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News

A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.

Find out what's happening!

Whether you want to learn what's new in the disability world, hear what others have to say about Achieva, or share Achieva's messaging with your audience, this is the place for you. Read all the latest news, or select the category of your choice to narrow down your search results.
"Breaking Down Barriers": A Partnership with VaultArt Studios

"Breaking Down Barriers": A Partnership with VaultArt Studios

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and VaultArt Studio have joined forces to promote the inclusion of artists with disabilities in contemporary art. Works from two VaultArt resident artists are on display in the Cultural District: Kim Bond and Charlie Wallace.

Sheetz joins program for workers with disabilities

Sheetz joins program for workers with disabilities

From the Altoona Mirror. Altoona-based Sheetz Inc. is the first employer in Pennsylvania to commit to a new program aimed to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities in transitioning from subminimum wage positions to competitive-integrated employment.

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Achieva Highlights Commitment to Inclusive Hiring During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Achieva Highlights Commitment to Inclusive Hiring During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

"At Achieva, we believe everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to contribute through paid employment. Our Competitive-Integrated Employment program strengthens relationships between employers and job seekers, ensuring we provide the necessary support for success."

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Celebrating Achieva's First Credentialed DSP 1 - Pam Thomas!

Celebrating Achieva's First Credentialed DSP 1 - Pam Thomas!

We are excited to share a momentous achievement with our community: Pam Thomas is officially Achieva's first certified DSP 1 through the Achieva Credentialing Academy and the NADSP E-Badge Academy!

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Plans of Care for Students with Special Health Care Needs

Plans of Care for Students with Special Health Care Needs

Federal law and professional nursing standards require the development of individualized plans of care for students with special health care needs.

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Back to School Tips & Tricks

Back to School Tips & Tricks

You are your student's best advocate! Here are the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh's tips and tricks for the 2024-2025 school year.

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Achieva C&J Employee Wins Unique Source Achievement Award

Achieva C&J Employee Wins Unique Source Achievement Award

Congratulations to Gerald McGinnis, an employee of Achieva's Cleaning & Janitorial (C&J) staff for winning the 2024 Achievement Award from UniqueSource!

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Achieva Moderates Capitol Hill Panel Discussion on IDD Health Inequities

Achieva Moderates Capitol Hill Panel Discussion on IDD Health Inequities

The "Closing the Gap: People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities as a Medically Underserved Population" roundtable event was a collaborative effort hosted by Rep. Seth Moulton, Achieva, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and the NYU Dentistry: Center for Oral Health Policy & Management.

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Achieva Family Trust Exceeds $2 Million in Charitable Distributions

Achieva Family Trust Exceeds $2 Million in Charitable Distributions

Achieva Family Trust is proud to announce a historic milestone, surpassing $2 million in charitable distributions through the Charitable Residual Program for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

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State Budget Questions Remain

State Budget Questions Remain

A state budget was adopted in Harrisburg on July 11. One of Achieva's largest funding streams comes from the PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for services to people with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A).

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When And How Do I Fund My Special Needs Trust for My Child with Disabilities?

When And How Do I Fund My Special Needs Trust for My Child with Disabilities?

Several factors should be considered when establishing a third-party special needs trust (TPSNT) for a child with disabilities. When should the TPSNT be funded? How should the TPSNT be funded?

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Olmstead - 25 Years Later

Olmstead - 25 Years Later

In June of 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its Olmstead decision that unnecessary institutionalization violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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Achieva Announces Departure of Shayne Roos, Executive Vice President of Achieva and President of Achieva Support - Names Interim Successor

Achieva, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services for people with disabilities, announces the departure of Shayne Roos, Executive Vice President of Achieva and President of Achieva Support. Stepping into the position will be Court Hower.

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The Arc of Pennsylvania Wins Public Health System Award

The Arc of Pennsylvania Wins Public Health System Award

The Arc of Pennsylvania was awarded with the inaugural "Strengthening the Public Health System Award" from the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) for its campaign to raise awareness of health disparities related to COVID-19 in the disability community.

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What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Wills and trusts are foundational estate planning tools. While each is used to distribute assets to beneficiaries, they do so in different ways. Each also has its own distinct uses and advantages.

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Adults with Intellectual Disabilities May Wait Years for Services. Shapiro's Budget Would Help

Adults with Intellectual Disabilities May Wait Years for Services. Shapiro's Budget Would Help

Shapiro wants lawmakers to allocate another $483 million in state and federal money, or a 12% rate increase, to direct service providers, which they in turn can spend on pay bumps, retention bonuses, recruitment and other costs related to staffing.

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Pa. human service officials say budget proposal will eliminate wait list for disability services

Pa. human service officials say budget proposal will eliminate wait list for disability services

More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities or autism are on an "emergency" state waiting list: meaning they need services and supports now but aren't getting them.

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Achieva Launches "Impact Achieva" Online Giving Day on June 17-18, 2024

Achieva Launches "Impact Achieva" Online Giving Day on June 17-18, 2024

Achieva, a leading organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, is excited to announce its annual online giving day, Impact Achieva, set to take place from June 17 to June 18, 2024. This year's event will span 1,951 minutes in honor of the year Achieva was founded, 1951.

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Amplify Voices with Achieva's Annual Online Giving Event! June 17 - 18, 2024

Amplify Voices with Achieva's Annual Online Giving Event! June 17 - 18, 2024

As we approach June 17th at 2 p.m., we invite you to join us for 1,951 minutes to Impact Achieva. Your support will help amplify the voices of people with disabilities. Add the date to your calendar, and get ready to make an impact!

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Allegheny County cutting education specialist positions who help students with special needs

Allegheny County cutting education specialist positions who help students with special needs

More than 100 students using Allegheny County's special education services will see changes next school year after officials announced the elimination of three education specialist positions, a decision already receiving pushback from local advocacy groups.

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Allegheny County to cut 'redundant' education staff. Advocates say it will create a strain.

Allegheny County to cut 'redundant' education staff. Advocates say it will create a strain.

Allegheny County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is planning to phase out its three education specialist positions just before the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

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Confidence is Found 200 Ft Deep... in a cave

Confidence is Found 200 Ft Deep... in a cave

Achieva's Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are so important to our mission, and the individuals supported. In this blog, we travel along with Mike Ceidro and Jamie Lewis-Ojeda into the depths of a Pennsylvania cave. This story highlights friendship, adventure, and empowerment- click for more!

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Transformative Advocacy

Achieva's Advocacy Staff provides support for families and individuals facing disability, offering assistance ranging from sharing information, IEP meetings, to eligibility assessments. Empowering families with empathy and expertise, they form lasting relationships and foster resilience.

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As State Budget Deadline Nears, Will People With Disabilities Be A Bipartisan Priority?

As State Budget Deadline Nears, Will People With Disabilities Be A Bipartisan Priority?

After years of underfunding, inflation was taking a serious toll on non-profit service providers like Achieva. Rates paid to these organizations by state government had only increased one time in seven years.

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Achieva Family Trust Recognizes Two Important Observations in May

Achieva Family Trust Recognizes Two Important Observations in May

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has designated May "Elder Law Month." NAELA members are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and people of all ages with disabilities.

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Self-Advocates Amplify Voices During Governor Shapiro's Visit to Achieva

Self-Advocates Amplify Voices During Governor Shapiro's Visit to Achieva

President and CEO of Achieva, Steve Suroviec, welcomed the governor to Achieva's headquarters during a recent visit and press conference. Achieva employee Erin Grimes spoke along with two women she supports, Sierra & Christy Wechtenhiser, about the impact of budget deficiencies.

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