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Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium

Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium

Honoring the historic struggle of Western Pennsylvanians with disabilities to attain human and civil rights.

  • ABOUT
    • MISSION, VISION, & OBJECTIVES
    • EXECUTIVE & STEERING COMMITTEES
    • ADVISORS
    • STAFF
    • FUNDING
    • SPEAKERS BUREAU
    • IMPACT REPORTS
      • 2025 IMPACT REPORT
      • 2024 IMPACT REPORT
      • 2023 IMPACT REPORT
    • CONTACT
  • HISTORIC RESOURCES
    • HISTORIC TIMELINE
    • WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA DISABILITY HISTORY COLLECTIONS
    • PENNSYLVANIA DISABILITY HISTORY RESOURCES
    • NATIONAL DISABILITY HISTORY RESOURCES
    • MEDIA ITEMS
    • RESEARCH INSTITUTIONAL RECORDS
    • HISTORIC MATERIALS SURVEY
  • OUR PROJECTS
    • VOICES OF CHANGE PROJECT
    • RACE & DISABILITY PROJECT
    • OTHER STORIES
    • POLK CENTER PROJECT
    • GATHER FOR CHANGE
      • Medical Safeguarding (Webinar)
      • A Vision for Families (2-part webinar)
      • The Camera’s Eye: Telling the Story of Disability through the Power of Film (Webinar)
      • The History of Human Services (2-day, in-person workshop)
    • PENNSYLVANIA DISABILITY HISTORY COLLABORATIVE
    • ADVOCACY
  • EVENTS
    • BEYOND HISTORY (10/22/2025)
    • COMMUNITY CALENDAR
  • GET INVOLVED
    • JOIN THE CONSORTIUM
    • OUR CURRENT SUPPORTERS
    • NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
    • READ OUR ARCHIVED NEWSLETTERS
    • NEWS
    • HISTORIC MATERIALS SURVEY
  • DONATE

News

Honoring Black History & Disability History – Stories That Shape Our Future

02/17/2026

Black History Month invites us to reflect on histories that are too often overlooked, including the stories of Black people with disabilities whose advocacy, resilience, and leadership have helped … [Read more...] about Honoring Black History & Disability History – Stories That Shape Our Future

Winter 2026 Newsletter Available

02/05/2026

Read our Winter 2026 newsletter here. Not getting our newsletters? Subscribe today! … [Read more...] about Winter 2026 Newsletter Available

Office of Developmental Programs Opens Door to Collection of Polk Center Artifacts

02/05/2026

By Taylor Akers, Preservation Associate From 1897 to 2023, Polk Center operated as an institution for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Historically, the largest in … [Read more...] about Office of Developmental Programs Opens Door to Collection of Polk Center Artifacts

Slippery Rock University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program names simulation lab after long-time volunteer

02/05/2026

In April 2025, Slippery Rock University announced the naming of its mobility equipment simulation lab after long-time volunteer Molly Merhaut. The Molly Merhaut Simulation Lab provides physical … [Read more...] about Slippery Rock University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program names simulation lab after long-time volunteer

Paul O’Hanlon Memorial Gathering

01/05/2026

Please join us as we remember Paul O’Hanlon Friends, colleagues, and family are invited to a celebration of Paul’s life and legacy this Saturday, January 10, 2026. Paul touched countless lives … [Read more...] about Paul O’Hanlon Memorial Gathering

Thank You for Advancing Disability History with Us This Year!

12/18/2025

As we come to the close of the year, we want to pause and say thank you. Your support, participation, and belief in the work of the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium … [Read more...] about Thank You for Advancing Disability History with Us This Year!

In Memory of Paul O’Hanlon: Champion for Disability and Civil Rights

12/09/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Paul O’Hanlon, a longtime member of the Consortium’s Advisory Committee and a leading voice for disability rights in Western Pennsylvania. Paul … [Read more...] about In Memory of Paul O’Hanlon: Champion for Disability and Civil Rights

Our 2025 Impact Report is Here

12/04/2025

We’re excited to share our 2025 Impact Report, celebrating progress made possible by your support. This year, we strengthened the foundation of the Consortium so our mission can grow sustainably: … [Read more...] about Our 2025 Impact Report is Here

Kathleen Peer Kleinmann, Disability Rights Advocate

11/13/2025

By Taylor Akers, Preservation Associate Kathleen Kleinmann, a founding member of the of the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium, is a renowned disability rights leader. … [Read more...] about Kathleen Peer Kleinmann, Disability Rights Advocate

Event Recap: Beyond History 2025

11/06/2025

Celebrating 10 Years of the Western Disability History and Action Consortium Event Resources On October 22, 2025, the Western Disability History and Action Consortium marked a major milestone - 10 … [Read more...] about Event Recap: Beyond History 2025

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The language and terminology found in historical materials on this site reflect the context and culture of the time period in which they were produced, and may include stereotypes in words, phrases, and attitudes that are considered offensive today.

Rather than remove this content, Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium acknowledges its harmful impact and and supports opportunities for conversation about it.

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