Webinars

Back to school is a great time to review and prepare for the coming school year. Please join us as we review IEPs from beginning to end with tips and ideas from the advocates.

The speakers for this webinar are: Melissa Skiffen, Coordinator of Individual Advocacy and Supported Decision Making, and Angela Laurent, Disability and Family Supports Advocate.

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What comes next after high school? For young people with disabilities, planning for adulthood can feel overwhelming—but getting started early can make all the difference.

In this recorded webinar, Achieva helps Pennsylvania parents and families navigate the transition to adulthood for students with disabilities ages 12–22. Learn about the steps families can take now to help their young adult prepare for life after high school and move toward greater independence, employment, community involvement and self-determination.

Mary Hartley, Senior Vice President of Achieva and President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, and Melissa Skiffen, Coordinator of Individual Advocacy and Supported Decision Making, share practical information and guidance to help families understand the transition process and plan for what comes next.

Watch the recording to learn how you can help your young adult graduate ready for the next chapter.

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Join Achieva for this webinar highlighting the wide range of support services available to people with disabilities. During this session, we will explore Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), the InVEST Project, and Person-Centered Planning.

• Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) focuses on helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment that aligns with their unique skills, interests, and talents in inclusive community settings. This includes community-based work assessments, individualized job development, on-the-job coaching and ongoing supports, and guidance from dedicated employment specialists. We will also review available funding options through OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) and ODP (Office of Developmental Programs) that help make these services possible.

• The InVEST Project supports individuals who are currently earning subminimum wage, have earned subminimum wage in the past, or are considering it. The program helps participants transition to higher-paying, community-based employment through Competitive Integrated Employment opportunities.

• Person-Centered Planning uses the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework to help individuals create a vision for a life of personal significance. Achieva works alongside the people we support and their families to organize ideas, clarify goals, and build practical strategies—empowering them to problem-solve, navigate systems, and advocate for the supports they need.

Featured Speakers: Lesley Beasom, Jack Butler, and Amber Westwood

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Join Achieva to learn about college opportunities in Pennsylvania for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sessions include: * How to pay for a post-secondary program * How to plan with the IEP team for college * College opportunities from colleges and universities * Hear the student experience from current students or alumni.

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Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone - but it can also bring questions for families of children with disabilities. Advocate and parent Melissa Skiffin of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh hosts Jane Stadnik of the PEAL Center on this webinar designed to help families transition with confidence. Topics covered: Difference between systems, basic language used (acronyms), IEP team members, options for adopting IFSP (preschool) evaluation process, FAB toolkit.

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Families and schools can better support children with disabilities by understanding that behavior is communication, recognizing triggers that overwhelm kids, and building emotional regulation through predictable routines. Insights from advocate Melissa Skiffin and Dr. Paul offer practical, collaborative strategies that strengthen partnerships and help children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

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This webinar discusses the concept of life sharing, a service model that allows individuals with disabilities to live with families or individuals who provide support. The conversation covers the definition, benefits, roles, and responsibilities involved in life sharing, as well as personal experiences from families and providers.

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This webinar highlights student-led IEPs, empowering students with disabilities to engage actively in education, boosting self-advocacy, confidence, and collaboration.

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In our 2nd "Back-to-School Power (Two) Hour" we are focusing on Back-to-School prep! 

In the first hour, it's all about the law and the rights of students' and parents' in public education. Covered are legal definitions, the importance of measurable goals, progress monitoring, and research-based programs.

In the second hour, practical tips from parents for back-to-school preparation are covered, such as establishing routines, collaborating with the school and community support, and promoting open communication.

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"Supporting People Through Supported Decision Making," led by Kelly Darr, Legal Director of Disability Rights PA, explores key aspects of decision-making support, myths about guardianship, alternative approaches, and understanding the implications of the new Guardianship law, Act 61.

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Learn to recognize and report scams, and discover strategies to protect against identity theft. Get resources for those affected and gain insights into preventing abuse and financial exploitation of older adults in your community.

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This webinar explores gaps in sex and health education for students with disabilities, delving into the impact and barriers to accessing proper health education, while offering proactive steps forward.

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November 9th, 2023

Gain insights on transitioning to adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Learn about planning, work experience, and utilizing resources like ODP and waivers in Pennsylvania for a seamless employment transition.

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October 12th, 2023

Explore school discipline with experts Michael Connelly and Keith Fock. Learn about students' rights, disciplinary processes, and alternatives. Understand crucial policies shaping education for students with disabilities.

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August 31st, 2023

Using the internet and social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, provide a platform for learning and explore our world from anywhere. How do it safely and teach those you care for to do so, as well? 

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March 22nd, 2023

Achieva's Arc of Greater Pittsburgh provides this webinar presentation on Charting The LifeCourse.

Life is all about transitions. Join Achieva employees Jack Butler, Director of Person-Centered Planning and Melissa Skiffen, Disability Advocate and Family Supports as they explore how to apply the Charting the Lifecourse framework and tools to transition throughout the life stages.

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Jan. 18, 2023

What is the "A Home of My Own" Program and Housing Tenancy? Join Achieva's Michelle Stockunas to learn about the waiver services that make living in a home of your own possible, and about affordable technology that is helping people stay safe in their homes.

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Nov. 9th, 2022

“The Intersection of Race and Disability Project.” The presentation will cover the scope and parameters of the project and introduce the audience to five BIPOCs who have lived at the intersection of race and disability in Western Pennsylvania. In addition, the presentation will explore social justice themes in the five subjects’ stories and invite the audience to get involved with WPDHAC’s efforts to preserve and share this important history.

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Oct. 13th, 2022

Presention by Mary Hartley, Executive Director of the Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center During this presentation, we will discuss:

• Your seamless transition to adulthood – planning for transition led by students
• The proof - students who work before they leave high school; inclusion in school and community, and impact on employment
• Letting Go - Start as early as possible letting go (for parents); independent (supported) transportation, volunteerism, work-based learning & most importantly, real jobs
• Success Stories

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Sept. 22nd, 2022


In July 2022, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) issued guidance on behavior support and discipline of students with disabilities.

• OCR and OSEP make clear the expectation that schools must find ways to support behavior related needs without first resorting to suspension and/or expulsion
• Attorney Connolly will break down the six guidance documents
• Attendees will learn how to use this information to advocate for appropriate practices with respect to disciplining of students with disabilities
• The presentation will review how the guidance requires that school-based police officers must make reasonable modifications in interacting with students with disabilities

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