FISA Foundation

We’re thrilled to see Southwestern Pennsylvania members of Pennsylvania’s new Disability Commission featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette! This talented group of leaders brings deep experience, advocacy, and community knowledge to the Commission’s work. Congratulations to Monica Albert Still, Chaz Kellem, Hunter Steinitz, former FISA board member Rachel Kallem Whitman, Ondrea Burton, Lori Roberts, and Michelle Walker. Their advocacy and lived expertise will help elevate the voices and priorities of the disability community throughout Pennsylvania.

Read the article to learn more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2026/07/16/new-disability-commission-pa/stories/202607190017?fbclid=IwY2xjawTHVSpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwaGUxMmtrTDJNNVN2U0l2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgHKb_VEW4b2Ov_nj2a-myjyqsAASoPOG1PsSe-uILVCctFXY6witP1skvVP_aem_1Q3Dz7L2OUO_dw-tR9_Bew

Gov. Josh Shapiro earlier this month announced the creation of a new disability commission tasked with understanding accessibility issues across the state, giving perspectives on living with a disability and recommending policy changes to legislators.

With 28 people appointed to the new Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities, Pennsylvania joins a handful of other states — Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia and New Hampshire among them — in having disability committees to inform policymakers of community needs.

Seven of those appointees are regional: five from Allegheny County and two from Beaver County.

Link in the comments to read more. ⬇️

Understanding Pennsylvania’s long-term care systems shouldn’t be complicated.

Join Project Beyond Definition and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on July 20 at 6 PM ET for a virtual town hall exploring the differences between the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), who they serve, and how these systems can better support people with developmental disabilities.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1817839736534/WN_ctSVt4qVQGSD4I9noy5fKQ

https://mailchi.mp/phlp/beyonddefinition?e=1f41792fad

Virtual Town Hall 7/20: Register Now!

Celebrate Disability Pride at PNC Park!
This Sunday, July 12, the Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting Disability Pride Day to support disability pride and inclusion. Join the celebration, connect with community, and cheer on the Bucs for an afternoon of baseball and festivities.
Get tickets and learn more:

Disability Pride Day | Pittsburgh Pirates Join the Pittsburgh Pirates for Disability Pride Night at PNC Park.

FISA’s grantee partner, KidsVoice, provides essential advocacy for children with disabilities in foster care. As highlighted by KidsVoice, children with disabilities are overrepresented in the foster care system and often face additional barriers to accessing necessary services and supports. Their work is vital in giving these children a voice, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring their needs are met.

When we talk about creating communities where people with disabilities are supported and included, it's important to recognize that many children in foster care face unique challenges.

Nearly 1 in 4 children in foster care have a diagnosed disability—about twice the rate of their peers. Yet too often, navigating services and securing appropriate supports is especially difficult for children in foster care. KidsVoice advocates to ensure that the needs of these children are recognized, their voices are heard, and they receive the resources and support they deserve.