Congratulations to Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania!

posted April 22, 2010
In March, Kristin Durniok was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania (www.mswheelchairpenn.org) and is committed to using this honor as a platform to reach out to other young people who have disabilities to advocate for affordable and accessible housing.

Kristin grew up in a small rural community and was the only person she knew with a physical disability, but that never stopped her. Kristin credits her parents with being positive, setting high expectations for her, and encouraging her to try anything (from student government to Spanish club to a cheerleader for the wrestling team). At age seven Kristin attended her uncle’s graduation from Edinboro University and then and there made the decision that someday she would be among the many graduates who use wheelchairs or have other physical disabilities. Years later she graduated from Edinboro with a degree in speech communication, and then got her master’s degree in educational leadership from Gannon. Currently Kristin works for UCP as a supports coordinator for the attendant care program and as a housing counselor, helping many people with disabilities live independent lives in the community.

As Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania, Kristin will spend the next year speaking to numerous groups and working to combat the ignorance and stereotypes that still work against people with disabilities. As an advocate, her message to peers will be not to be complacent and accept discrimination, but to actively work to change things. In her words, “One person CAN make a difference.”

FISA Foundation Announces Retirement of Executive Director Dee Delaney

posted April 08, 2010
After 14 years of visionary leadership, FISA Foundation’s Executive Director Dee Delaney has announced that she will be retiring in August 2010. Dee served as the Foundation’s executive director since its founding in 1996, and is leaving a legacy of promoting justice and inclusion for people with disabilities as well as improving the health, safety and well being of women and girls. Under her leadership, FISA’s endowment has grown to over $37 million and the Foundation has awarded over $17 million in grants (727 grants to 298 organizations).

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee to help with the transition. Applications are not being accepted at this time; more information will be forthcoming.

See the press release for additional information.