FISA Foundation

09/24/2025

Join Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium for its 10th anniversary celebration, Beyond History: Framing the Past, Shaping the Future, on October 22nd at the Heinz History Center!

This celebration will honor the past, spotlight present-day advocates, and look boldly toward a more inclusive future.

Registration is now OPEN for the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium's 10th anniversary celebration: "Beyond History: Framing the Past, Shaping the Future"

📅 Wednesday, October 22, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Heinz History Center, Mueller Center (5th Floor), Pittsburgh

The evening will feature:

✨ A keynote and documentary screening by Pittsburgh native and actress Ann Talman, creator of Woody’s Order!
✨ A milestone showcase honoring 10 years of preserving and sharing disability history
✨ A tribute to disability rights leader Ginny Thornburgh
✨ Recognition of the 35th anniversary of the ADA
✨ Food, drinks, and community connections

🎟️ We offer several ticket options to make the event accessible to everyone. All tickets include refreshments. Please note: the cash bar and silent auction bids are not included in the ticket price.

Learn more and register today: www.wpdhac.org/beyond-history-2025

Let’s celebrate our past, honor our advocates, and shape the future together.

’sOrder

cc: , Ann Talman, Achieva, Heinz History Center, Mark Steidl, FISA Foundation, Tina Calabro

09/23/2025

University of Pittsburgh Disability Services is collecting stories from Pitt community members about the impact of the ADA on advancing opportunities in education and employment. Learn more and share your story by Sept 30.:

ACCESS awards will honor employees during National Disability Employment Awareness Month

09/22/2025

Check out Education Law Center’s updated 2025 Back to School Guide for Pennsylvania Students, Families, and Advocates!

This guide includes over 30 new or updated fact sheets and self-advocacy tools that provide insight and guidance on key issues, including topics such as:
- Why executive orders and federal directives cannot override legislation, case law, and the U.S. Constitution;
- Why diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is lawful;
- Students’ rights during residency disputes;
- The rights of preschoolers to learn free from disability discrimination;
- A factsheet and self-advocacy tool that outlines the rights of students with disabilities when facing disciplinary exclusion, and so much more!

Check out the Guide here: https://www.elc-pa.org/2025-26-back-to-school-guide-for-pennsylvania-public-school-students-families-and-advocates/

It's out! Our annual Back to School guide is here, with dozens of updated resources to help ensure Pennsylvania students' education rights.

Check it out on our website at http://elc-pa.org/back-to-school-guide

With sections on:
Early Childhood Education
Student Enrollment
Affirming & Inclusive Schools
Self-Advocacy Tools
And More...

09/18/2025

This Saturday, check out Disability Pride Pittsburgh at Schenley Plaza!

Date: September 20th
Time: 11 AM - 4 PM

This family-friendly event highlights our region’s rich disability community and features accessible games, vendors, resource tables, face painting, a sensory zone, and DJ! This outdoor event is FREE and open to the public.

interpretation will be provided. Masking is strongly encouraged!
Disability Pride Pennsylvania

Disability Pride Pittsburgh is here!
Join us on Saturday, September 20, from 11 AM – 4 PM at Schenley Plaza for a day of pride, community, and celebration.

Live performances
Speakers & community voices
Local resources & partners
Fun for all ages with access built in

Let’s come together to uplift disability culture and show our pride in Pittsburgh!

Schenley Plaza | Sept. 20 | 11–4
Details: www.disabilitypridepa.org/dppgh25



Id... Cori with hair pulled back , glasses, and mask in t-shirt that says 'Trans people belong here,' seated in fron t mic on stage. It says "Disability Pride Pittsburgh, September 20th, 11-4pm, Schenley Plaza, disabilitypridepa.org/dppgh25."

