FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium (WPDHAC) Awarded Grant to “Gather for Change” in 2023-2024
[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 14, 2023] – The Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium (WPDHAC) is proud to announce its recent success in securing a grant to support its upcoming “Gather for Change” project. This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
Founded in 2015, WPDHAC is dedicated to preserving and honoring the historic struggle of people with disabilities to attain human and civil rights, as well as sharing the lived experiences of today. The organization’s mission is to promote community access, participation, and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
The “Gather for Change” project will feature a series of six educational and empowering events, all aimed at advancing awareness of critical topics for people with disabilities, their families, disability activists, and anyone interested in disability rights and history. Five of the events will be held virtually and one event held in person.
WPDHAC’s mission aligns seamlessly with this project, with a focus on sharing disability history and promoting disability advocacy. The events are categorized into two primary themes: 1) empowering people with disabilities and their families, and 2) sharing experiences and promoting public awareness.
Each of these events will not only provide valuable information but also create spaces for dialogue, understanding, and connection within the community. By addressing the unique needs and perspectives of individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates, WPDHAC is fostering an environment where the rich history of disability rights in Western Pennsylvania can be celebrated and built upon.
WPDHAC’s work extends beyond events to include outreach throughout the region, locating and preserving historic collections, and recording oral histories. The Consortium’s website, www.wpdhac.org, serves as a central resource for the disability history of Western Pennsylvania. The organization has received recognition for its efforts, including the 2019 American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ Hervey B. Wilbur Award for Historic Preservation.
As the project unfolds, WPDHAC will continue to fulfill its commitment to preserving disability history and fostering a community where people with disabilities have equal opportunities and a strong voice in shaping their future. The “Gather for Change” project is yet another milestone in the journey to create a more inclusive and accessible Western Pennsylvania.
For more information about WPDHAC, please visit www.wpdhac.org.
Contact Information:
Cindy Leonard
Project Director
Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium
info@wpdhac.org
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