News
Blog Posts
Achieva Family Trust: A Foundation for the Future
Achieva Family Trust was established in 1998, born from conversations among Achieva leaders who shared a common concern: families wanted to protect their loved ones' futures.
Birds of a Feather: Investing Early to Strengthen Families, Schools, and Communities
Birds of a Feather Preschool Readiness Playgroup is Achieva's inclusive, community-based program for toddlers with and without developmental delays and/or disabilities.
The Arc Erie County Pennsylvania: Expanding Support for Families Across Erie
For families navigating intellectual and developmental disabilities, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. The Arc of Erie County Pennsylvania is working to change that — serving as both an advocate and a community hub for people with disabilities and those who care for them.
Achieva Receives $750,000 State Investment to Sustain and Grow Disability Employment
A $750,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is supporting a major renovation of Achieva's Pallet & Packaging facility to sustain and create new career opportunities for people with disabilities.
First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence
KDKA's "On a Positive Note" highlights how Achieva's InVEST Project helped Jack find his first job and a sense of purpose. See how a partnership with Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop is creating meaningful employment opportunities and helping Jack build confidence and independence.
Letter to the editor: Children with complex medical needs should be at home
Children belong with their families, not in hospitals or institutions. Yet across Pennsylvania, families of children with complex medical needs are facing an impossible situation due to a shortage of pediatric home care nurses, particularly within Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance (MA) program.
Building Pathways Home for Children with Complex Medical Needs
For children with complex medical needs, home is more than a place - it is where love, healing, and belonging begin. Yet across Pennsylvania, hundreds of children live in hospitals or pediatric extended care facilities.
Empowered Voices Leadership: Jasmine's Journey
Jasmine's leadership journey did not begin in a boardroom. It began in conversation - listening, learning, and gradually finding the confidence to speak up as a member of Achieva's Empowered Voices (EV) group.
More Than a Job: How Nate and Our Partners Are Building Bright Futures
When Nate Bruce walks into the Giant Eagle Market District in Settler's Ridge each day, he does more than complete tasks. He brings pride, purpose, and dedication to everything he does. With a warm smile and a genuine desire to help Nate makes customers feel welcome.
Maddy's New Chapter
In November 2025, Maddy took a big step toward independence - she moved into her very own home through Achieva's Community Supported Living program.
From the Southside to the Studio: The Johnson Brothers' Journey
The Johnsons' story shows that meaningful work, creative achievement, and personal success are attainable for people with disabilities. For Derek: Structured, meaningful work in the Southside office. For Darian: Mentorship, studio support, and public recognition allow him to develop as an artist.
Advocacy in Action: Helping Families Find Their Way
When Matthew Mitchell talks about college, he doesn't lead with classes or campus life. He talks about independence—choosing his schedule, speaking up for himself, and knowing he belongs there.
Strength Through the Saddle
How Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Program is Helping One Pennsylvania Family Give Their Son a Better Life
TribLive: Disability Advocates will Launch Program to Help Transition Hospital Patients to Home Care
Achieva received a $1 million grant from health insurer Highmark for the program.
Meet Autum Scott, Director of Achieva's New Complex Care Program
When it comes to helping medically complex children remain in their homes, Autum Scott isn't just building a program—she's shaping a movement. As Achieva's new Director of Medically Complex Care, she's tackling one of the region's most pressing gaps in pediatric services.
Bridging Innovation and Inclusion: A Powerful Collaboration Between CMU and Achieva
In a powerful display of creativity, empathy, and innovation, students from Carnegie Mellon University recently hosted a prototype critique unlike any other.
A Smart Giving Opportunity Before the 2026 Tax Changes
You may have heard that major tax law changes are coming in 2026—and they will affect how charitable gifts are deducted. What many donors don't realize is that 2025 offers a unique window to act before those changes take effect.
A New Path to Independence: Achieva's Center for Supported Decision Making
Achieva is launching a Supported Decision Making Center offering free, person-centered support, resources, and advocacy. The Center empowers individuals and families to build supportive teams, make informed choices, use less restrictive alternatives, and create self-determined, independent lives.
How Achieva is Building Inclusive Workplaces and Leading a State-Wide Charge
People with disabilities often face significant hurdles in the job market, with unemployment rates roughly double the national average. Achieva is on a mission to change that, connecting people to jobs that match their skills and interests, offering competitive pay and a sense of purpose.
Important Update for SNAP* Recipients: What You Need to Know About November Payments
A federal government shutdown may delay or stop November SNAP (food stamp) payments. The USDA told Pennsylvania it can't fully fund benefits without congressional action. Achieva urges recipients to stay informed and prepare, as this could impact families who rely on SNAP for groceries.
Why Transportation Access Must Be a Disability Rights Priority
Transportation is one of the most overlooked but devastatingly impactful challenges facing the disability community. Public transit cutbacks have left entire neighborhoods without viable options. Achieva believes freedom begins with mobility.
How a Simple Trust Keeps People with Disabilities Independent
The Income Spend Down Trust allows people with modest income overages—up to $500 per month— to deposit that excess into a special trust, keeping them eligible for the Medicaid Waiver.
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.
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.