The “WHY”  that directs what we do:

• To provide an intentionally inclusive space for people with disabilities (all disabilities: physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, cognitive, sensory, cross-disabilities), family members, advocates, and community members to gather for a shared purpose in a welcoming environment.
• To define and remove barriers to quality, affordable, and accessible health care for people with disabilities throughout life.
• To increase community-based resources and supports so that people with disabilities can live full, independent, and self-sufficient lives.
• To ensure the coordination of physical health and mental health care.

How we do “that thing we do:”

• Monthly meetings of the Health Committee for People with Disabilities. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm at the Carnegie Library on the North Side.  Our meeting motto is: “We don’t meet unless we eat.”
• Every meeting includes an “Action and Advocacy” component.

Who does the work?

• We all do. Our advocacy comes from a grassroots perspective where each one has a role to play and a shared responsibility.
• We have two workgroups that meet monthly:
  

  Wear the button!

  • The Neighbor Team: Meets the second Monday of the month from 9:30 am – 11:00 am @ the CHC Office. Please click here to learn more about the Neighbor Team.
  • The Physical Health and Mental Health Workgroup: Meets the second Tuesday of the month from 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm @ the CHC Office.
    Please click here for the Workgroup’s “Guide to Being a Proactive Patient.”

To join either the Neighbor Team or the Physical Health/Mental Health Workgroup please call Sally Jo (412) 456-1877 x 203 0r

PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

“Living Together is an Art” Photo Voice Project

"TORCH," the HCPD Mascot, "Carrying a bright light for consumers"

ADA 20: Living in the Land of I Can

On Thursday, October 14, Consumer Health Coalition hosted an intergenerational, cross-disabilities, one-day conference celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilties Act.  Over 160 people attended to listen to keynote speakers Michael Naranjo and Trevon Jennifer share their stories.  Michael Narajo is an internationally known artist who lost his eyesight during the Vietnam War and now designs sculptures purely by touch.  Trevon Jennier was born without legs and joined his high school wrestling team at age 16, where he completed against full-bodied athletes to finish third in the state of Maryland for his weight class.  He now attends Edinboro University and excels on the wheelchair basketball team. 

Attendees also participated in a variety of breakout workshops and sessions throughout the day, which included topics dealing with advocacy, media, stigma and employment opportunities.   The conference was an astouding success and many commented that it raised awareness of disability issues within the Pittsburgh community.

2010 HCPD NEWS and ACTIONS

 ACADEMY OF EMPOWERED CONSUMERS

The first class of “CHC’s Academy of Empowered Consumers” graduated on Sunday, 6 June 2010.

What graduates said about the Academy:

• “It’s empowering!”                                                                 
• “Great and needed information!”                                  
• “Open atmosphere with great sharing and resources.”
• “Learn how to help yourself and how to help others.”

PA STATE BUDGET

On Friday, 25 June 2010, CHC held our annual state budget rally.  Approximately 100 people attended and we had coverage from WPXI and KDKA. 

Here is an inital summary from the PA Budget and Policy Center: What was cut in the budget agreement