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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.

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Honoring Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Through Action

03/27/2025

Photo Citation: Photograph 34897-22; Photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson Signing the Medicare Bill; 7/30/1965; Johnson White House Photographs, 11/22/1963 - 1/20/1969; Collection LBJ-WHPO: White House Photo Office Collection; Lyndon B. Johnson Library, Austin, TX.
Photo Citation: Photograph 34897-22; Photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson Signing the Medicare Bill; 7/30/1965; Johnson White House Photographs, 11/22/1963 – 1/20/1969; Collection LBJ-WHPO: White House Photo Office Collection; Lyndon B. Johnson Library, Austin, TX.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month — a time to honor the history, resilience, and ongoing advocacy for the rights of people with developmental disabilities.

Medicaid has long been a cornerstone of those efforts. It’s more than a health care program — it’s a lifeline that helps people with disabilities access the services and supports they need to live self-directed, fulfilling lives.

But that lifeline is under threat.

📰 Understanding the History:
To understand what’s at stake, we invite you to read this brief history of Medicaid, published by The Conversation. It traces Medicaid’s roots and the challenges America has faced in building a health care safety net — especially for marginalized communities.

📣 Take Action Today:
Tell Congress that cutting Medicaid puts the lives and independence of people with disabilities at risk. One simple form will send your message to all your representatives:
👉 Urge Congress to protect Medicaid

When people with disabilities have access to quality health care and essential services, they can thrive. When history is remembered, it helps us protect our future.

Thank you for standing with us — this month, and always.

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NOTE TO WEBSITE VISITORS

The language and terminology used in historical materials on this site reflect the context and culture of the interviewee(s), and may include stereotypes in words, phrases, and attitudes that were wrong then and are wrong now.

Rather than remove this content, Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium wants to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it, and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.

Copyright by Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium. All rights reserved.
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