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News

A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.

Find out what's happening!

Whether you want to learn what's new in the disability world, hear what others have to say about Achieva, or share Achieva's messaging with your audience, this is the place for you. Read all the latest news, or select the category of your choice to narrow down your search results.
A Message from a Grateful Residual Program Recipient

A Message from a Grateful Residual Program Recipient

Through Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual program, one family benefitted from a bathroom remodel that will keep their daughter safe. "Achieva Family Trust made a significant impact on our daily lives and for that I will be forever grateful." Heather Shuker

PA State Treasurer Announces Fee Reduction for PA ABLE Account Owners

PA State Treasurer Announces Fee Reduction for PA ABLE Account Owners

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program account owners will see a lower annual account maintenance fee on their April statements. The fee reduction is the result of the National ABLE Alliance surpassing 35,000 funded ABLE accounts.

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Achieva Promotes the HEADs UP Act at National Conference

Achieva Promotes the HEADs UP Act at National Conference

Achieva's Disability Health Policy Director, Vanessa Rastovic, educated the audience on how health disparities impact people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) during a panel discussion at the 2024 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC.

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Unheard Voices: Shedding Light on the Overlooked Dental Care Challenges of I/DD Populations

Unheard Voices: Shedding Light on the Overlooked Dental Care Challenges of I/DD Populations

In the silent corridors of healthcare access, individuals with IDD often find themselves trapped in a cycle of overlooked oral health struggles.

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Hollywood Glamour Shined at Achieva's Pittsburgh Promenade

Hollywood Glamour Shined at Achieva's Pittsburgh Promenade

Achieva's annual Pittsburgh Promenade on Saturday, March 23, transformed the night into a Hollywood affair benefitting Achieva's programs. The "Fund the Mission" portion of the evening supported the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund (the Fund), red carpet style.

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Bipartisan Interest in Achieva

Bipartisan Interest in Achieva

Achieva has been proud to host two visits from local elected officials, PA Senator Devlin Robinson and PA Representative Nick Pisciottano.

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'50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. It's finally closing.'

'50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. It's finally closing.'

"In 1973, Polk State School and Hospital drugged, bound and caged people with intellectual disabilities. We demanded change and helped set the stage for improvements that have endured." A first-person essay by Robert Nelkin in Public Source.

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Governor Shapiro's Budget is a Lifeline for Families and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

Governor Shapiro's Budget is a Lifeline for Families and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

Today, I thank Governor Josh Shapiro for listening to families and making a commitment to them by proposing a historic increase in funding that will provide urgently needed services for more than half of the people on Pennsylvania's emergency waiting list.

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911th CS gives its appreciation to custodial staff

911th CS gives its appreciation to custodial staff

November, designated as National Month of Gratitude, provided an opportune moment for the 911th Communications Squadron to reflect on the contributions of Achieva's custodial team.

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SSI Recipients Can't Afford Housing Anywhere In The United States

SSI Recipients Can't Afford Housing Anywhere In The United States

Nationally, the average rent for a basic studio or one-bedroom apartment exceeds the average SSI payment of $983 per month. Even in the cheapest rental market in the country — Dallas County, Mo. — rent for either a one-bedroom or efficiency would require 64% of a person's monthly SSI payment.

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Thank You, Governor Shapiro

Thank You, Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro unveiled his State Fiscal Year 2024/25 executive budget proposal on February 6, and for the Intellectual Disability & Autism (ID/A) service system, it was significant and positive.

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Act Now: Sign on to Improve Dental Care Access for Pennsylvanians with IDDs

Act Now: Sign on to Improve Dental Care Access for Pennsylvanians with IDDs

Make a difference in dental care inclusivity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Pennsylvania. You have the opportunity to support a crucial initiative that would support equitable access to dental care for the 1 in 4 Pennsylvanians with a disability.

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Post-Gazette Pieces Emphasize The Workforce Crisis Hurting People With Disabilities

Post-Gazette Pieces Emphasize The Workforce Crisis Hurting People With Disabilities

The state's budget reveals what the state thinks of people with disabilities and autism. Another budget, another chance to help Pa.'s struggling disability care system.

