News

The annual event moves to the Heinz History Center to recognize 12 champions of disability inclusion.
 

PITTSBURGH, PA – November 12, 2026 – Achieva, a leading non-profit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and their families, will host its annual Awards of Excellence ceremony on Thursday, December 10, 2026. This year’s event marks a major milestone: Achieva’s 75th anniversary of advocacy, inclusion, and community impact.

To celebrate the occasion, the ceremony moves to the Mueller Center at the Heinz History Center. Admission is free to the public courtesy of generous event sponsors, with advance registration required. Kelly Frey will serve as emcee.

The Awards of Excellence celebrates leaders, advocates, and community partners creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
 

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Key Honorees

• Sattler Humanitarian Award: Liz Healey, founding Executive Director of the PEAL Center, receiving Achieva's highest honor for a lifetime dedicated to championing the rights and community inclusion of individuals with severe disabilities and complex medical needs.
• Tony Leech Award: Sara Nye, disability educator, advocate, and member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities, recognized for breaking down societal barriers through education and legislative action.
• Excellence in Employment Award: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop | Christopher Beers, recognized for demonstrating a commitment to competitive-integrated employment by creating supportive career opportunities for people with disabilities.

Full List of 2026 Honorees

• Excellence in Advocacy Award: Kayla Day

• Excellence in Legal Services: Jessica Rafferty

• Excellence in Compassionate Action Award: Robin Fox

• Excellence in Government or Professional Services Award: Michael Duckworth

• Yvonne Zanos Excellence in Media Award: Chris Hoffman

• Cecil and David Rosenthal Community Award: Ian Haigh

• Marsha S. Blanco Excellence in Community Leadership Award: Andrew Fee

• Joe Ott Award: Kristin Rebstock 

• Teresa Chih-May Lee Award for Empowering Living: Patrick Link

Full bios for all 2026 award recipients are available at www.achieva.info/awards. 

Event Details

• When: Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 6:00 PM Reception, 7:00 PM Program
• Where: Heinz History Center (Mueller Center, 5th Floor), 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Admission: Free; advanced registration required 

To reserve tickets, make a commemorative donation, or explore event sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.achieva.info/awards.   

Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong supports to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.

Media Contact: Brenda Vasilescu, Director of Digital Communications, Achieva
Phone: 412-643-4836
Email: bvasilescu@achieva.info