News
A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.
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Achieva Announces $15 Million "Beyond Boundaries" Campaign to Expand Services for People with Disabilities
The Legacy of Ginny Thornburgh and the Power of Advocacy
In the early 1970s, Ginny joined Arc Allegheny — now part of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh at Achieva. Her advocacy was hands-on and unrelenting. She led unannounced inspections, documented violations, confronted officials, and engaged the media to expose abuse at state-run institutions.
Achieva Family Trust Delivers Life-Changing Support to Hundreds of Pennsylvanians with Nearly $2 Million in Grants
More than 900 Pennsylvanians with disabilities received essential assistance this year thanks to the Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Program, which distributed nearly $2 million in grants during the last fiscal year.
Achieva Awarded $1 Million Grant from Richard King Mellon Foundation to Bring Children with Complex Medical Needs Home
Achieva, a leading nonprofit provider of services for people with disabilities, has received a $1 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support children with complex medical needs to go home.
Giving Everyone a Chance to Belong: Why Achieva Matters More Than Ever
PNC Bank CEO Bill Demchak shares how Achieva gave his brother Brian purpose, dignity, and independence. Through Brian's journey, he shows how Achieva empowers people with disabilities and why the Beyond Boundaries campaign is vital to expanding this impact.
Elevating Care: Investing in Our Direct Support Professionals
Achieva launched the NADSP E-Badge Academy with 22 DSPs in the first year, and is working toward ambitious goals to train, credential, and maintain credentialing for 100% of its front-line supervisors and at least 25% of Achieva's total DSP workforce beginning this year.
VaultArt Artist one of first named for Pittsburgh civic space Arts Landing
In collaboration with VaultArt Studio, a project of Achieva which supports artists with disabilities, Darian Johnson will contribute a series of sculptures inspired by local fauna for The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's art display at Downtown's Arts Landing.
Oneness for Disability Inclusion
The concept of "Oneness" with its focus on community unity, diversity, and inclusive engagement—can be meaningfully applied to include and uplift individuals with disabilities in our community.
Your Back-to-School Guide to Special Education Evaluations and Meetings
As you prepare for the new school year, remember that you are not alone in this process. The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh offers no-cost guidance, training, and advocacy to help families navigate evaluations, IEP meetings, and educational planning.
Achieva Named Vibrant Champion for Advancing Diversity and Inclusion
Several years ago, Achieva took an intentional step forward by embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion as one of seven strategic priorities. That dedication has now been recognized through Vibrant Pittsburgh's Vibrant Index 6.0.
What the Recent Federal Reconciliation Bill Means for People with Disabilities: Protections and What to Watch
Here's a breakdown of key issues in H.R. 1 and how they impact people with disabilities.
Exciting Changes Coming for ABLE Accounts
On January 1, 2026 there will be many more people with disabilities eligible to open ABLE Accounts. This is because the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, passed in 2023, expands eligibility requirements. Importantly, the age for the onset of the disability increases from the current age of 26 to 46.
What Every Caregiver in PA Should Know About This New Toolkit
The PA CareKit is a new, free resource for caregivers in Pennsylvania. It offers tools, guides, and local connections to help caregivers get organized, find support, and care for themselves and their loved ones.
Pittsburgh disability advocacy groups see uptick in need after Allegheny County cuts education specialist positions
At South Side-based Achieva, the organization has seen at least 12 additional cases since the county cut the positions, Ms. Hartley said. She added, "all of them have been very challenging."
Senator Robinson Visits Achieva's Bridgeville Facility: A Model for Inclusion, Competitive Wages, and Community Impact
PA State Senator Devlin Robinson (District 37) recently visited Achieva's Pallets and Packaging facility in Bridgeville, where he saw firsthand how inclusive employment practices are transforming lives, strengthening the local economy, and driving innovation in manufacturing.
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff: April Trostle, Regional Trust Supervisor
Get to know Regional Trust Supervisor, April Trostle! Plus: The Benefits of Establishing a Special Needs Trust Early, by Lee Pruitt from Special Needs Answers.
Pennsylvania Awarded Innovations in Strategic Transformation Award
At the 2025 Charting the LifeCourse Showcase in Kansas City, Missouri, the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and Department of Education (PDE) were honored with the Innovations in Strategic Development Award.
Bloomfield studio displays and sells the work of artists with disabilities
Open from April to December, VaultArt Studio is hosting nine in-house shows featuring work by people with disabilities as part of the monthly Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue art crawl. The group is also planning several exhibitions at other venues featuring individual artists.
Achieva Advocates at Legislative Panel
At the State Representative Dan Miller Disability and Mental Health Summit, Mary Hartley, President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh and Senior Vice President of Achieva, spoke about the daily struggles of families who care for children with serious medical needs at home.
Achieva Family Trust Beneficiary, Kaitlin Grove, Wins Special Olympic Medals in Skiing
Kaitlin Grove, a beneficiary with Achieva Family Trust, participated in the Special Olympic World Games in Turin, Italy this past winter.
Families Providing Extraordinary Care
All children, including those who need the care of skilled nurses, deserve to live with their families. The national nursing shortage has made that impossible for some Pennsylvania children and threatened the home lives of others.
Empowering Employment: How Benefits Counseling Helps People With Disabilities Thrive at Work
During a recent Achieva webinar, Matt Bailey, Supervisor of Benefits and Trust Administration, broke down how benefits counseling can help individuals make informed choices about employment while keeping their support systems intact.
How Long Does It Take Before SSDI Benefits Begin?
Achieva Family Trust recognizes that there is a lot of information out there about the changes going on at the Social Security Administration. It is our goal to keep you as up to date as we can on these changes.
Social Security Updates Recently Announced Identity Proofing Requirements
The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025.
Stars Aligned at the Pittsburgh Promenade
The Pittsburgh Promenade was a memorable evening filled with elegance and excitement, as guests gathered to support a worthy cause. Hosted by emcee Andrew Stockey from WTAE, the night featured a delicious dinner and lively conversations.