The EFOC was created when Act 36 of 2018 was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Tom Wolf.
Words matter. The campaign to end the "R" word and using the word "people" instead of "client" may help facilitate change. However, the change is not sustainable if real action is not taken to correct and prevent devaluing systems and beliefs.
Achieva wishes you a Wonderful Holiday Season and the Happiest of New Years!
On behalf of the entire Achieva Family of Organizations, I want to wish everyone a happy new year. Ushering in a new calendar year is more than just a way to mark time - it's symbolic of renewal, fresh starts, and new opportunities.
With the recent elections, Pennsylvania will soon experience a new governor, some new state representatives and senators, and likely new control of the state House of Representatives once all 203 state representatives are seated. Are all these changes for the better? Time will tell.
Among the many things, the Achieva Family of Organizations is thankful for this season is YOU! It is our joy to extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day.
Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.
Four years ago, the city of Pittsburgh was collectively stunned and saddened by the tragedy that shook the tight-knit community of Squirrel Hill.
Earlier this month, Achieva celebrated "Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week" (September 11-17, 2022). On behalf of all the people we support and their families, we wanted to use the opportunity to offer our sincerest thanks and appreciation for each of our DSPs.
As we observe Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we want to take this opportunity to offer our sincere appreciation for each of Achieva's DSPs.
A week ago, our first "employee appreciation banquet" in three years was held at the Rivers Casino. The last one held was in the fall of 2019, but since then COVID-19 had led to large-group gatherings like our banquet being canceled.
IEP Clinic with Ruder Law - Virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and Update to Federal Guidance on Discipline with McAndrews Law - Virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2022, from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed and Governor Wolf signed into law the State Fiscal Year 2022/23 General Fund Budget on July 8, 2022.
Musicians save riffs until their minds form a song around them. Chefs hold back new flavor combinations until the ingredients are in season. And muralists, like Max Gonzales, wait for walls.
Musicians save riffs until their minds form a song around them. Chefs hold back new flavor combinations until the ingredients are in season. And muralists, like Max Gonzales, wait for walls. For years, he's eyed a more than 50-foot-long exterior wall on South Winebiddle Street in Garfield.
Twenty-three years later, most people with disabilities under age 60 no longer enter a nursing home as a permanent placement, and many states in the union no longer operate state-owned institutions for people with intellectual disabilities. Pennsylvania is behind the curve...
If you haven't yet contacted your state representative or state senator to advocate for sufficient funding for much-needed services and programs for people with disabilities, now is the time to do it.
Tuesday, May 17, is Pennsylvania's primary election day. If you or someone you know is at least 18, has a disability, and wants to vote, please check out the valuable information at the PA Department of State website.
Join The Arc Erie County (PA), for a Spring Conference on Friday, May 20, 2022, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This virtual event is geared towards families of children and adults with disabilities, educators, service and support coordinators, and home and community-based service providers.
This past week, the Pennsylvania Employment First Oversight Commission (EFOC)* held its second meeting of 2022. The EFOC spent a lot of time during its meeting discussing Benefits Counseling.
Achieva's biggest fundraising event, the Pittsburgh Promenade, raised more than $152,000 to support people with disabilities and their families. 230 guests were welcomed to "set sail with Achieva" during the tropical-themed event (the first in-person Promenade held since March 2019), hosted by WTAE'
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This is something politicians do every year, passing resolutions or signing proclamations that say all the right things but do they make much difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families?
The "Pittsburgh Promenade" - Achieva's annual charity auction and gala - is returning this month as an "in-person" event at the downtown Pittsburgh Westin Hotel.
Low rates paid by state government and its failure to increase rates in a timely and consistent manner are nothing new, but this year things are different.
Achieva Compass Newsletter. A message from Steve Suroviec, President and CEO. In late December, the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) proposed new rates for all of its community-based services. In a macro-sense, the ODP proposal simply provides too little funding.