Pittsburgh Magazine Names Matthew Berwick 40 Under 40
The 39-year-old advocate for disability rights receives recognition as a local leader in the Pittsburgh community.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Special Needs
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Pittsburgh Magazine has named Matthew Berwick, a 39-year-old advocate for disability rights, as one of its 40 Under 40 honorees for 2026. Berwick currently serves as the Senior Program Manager for Disability Accommodations and Civil Rights Compliance at UPMC.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights Berwick's significant role in advancing accessibility standards and civil rights within the city's healthcare and academic sectors.
Matthew Berwick is currently 39 years old and was selected alongside 39 other individuals for the 2026 recognition program. He serves as the Senior Program Manager for Disability Accommodations and Civil Rights Compliance at UPMC.
The players
Matthew Berwick
He is the Senior Program Manager for Disability Accommodations and Civil Rights Compliance at UPMC and leads the Pittsburgh chapter of the United Spinal Association.
Pittsburgh Magazine
It is a regional publication that produces the annual 40 Under 40 list to spotlight influential local leaders and professionals.
UPMC
It is a large integrated global nonprofit health enterprise headquartered in Pittsburgh that provides medical services and clinical research.
University of Pittsburgh
It is a state-related research university in Pittsburgh where Berwick contributes as an instructor.
United Spinal Association
It is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
The details
Berwick balances his professional duties at UPMC, where he strengthens compliance programs and expands accessibility audits, with his roles in the community. He teaches at the University of Pittsburgh and leads the Pittsburgh chapter of the United Spinal Association to implement disability regulations.
Timeline
Matthew Berwick was named a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree.
Culture Shift
Berwick's professional and advocacy work represents a broader movement toward inclusive urban planning and institutional compliance in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility mandates. This trend reflects a societal shift toward prioritizing universal access within large organizations.
Residents may see improved accessibility standards at local healthcare facilities and universities as Berwick continues to implement new compliance regulations. His leadership in the United Spinal Association offers a direct point of contact for community members seeking resources for disability rights.
The takeaway
Berwick remains focused on his long-term vision of transforming the city into a fully accessible urban environment for all residents. His work serves as a reminder that institutional compliance and community advocacy are both essential to removing systemic barriers.
Further reading
For more on community support initiatives, see the Pittsburgh Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pittsburgh Magazine.
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