09/17/2025

Gwen's Girls and the Black Girls Equity Alliance were recently highlighted in the 90.5 WESA series, Double Jeopardy: From Classroom to Courtroom. This series examines the disproportionate rate of Black girls and boys in Pittsburgh-area schools who end up in the courtroom for school-related citations. Check out the series: https://www.wesa.fm/double-jeopardy-from-classroom-to-courtroom

[image description: Dr. Kathi Elliott speaking into a microphone at the 10th Annual She Matters Equity Summit]

09/15/2025

30% of people in Allegheny County don’t drive a car because of age, disability, or income, but still need safe, accessible, affordable ways to get where they need to go. Week Without Driving, started by disability advocates in Washington State, illustrates the challenges non-drivers face and calls for improvements to our sidewalks, roads, and transportation system as a whole. FISA supports a Week Without Driving PGH, happening from September 29th to October 5th.

Learn more about the movement and what better transportation options would mean for our communities at weekwithoutdrivingpgh.org

Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Bike Pittsburgh, Access Mob Pittsburgh, and Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh

09/12/2025

There is still time to submit your application for Disability Lead’s 2026 Institute!
Applications are due next Friday, September 19th!
Apply at: https://www.disabilitylead.org/apply/apply-to-the-institute

📢 Deadline Extended!

Disability Lead's 2026 Institute application now closes Friday, September 19!

This is your chance to join a community of leaders dedicated to driving change, breaking barriers, and making an impact. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to amplify your voice and shape the future.

Apply now and take your next step toward leadership.

Tag a friend who needs this reminder!

https://www.disabilitylead.org/apply/apply-to-the-institute

09/11/2025

FISA has an exciting webinar next month! Join us for the 4th installment of “Breaking Barriers: Healthcare Access for People with Disabilities” on October 23rd from 12 pm - 1 pm. This webinar, featuring Dr. Phillip R. Bryant, will explore the essential knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to ensure that healthcare services are inclusive, respectful, and effective. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fostering-inclusive-healthcare-practices-a-dialogue-with-dr-bryant-tickets-1622189435269?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/08/2025

Come check out Disability Pride Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh on September 20th from 11 am – 4 pm at Schenley Plaza. This event is a great opportunity to connect with others, learn about local resources, and have a fun time! Get more details about the event at https://www.disabilitypridepa.org/dppgh25

ICYMI: In July, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, WQED released an amazing video highlighting the importance of disability pride!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bovjMNEHNCE

🎉 Celebrate Disability Pride Pittsburgh with us!
📅 Friday, September 20th | 11AM – 4PM
📍 Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Ave

This FREE community event highlights the disability experience in Pittsburgh, and EVERYONE is welcome!

💡 Activities include:
🎨 Airbrush Tattoos
✏️ Caricature Artist
🎩 Strolling Magician
🎲 Yard Games
🎶 DJ spinning all day!

We’ll also have a Sensory Space, shaded seating, and community partners ready to connect.

Come be part of a joyful celebration of pride, community, and accessibility 💚

👉 Learn more at: www.DisabilityPridePA.org/dppgh25

09/04/2025

It's opening night! Check out ReelAbilities Pittsburgh Film Festival both in person and virtually from September 4-11! Learn more about the films at this year's festival and get tickets at https://filmpittsburgh.org/pages/reelabilities

09/03/2025

FISA is excited to see the recognition our grantee partner, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, is receiving for its recently opened Outdoor Discovery Space and Sensory Nature Trail!

Make sure to check out the trail and other accessibility programs that Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers!

08/28/2025

FISA Foundation is proud to announce our June 2025 grants! FISA awarded grants to 6 organizations serving women, girls, and people with disabilities.
The grants will allow organizations to provide critical advocacy for accessible public transportation and inclusive public education, support immigrant and refugee mothers, aid people with disabilities in crisis, and empower young women and girls.
FISA applauds these organizations for their commitment to meeting the needs of communities in southwestern PA. Read the full June 2025 grants announcement here: https://fisafoundation.org/fisa-awards-june-2025-grants-to-uplift-women-girls-and-people-with-disabilities/
Girls Inc of Greater Pittsburgh, East Suburban Citizen Advocacy, The Women and Girls Foundation, Hello Neighbor, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, and 412 Justice

[image description: First image features blue shapes and FISA logo with the text “FISA Foundation Announces June 2025 Grantees! Second image features blue shapes and logos of grantees]