[Pittsburgh, PA, July 10, 2024] – The Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium (The Consortium) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $1,000 “Empowered History” grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The grant will enable The Consortium to continue work on its “Intersection of Race and Disability” project, an effort to document, preserve, and share the often-overlooked stories of people of color with disabilities in Western Pennsylvania. The Empowered History grant is a project of the Pennsylvania State Archives and Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board and is funded by a State Board Programming Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Launched in 2022, the “Intersection of Race and Disability” project has diligently researched and collected oral interviews, photographs, and other materials from 12 individuals who played significant roles in disability rights movements or experienced historic eras of disability services. This new funding will bolster these efforts, ensuring these important stories are preserved and made accessible to the public.
“The intersection of race and disability is a critical and underrepresented area in the historical narrative,” said Cindy Leonard, Project Director of The Consortium. “This grant will enable us to further document and disseminate these powerful stories, connecting past struggles to contemporary issues of racial and disability justice.”
The grant will enhance The Consortium’s ability to serve as a vital resource for historians, scholars, advocates, and the general public interested in the rich and diverse history of disability rights in Western Pennsylvania. By highlighting the contributions and experiences of people of color with disabilities, The Consortium aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of their impact on the disability rights movement.
The Consortium remains committed to its mission of preserving and honoring the historic struggle of individuals with disabilities for human and civil rights. Through projects like “Intersection of Race and Disability,” The Consortium continues to promote community access, participation, and equal opportunity for all.
For more information about the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium, please visit https://www.wpdhac.org.
About Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium
Founded in 2015, the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium seeks to preserve and honor the historic struggle of individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of human and civil rights. Through its archival initiatives and advocacy work, WPDHAC promotes community access, participation, and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
Contact
Cindy Leonard
Project Director
Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium
info@wpdhac.org
