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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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Thought-Provoking Film on Institutional Life and Transitions: YOU.SLEEP.STAY.

03/20/2025

Photo credit: ArtifactLA. Caption: Fred, an elderly man, is pictured in the aisle at a retail store, he is wearing a blue winter cap, beige winter coat, and eyeglasses. He is smiling widely.
Photo credit: ArtifactLA. Caption: Fred, an elderly man, is pictured in the aisle at a retail store, he is wearing a blue winter cap, beige winter coat, and eyeglasses. He is smiling widely.

We wanted to share an upcoming film event that may be of interest to you. While the Consortium is not hosting this screening, we recognize that it raises important conversations about institutional care, community, and what it means to truly belong.

Join Harris Theater for the North American Premiere of YOU.SLEEP.STAY., featuring an in-person introduction by producer and director David Grabias and a post-film Q&A with a guest panel.

This powerful documentary follows Fred, a deaf, intellectually, and developmentally disabled elder, as he prepares to leave the institution he has called home for over 70 years. His story is complex – like so many others navigating similar transitions, the outcomes are not always ideal. The film invites reflection on the realities of institutional closures, the nuances of care, and the deeply human questions of connection and support.

While YOU.SLEEP.STAY. is beautifully crafted and thought-provoking, it also presents difficult realities that may not align with every perspective. We encourage attendees to engage critically and thoughtfully with the film’s themes.

Accessibility Information
To honor Fred and his deaf+ community, the film has open captions, and an ASL PiP version is available. Balloons will also be provided at public screenings, which enable audiences with hearing impairments to “feel” the film’s soundtrack.

learn more & buy tickets

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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.

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