We’re excited to share that the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium has launched a new online, community-based archive, making our growing collection of regional disability history materials publicly accessible for the first time.
A Milestone for Our Work
Since our founding in 2015, the Consortium has worked to identify, collect, and preserve materials that document the history of people with disabilities in Western Pennsylvania. Until now, much of this work has taken place behind the scenes, as we built our collection, developed documentation practices, and created a foundation for long-term preservation.
This launch marks an important milestone for us.
Bring Stories Together
For many years, these stories and materials have existed in fragmented or informal ways. Through our work, the Consortium has been gathering and preserving these materials, often behind the scenes. This new archive brings that collection together in one place, making it possible for more people to explore, learn from, and connect with this history.
The archive includes a wide range of materials contributed by individuals and organizations, including documents, photographs, video, and other records. Together, they reflect the lived experiences, advocacy efforts, and community developments that have shaped disability rights in Western Pennsylvania.
Who the Archive Serves
We built this archive for a broad audience – researchers, educators, students, advocates, and community members – and we hope it will be a resource for learning, reflection, and discovery. It is also an invitation: if you have materials or stories to share, we welcome your participation in helping this collection grow.
Why It Matters
By making these materials publicly available, we aim to strengthen understanding of disability history as an essential part of our region’s story, and to support ongoing work related to access, participation, and equity.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
This work was made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation (New York City). We are deeply grateful for this investment, which has strengthened our ability to preserve, organize, and share disability history with the broader community.
