About the Event
Join the Keystone Institute, The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, and the Western PA Disability History & Action Consortium for a thought-provoking discussion forum with Dr. William Bronston.
Dr. William Bronston, is the author of Public Hostage Public Ransom: Ending Institutional America. He will share his story of working at Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, NY, in the 1970’s, where 6,000 persons with disabilities were incarcerated under abusive conditions.
A panel will respond to Dr. Bronston’s presentation, with an opportunity for audience questions as well.
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Time: 1 PM – 3 PM EST
Via: Zoom Meeting
Cost: FREE to attend
About Dr. William Bronston
Dr. William Bronston, author of Public Hostage Public Ransom: Ending Institutional America will share his story of working at Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, NY, in the 1970’s, where 6,000 persons with disabilities were incarcerated under abusive conditions. He catalyzed a Federal Class Action Lawsuit against the state of New York to close the death making institution.
Willowbrook and the many other institutions across the country that warehoused people with disabilities were Medicaid funded. Dr. Bronston posits that many people with disabilities are still “public hostages,” consigned again to profit driven, segregated, and congregated institutional lives, funded by Medicaid’s billions, America’s “public ransom.”
He draws a clear line to indict State bureaucracies and provides a strategic rationale to end Title 19 of the Social Security Act, the Medicaid system, to heal the deep societal wound that the segregated nursing home and assisted living industry enact on people with disabilities and their families. He sees universal expanded and improved Medicare for all, single payer health care, as the clear solution and ultimate antidote to this highly segregated system that exists now, and we tolerate.
The shocking horrors of Willowbrook State School were exposed and will never be forgotten. Doctor Bronston takes on all of America’s institutions that have not learned the lesson of the tragedy of Willowbrook. His presentation will be a reminder of all we still must do to build a just world for the many who are unable to find it for themselves.
About the Panelists
Alan Bergman
Allan I. Bergman is the CEO of HIGH IMPACT Mission-based Consulting & Training, a company that he created in 2010. A nationally recognized policy analyst, change agent and thought leader in cross-disability policy, social justice and “best practices,” he brings over 50 years of continuous experience at the local, state and federal levels as a service provider, legislative advocate, policy analyst and systems change facilitator. Allan has worked nationally and in 44 states as systems change facilitator, strategic planner, culture change/organizational/provider transformation designer, board governance consultant, group facilitator and trainer, including 35 continuous years in Partners in Policymaking. (Download full bio.)
Theo Braddy
Theo W. Braddy graduated from Temple University with his MSW in 1988, after receiving his BSW from Edinboro University. At the early age of 15, he became a person with a disability due to a high school football accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. For over 40+ years, Mr. Braddy has advocated on behalf of persons with disabilities. Braddy was hired in 1988 as CEO of the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania. As CEO, Braddy created an independent living center that has become a strong and growing voice for persons with disabilities. Braddy has taught at Temple University and Millersville University as an Adjunct Professor. (Download full bio.)
Sherri Landis
Since 2019, Sherri Landis has served as Executive Director of The Arc of Pennsylvania, the state’s oldest advocacy organization for people with IDD. Under her leadership, the Arc of Pennsylvania has raised awareness about health disparities, employment opportunities, advocated for inclusive education and community participation for people with IDD. Sherri began her career in the political arena, working in campaign management and government affairs, and as the executive director of a trade association. Prior to joining The Arc of Pennsylvania, Sherri was the first executive director of the DREAM Partnership, a nonprofit focused on establishing post-secondary education programs at Pennsylvania colleges for people with IDD.
Reverend Sally Jo Snyder
The Reverend Sally Jo Snyder is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. Snyder answers and lives her calling through a social justice lens. A community organizer for over 28 years she has directed campaigns on local, state, regional and national efforts on issues including economic justice, public education reform, children, race, the inclusion and rights of the LGBTQ community, public education reform and the health, wellness and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Currently she is with Achieva: The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh serving as a Project Coordinator to address health disparities. In this work, she has listened to the lived experiences of hundreds of persons and built and grown an active base of self-advocates around the Commonwealth who advocate for equitable, accessible, quality and dignified health care and wellness communities. Snyder is a published writer, a gifted communicator and a frequent speaker at rallies, public forums and a guest lecturer. Sally Jo is a YINZER by birth and wisdom, a loyal Pittsburgh Pirates fan, a lifelong member of Steelers Nation, believes Mister Rogers is a saint in a cardigan and that community is all of us.
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