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IRS Raises ABLE Account Limit

IRS Raises ABLE Account Limit

The Internal Revenue Service said that the federal gift tax exclusion increased to $18,000 effective at the start of this month. The annual deposit limit for ABLE accounts is tied to that measure, so it will rise as well.

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Guardianship - Senate Bill 506 is Now Act 61 of 2023!

Guardianship - Senate Bill 506 is Now Act 61 of 2023!

On December 13, 2023, after passage by the General Assembly, SB 506 became Act 61 upon the signature of Governor Shapiro. Act 61 is the result of many years of advocacy by disability and aging advocates (including Achieva) and the bi-partisan leadership of Senator Lisa Baker & Senator Art Haywood.

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SSI Beneficiaries Will See Double Payments This Month

SSI Beneficiaries Will See Double Payments This Month

People with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income can expect to receive two payments this month, but one will be higher than the other.

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Achieva Announced Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh & Achieva Support Welcomes Two New Senior Vice-Presidents

Achieva Announced Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh & Achieva Support Welcomes Two New Senior Vice-Presidents

Mary Hartley will join Achieva on February 12, 2024, just prior to the retirement of her predecessor, Nancy Murray. Court Hower and Kolleen Johnson were recently hired as Senior Vice Presidents for Achieva Support.

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Achieva Announces Selection of Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh

Achieva Announces Selection of Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh

Achieva has selected Mary Hartley as the incoming President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. Mary will join Achieva on February 12, 2024, just prior to the retirement of her predecessor, Nancy Murray.

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Pittsburgh Magazine's Excellence in Nursing Chooses Achieva's Carol Miller, RN, BSN, Clinical Director for an Honorable Mention

Pittsburgh Magazine's Excellence in Nursing Chooses Achieva's Carol Miller, RN, BSN, Clinical Director for an Honorable Mention

The Honorable Mentions includes Carol Miller, RN, BSN, Achieva's Director of Clinical Services. About the honorees, Glasgow says: "Thank you for being the translator, healer, advocate, and navigator for patients and their families. Pittsburgh appreciates you!

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Achieva Extends Condolences on the Passing of Autism Connection of PA Trustee, Janice Bollman

Achieva Extends Condolences on the Passing of Autism Connection of PA Trustee, Janice Bollman

Janice E. Bollman, a trustee on the Autism Connection of PA Board, an affiliate of Achieva, recently passed away. The many friendships she established through her lifetime became just like family to her.

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Pittsburgh nonprofits hope Giving Tuesday will inspire generosity for essential programs

Pittsburgh nonprofits hope Giving Tuesday will inspire generosity for essential programs

After shoppers spent a record $9.8 billion in online sales for Black Friday, the annual "Giving Tuesday" fundraising event is here to inspire a spirit of generosity as the holiday season kicks off.

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Social Security Announces 3.2 Percent Benefit Increase for 2024

Social Security Announces 3.2 Percent Benefit Increase for 2024

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month starting in January.

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Achieva Announces Appointment of LaToya Warren as Chief Financial Officer and President of Achieva Resource

Achieva Announces Appointment of LaToya Warren as Chief Financial Officer and President of Achieva Resource

Achieva Announces Appointment of LaToya Warren as Chief Financial Officer and President of Achieva Resource

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Achieva Participated in The Arc of the United States National Convention

Achieva Participated in The Arc of the United States National Convention

As a chapter of The Arc, representatives from Achieva attended The Arc's National Convention in New Orleans this week. The annual convention offered opportunities to engage and gain knowledge with other professionals, advocates, people with disabilities, and their families.

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Annaleigh Benefits from Charitable Residual Program

Annaleigh Benefits from Charitable Residual Program

Annaleigh is a lover of many things, especially things out of her wheelchair. Due to her inability to walk, she really enjoys activities like adaptive ballet, adaptive snow skiing, swimming, and bike riding.

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Slice of PIE

Slice of PIE

The Policy Information Exchange brings you the Slice of PIE, an ongoing publication keeping our readers informed about important public policy issues. It is the mission of the Policy Information Exchange to educate and inform Pennsylvanians with disabilities, their families and advocates.

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