Exclusion to Autonomy: The History & Future of Accessible Transportation

To commemorate this year’s 30th Anniversary of the ADA, the Senator John Heinz History Center is joining with the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium to trace the roots of advocacy, innovation, and change that led to accessible transportation in this region. Panelists representing multiple eras of advocacy and change will reflect on the achievements of accessible transportation initiatives, and the program will conclude with a discussion of current and future challenges and opportunities to ensure inclusion and autonomy for all.

The Consortium’s short film about late Western Pennsylvania transportation advocate Paul Dick will premiere at the event. The film highlights the transportation limitations Paul faced after he was diagnosed with polio in the 1950s, and his role in shaping Allegheny County’s ACCESS Transportation System.