Celebrating UPMC’s Disability Advocates and Changemakers

By: Nikki Cronin

UPMC is home to a variety of disability advocates and changemakers who help to make the organization more supportive and accessible.  

This summer, UPMC’s Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) hosted the second annual Access & Impact Awards to recognize individuals and groups making a positive difference for people with disabilities, including patients, visitors, and guests. This award ceremony honored 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and helps to ensure equal opportunities.

Meet some of the exceptional award recipients and learn how they are making an impact:  

  • Excellence in Achievement Honoree: Jesse Rohrer  

  • ■ Jesse serves as a kitchen steward at UPMC Harrisburg and is also a Special Olympics gold medalist and ambassador. As a Special Olympics ambassador, Jesse uses his platform to advance recognition and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

  • Distinguished Leadership in Accessibility Honoree: Rob Bart, MD  

  • ■ As UPMC’s chief medical information officer, Rob drives digital innovation while ensuring accessibility remains a key component of patient-centered care. He has led the improved integration of disability-related accommodations into clinical and digital workflows, such as with the implementation of Epic Bridges. 

Distinguished Physician Advocate Honoree: Brad Dicianno, MD  

  • ■ Brad serves as the medical director, UPMC Center for Assistive Technology; director, UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic; medical director and COO, Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Through his clinical care, research, and advocacy, he has advanced innovative technologies and rehabilitation practices that improve mobility, independence, health care access, and quality of life for people with disabilities.  

  • Innovation and Patient Experience through Technology Honoree: Steve Mihalic  

  • ■ Steve is a user experience research manager, UPMC Digital Marketing, with a strong focus on accessibility, usability, and engagement. He has helped shape digital strategies and web accessibility initiatives that make online tools more inclusive and intuitive for patients and families. 

  • Community Impact in Disability Advocacy Honorees: Dan LaVallee and Laura Miller  

  • ■ As associate vice president, Community Engagement, Insurance Services, Dan has led innovative initiatives to strengthen community well-being, including founding UPMC’s Pathways to Work program and launching the first Neighborhood Center. As divisional chief legal officer and vice president, Government Programs, Licensing, and Corporate Governance, Insurance Services, Laura has helped advance innovative approaches that expand access to high-quality, patient-centered care. Together, Dan and Laura are strong champions of disability inclusion and accessibility, partnering with the DRC and the Pittsburgh Penguins to promote awareness, engagement, and community impact. 

  • Community Partner in Disability Awareness Honoree: Tracey McCants Lewis (Pittsburgh Penguins) 

  • ■ Tracey serves as the chief legal and community affairs officer for the Pittsburgh Penguins. She partnered with the DRC to showcase how intentional accessibility and shared purpose can transform lives, as UPMC and the Penguins came together for a hockey night in Pittsburgh to promote inclusion. 

  • Excellence in Accessible Facilities Design Honoree: Matthew Buck  

  • ■ Matthew, project director, Construction, UPMC in North Central Pa., works closely with the DRC and the region’s Section 504/1557 Coordinator and Disability Champion to develop practical solutions that address disability-related accessibility needs across the region. He has played a key role in Medical Diagnostic Equipment readiness efforts and disability-related grievance investigations.

  • Shirley Abriola Legacy of Accessibility Honoree: UPMC Center for Women with Disabilities 

  • ■ This award memorializes the legacy of DRC advocate and educator Shirley Abriola, who dedicated her career to improving care for individuals with disabilities. 
  • ■ The UPMC Center for Women with Disabilities is a national leader in advancing accessible, person-centered health care for women with disabilities. The center has transformed care through accessible clinical environments, innovative care models, and a commitment to treating every patient with dignity, respect, and compassion. 

UPMC is proud to celebrate these amazing award winners! 

 

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