Dr. J. Kaye Cupples devoted his career to students with disabilities, seeking to create learning environments of support and inclusion. When Dr. Cupples passed away in 2019 at age 68, the Pittsburgh disability community mourned the loss of the passionate educator and administrator in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and at local universities. In honor of Dr. Cupples, a scholarship fund has been … [Read more...]

The Consortium notes the sudden passing of disability employment advocate Mary Brougher in a tragic accident on August 10, 2021.  Mary was a lifelong disability rights advocate and a mentor for many young people in the disability community. Aware of the struggles within marginalized communities, Mary helped create a pathway to transform practices surrounding disability … [Read more...]

In recognition of advocacy that propelled changes in the employment landscape for people with disabilities, as well as continuous efforts to advance rights, Dr. Josie Badger was awarded the third annual Richard Meritzer Award at the ReelAbilities Pittsburgh Film Festival on September 11, 2021 Dr. Badger, a resident of Butler County, is campaign manager of the United Way of Southwestern … [Read more...]

The Consortium is pleased to announce the premiere of its latest video in the “Voices of Change” series, an interview with Kate Bayer. As a graduate student in special education at Clarion University in the early 1970s, Kate spent nine months teaching school-age children at Polk State Center, an institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Venango County. Her … [Read more...]