking reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a Silent Art & Maker Auction, where guests browsed and placed bids on creative works by local artists and makers with disabilities.
At 7 p.m., emcee Chaz Kellem welcomed guests and guided them through an evening of reflection, storytelling, and celebration. Executive Director Cindy Leonard opened the program with remarks on the Consortium’s decade of progress. Nancy Murray, a member of the Steering Committee, followed with a heartfelt tribute to longtime disability rights advocate Ginny Thornburg.
Honoring Advocacy and Artistry
The celebration continued with a toast from Steve Suroviec, President & CEO of Achieva – the Consortium’s Presenting Sponsor. Guests then enjoyed a special conversation between Ann Talman, Broadway and Hollywood actress, writer, and producer, and Mark Steidl, a Pittsburgh-based disability advocate.
Ann and Mark shared the story of their friendship before Ann reflected on creating her acclaimed solo play Woody’s Order!, a deeply personal work about her lifelong devotion to her brother Woody, who lived with cerebral palsy. Guests also viewed her short documentary film based on the play, followed by a moving live reenactment of a scene and an engaging Q&A with Ann and Mark.
Reflecting on a Decade of Impact
To close the evening, Cindy Leonard presented “10 Years of the Consortium,” highlighting the organization’s journey, milestones, and vision for the future. The night concluded with the announcement of Silent Auction winners and heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the Consortium’s mission over the past decade.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this milestone celebration possible – our generous sponsors, dedicated event committee, hardworking staff and volunteers, inspiring speakers, and especially the guests who chose to spend the evening with us. Your presence and support reflect the shared commitment that has sustained the Consortium’s work for the past decade and will carry it forward into the future.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Pathfinder Sponsors
