The 13th annual Disability & Mental Health Summit is a free, one-of-a-kind event in Western PA that brings hundreds of people and participating organizations together to share information on a wide range of topics in the disability and mental health arena each year. The Summit, previously operated by retired representative Dan Miller, has always been designed with the goal of bringing resources and experts out of their offices and into a single, easy-to-access environment, where people can meet face-to-face to better solve problems and enhance futures.

The Summit has evolved over the years, in both form and content, and no two years are exactly alike. The 2026 Summit will be hosted by Rep. Jessica Benham and Rep. Emily Kinkead, with organizational assistance from the Allegheny County Delegation. After months of preparation, we are excited to announce that we will have a larger resource fair than last year, more free information sessions than last year, and a greater partnership with schools that will bring even more transition-aged young adults to the event to help them figure out their next steps. Our special South Hills Futures Fair is back again in April, and we are excited to again provide a forum for disabled musicians to show their skills and remind us of what we all have in common. And our bipartisan, bicameral legislative panel will be stronger than ever!

Now in its 13th year, the Summit has touched thousands of lives, educating legislators from both sides of the aisle, helping to inform families, providing continuing education credits for professionals, and – arguably most importantly – benefited countless self-advocates and allies.

None of this would be possible without the help of organizations and presenters who cared to be involved. We thank our sponsors throughout the years who have made a difference, and we appreciate all the volunteers who step forward to make this event happen. We have a long way to go to increase independence and opportunities for everyone, but we will get there if we keep pushing forward together.

We hope to see you there!