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Compass Newsletter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For teens with disabilities, transition to adulthood varies widely by school
Pennsylvania schools must help 14-year-old students with IEPs to plan their future. In a state with 500 school districts, that process is far from uniform. A state panel aims to compel improvements.
As Congress considers Medicaid cuts, Pennsylvania's health care advocates settle in for a fight
And others who require assisted living support rely on the program too, said Mary Hartley, president of the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. Her organization, which is part of the Achieva Family of Organizations, supports more than 2,000 families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hire your next great employee with Achieva!
Discover how Zach Dixon found success in competitive-integrated employment and earned the title of "Employee of the Month" at McDonald's.
Empowering Students Through Leadership: Insights from the Student-Led IEP Webinar
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings often focus on planning for the needs and goals of students with disabilities. However, they can unintentionally exclude the very individual they're meant to support.
Will Hall and Steve Suroviec: The federal budget leaves people with disabilities without the technology they need
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 28% of people living in Pennsylvania have a disability. Many of them will be among the 28% of Pennsylvanians the United Way identifies as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE), and the 12% living below the Federal Poverty Line.
Achieva's Bridgeville Facility Received "Gift of the Season" from FirstEnergy
The FirstEnergy Foundation awarded Achieva Support $10,000, benefiting their pallets and packaging business operations in Bridgeville. The facility offers services and manufacturing assistance while providing employment opportunities to people with and without disabilities.
Awards of Excellence Recognized Extraordinary Honorees
Achieva's 2024 Awards of Excellence occurred on Monday, December 9 at the Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh. Fifteen awardees were honored during the event.
US Department of Labor announces proposed rule to phase out certificates allowing payment of less than minimum wage to workers with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a proposed rule that would phase out the issuance of certificates allowing employers to pay some workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour, for the work they perform.
New Award in Memory of Devoted Parent and Advocate
We're excited to debut a new award at this year's Awards of Excellence. Created in memory of a dedicated parent who championed the rights and aspirations of their loved one, this award celebrates those who promote real-life experiences and personal growth.
Achieva Partners with the Shapiro Administration to Advance Employment for People with Disabilities, Meet Workforce Needs
Achieva proudly announces its role in the new Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program, launched in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I).
Celebrating Michael's Journey
Michael McMurray has found a fulfilling role working at a fast-food chain three days a week. As the dedicated dishwasher, Michael describes his job simply: "I clean the dirty dishes, put the clean dishes away, and help my friends."
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
"Employment First ...Competitive Integrated Employment is the first consideration and preferred outcome of publicly funded education, training, employment and related services, and long-term services and support for individuals with a disability." - Act 36 of 2018
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!
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.
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!
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.
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).
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).
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.