March 1st, 2026 – 7 PM EST
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Over 700 disabled people have been murdered by their caregivers in the past 5 years. We must stand together to condemn these acts and change the way disabled life is regarded as disposable.
Each year on March 1st, the Pittsburgh disability community comes together to mourn and call for justice for the dozens of disabled people murdered by their parents and caregivers. As we come together for the thirteenth year in Pittsburgh, we embrace our community and reject narratives that dehumanize us and cast our deaths as good or justified.
People with disabilities are twice as likely as non-disabled people to be victims of violent crime. Every year, the national media covers dozens of stories about murders of people with disabilities by family members or caregivers, and many more go unnoticed. Too often, the coverage focuses on sympathy for the murderer, because they had to live with or care for a person with a disability. The message to the public is that our lives—not our deaths—are the tragedy.
Program Order
Opening by Opal M.
Speakers
- Kayte Rose – “Not an Angel, Not Mercy”
- Aviva Ron – “Every Soul A Star”
- Dr. Bethany Ziss – “What They Didn’t Teach Me in Medical School”
- Bethany Stevens – “The Legacy of Eugenics Today”
Remembrance
- Alisa Grishman remembers Paul O’Hanlon
Reading of Names
Closing
Speakers
Opal M.
Opal M. (they/them) serves as the Executive Director of PCDJ. They live at many marginalized intersections. Opal works faithfully for a world that is just, equitable, and joyful.
Kayte Rose
Kayte Rose is a disabled activist, artist, troublemaker, and problem solver. They have always been angry.
Aviva Ron
Aviva Ron (she/her) is a disabled, queer and Mad person doing the best that she can. Her love of stories leads her towards justice.
Dr. Bethany Ziss
Bethany Ziss (she/her) is a disabled person and a doctor, who believes the two are not mutually exclusive.
Bethany Stevens
Bethany Stevens (she/her) is a queer femme wheelchair-using sexuality educator completing a doctoral degree in sociology. Trained as an attorney and holding a Master of Arts in Sexuality Studies, she has a diverse background of interests that ground her work in human rights. She has lectured and offered workshops internationally and taught courses in public health, disability studies, and social work across the country. Bethany lives in Atlanta with her wife, a tiny chihuahua named Theo, and an elegant polydactyl tuxedo cat Raven. Connect with and follow her on Instagram, TikTok, & YT @disaBethany.
Alisa Grishman
Alisa Grishman is a Pittsburgh-based disability advocate and professional rabble rouser. When she’s not fighting the good fight, she enjoys knitting and spending time with her cats.
Resources
- ASAN’s Anti-Filicide Toolkit
- Ruderman Family Foundation on Media Coverage of Murder of People with Disabilities by their Caregivers
- Disability Memorial Website
What’s Next?
Crisis Resources
The vigil can bring up many different kinds of feelings. It is okay not to be okay. If you are in crisis please do not hesitate to reach out.
- Re:solve Crisis Network: 1-888-796-8226
- Trans LifeLine: 877-565-8860
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Center for Victims Hotline: 866-644-2882
- Deaf Crisis Line: VP: 321-800-3323
Help with Self-Care
- Everything Is Awful and I’m Not Okay: questions to ask before giving up
- You feel like shit: an interactive self-care flow chart
Access Information
Automatic live captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. For additional access needs or questions, please email info@autisticpgh.org.
If you believe a person with a disability is in danger or being abused call:
Childline: 1-800-932-0313
Adult Protective Services: 1-800-490-8505
PCDJ extends our special thanks to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, our interpreters and captioner, and PCDJ’s amazing team of volunteers for their roles in making this event possible.
Past Vigils
