ADVISORY - PITTSBURGH - In Wake of Recent Federal Action, Shapiro Administration to Reaffirm Commitment to Serving and Protecting Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

August 18, 2026 - Pittsburgh, PA

ADVISORY - PITTSBURGH - In Wake of Recent Federal Action, Shapiro Administration to Reaffirm Commitment to Serving and Protecting Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

The Shapiro Administration will reaffirm its commitment to protecting and fighting for Pennsylvanians with disabilities in the wake of recent federal actions that threaten decades of progress.

Shapiro Administration officials will host a roundtable to hear directly from members and advocates from Pennsylvania's disability community. Approximately 200,000 older adults and people with intellectual and physical disabilities - the highest in Pennsylvania history - receive disability services in their homes and communities. However, recent federal decisions weaken the federal government's commitment to protecting an individual's right to live and receive services in the community and could put access to disability services at risk.

Governor Josh Shapiro has been fighting to ensure the choices, rights, and freedoms of Pennsylvanians with disabilities are protected so they can live, work, and participate fully in their chosen community. The Governor affirmed this commitment through Executive Order 2026-01, which recognizes that people with disabilities have a right to equal protection under the law and that his Administration will work every day to prevent discrimination and promote access and equal opportunity.

WHO:
PA DHS Deputy Secretary for the Office of Long-Term Living Juliet Marsala
PA DHS Deputy Secretary for the Office of Developmental Programs Kristin Ahrens
Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities Executive Director Josie Badger
Members of Pennsylvania's disability community

WHEN:
Wednesday, August 19, 2026:
Roundtable begins at 1:00 p.m.
Press conference begins at approximately 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Achieva, 711 Bingham St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

MEDIA RSVP:
Press interested in attending must RSVP with the name of photographer/reporter to [email protected].

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