Current Projects

Project One

• Compile database of historic collections, repositories and resources in Western Pennsylvania
• Benchmarks
  • Conduct regional survey
  • Create database of collections, repositories and resources
  • Post database on Consortium website

Project Two

• Engage variety of stakeholders across the region in the work of the Consortium using direct mail, traditional media and social media
• Benchmarks
  • Consortium applies to become affiliate of Heinz History Center
  • Conduct regional outreach campaign

Project Three

• Establish a website that serves as a working clearinghouse for Western Pennsylvania disability history, as a repository for oral/video histories and other media, and as an online medium to interpret and share that history
• Benchmarks
  • Establish logo, framework, capacities, and accommodations
  • Populate with initial information
  • Work with partners to develop website as working clearinghouse, repository and online medium to share Western Pennsylvania disability history
  • Integrate Western Pennsylvania narrative into established disability history efforts

Project Four

• Preserve and share the history of people who lived at Polk State Center (1897 – 1997)
• Benchmarks
  • Inventory of historic materials at Polk and recommendations for preservation
  • Identify various options for honoring former Polk residents
  • Complete of steps toward exhibit that focuses on institutionalization and de-institutionalization, using Polk as example
  • Nominate Polk as International Site of Conscience

Project Five

• Identify potential sources of oral histories and collect them. Preserve and share new and existing oral histories in format that is accessible to the public and researchers.
• Benchmarks
  • Identify standard/best practices and interface procedures
  • Provide orientation to interviewers
  • Conversion of older formats to new formats

Project Six

• Develop plan for incorporating Western PA disability history into high school and higher education curricula
• Benchmarks
  • Identify lead university
  • Establish work group involving state education officials, advocates, and other stakeholders
  • Review existing materials from various sources
  • Advocate for statewide Disability History Month, with events in high schools.

Project Seven

• After assessing collected materials, create media projects that share history of people with disabilities.
• Benchmark
  • Identify lead organizations and development team

Updated 11-01-16