About
A call for the unseen and unheard.
The Silent Count is a community initiative dedicated to making Pittsburgh a city where every person feels seen, heard and valued—especially those living with invisible or physical disabilities, experiencing poverty, trauma or any other life challenge.
Igniting Change
Enlightening minds. Enacting change.
Did you know that an estimated 1 in 4 people live with sensory challenges such autism, PTSD, anxiety, dementia and more? This is why a major focus of The Silent Count is to bridge the gap between people with invisible disabilities and the resources they need to feel welcome in any situation. Through key partnerships and innovative solutions, we work to create environments that allow this invisible population to feel seen and heard.
A vehicle that will take Pittsburgh to the next level.
One powerful example of this collaboration is how we worked with Kulture City, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance, to bring specially designed Sensory Activation Vehicles to this year’s NFL Draft. Even after the crowds depart, these mobile, climate-controlled trailers will remain in Pittsburgh as a community asset.
Vehicle locations at the NFL Draft
- Point State Park
- North Shore
- Market Square
Other places that see you.
Click the links below to find accessible and friendly destinations.
Not-so-silent partners.
With partners who know how to tell a story, spread the word and build coalitions, we will be heard so that others may too.
Kickoff at the NFL Draft
Commitment
- Direct support of Pittsburgh’s nonprofits
- More than $1 million in grants awarded
Activation
- Partnering with Kulture City to deploy Sensory Activation Vehicles
- Demonstrating practical, repeatable models for inclusive environments
Timing
- Launching during the highly anticipated NFL Draft
- Extending awareness through a focused, high-visibility platform
33 Grants
Everybody here is a #1 pick.
As part of The Silent Count campaign, Troy and Theodora Polamalu and Rob and Cindy Citrone have teamed up to select 33 local nonprofits to receive a $33,000 grant. The organizations are personally selected by current and former Steelers, along with Pittsburgh-born NFL legends. For a total of more than one million dollars granted.
The number “33” is significant for several reasons. The Pittsburgh Steelers were established in 1933 and it’s one more than the number of first round picks—because we always go one step further in Pittsburgh.
Here are our First Round selections.
- Jasmine Nyree Campus
- Neighborhood Resilience Project
- The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh
- The Mel Blount Youth Home
- Glimmer of Hope
- Best of the Batch Foundation
- The Darrell Revis Foundation
- Casa San Jose
- Shepherd's Heart Fellowship And Veteran's Home
- Light Of Life Rescue Mission
Speak Up
Don’t be silent.
Get involved. To learn more about The Silent Count campaign to bring awareness and support to people with invisible disabilities and other forms of neuro-divergence, email us at hello@thesilentcount.org. To learn more about the organization behind the Sensory Activation Vehicles, visit Kulture City.
We look forward to hearing—and seeing—you in the future.
