Autism Urban Connections is the first and only African American, minority, family focused Autism nonprofit in Pennsylvania.  The organization was founded by Jamie Upshaw, a Black woman whose Autistic son was misdiagnosed as a young child, thereby missing key opportunities for early intervention. Her experience is not unique; research demonstrates that for African American children, there is an average 3-year delay between first parental developmental concern and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

When Millie, a 35-year-old blind woman with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder who lives alone, learned that the personal care services she receives through her Community Health Choices managed care plan would be significantly cut, she was worried and distraught. Because Millie needs an aid to enjoy activities in the community, her independence and safety would be considerably curtailed if these cuts were implemented. Fortunately, Millie had Pennsylvania Health Law Project to turn to for help. A PHLP case-handler documented why she needed these services which became a critical piece of evidence for Millie’s hearing, which ultimately helped to ensure that her personal care services were retained. 

Pittsburgh is often lauded as among the most livable cities in the country. While this may be true for some, it is certainly not the case for Black women. Rochelle Jackson, a Black woman with decades of public policy experience, is well aware of the racial and gender inequities that Black women experience in Pittsburgh. She launched the Black Women’s Policy Center to change systems and policies to ensure that Black women don’t just survive but thrive.