News
A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.
Find out what's happening!
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff. PLUS - March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; and Helpful Tax Filing Tips for Individuals with Disabilities
Achieva's Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund Turns Aspirations into Achievements
Achieva is proud to announce a new wave of support for people with disabilities through the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund. The Fund continues to provide inclusive opportunities that help turn dreams into reality for people with disabilities.
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.
As Congress considers Medicaid cuts, Pennsylvania's health care advocates settle in for a fight
The Pennsylvania delegation in the U.S. House voted along party lines this week to narrowly pass a GOP budget blueprint that calls for $2 trillion in spending cuts, including reductions at the federal agency that oversees Medicaid and Medicare.
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff
Meet Achieva Family Trust's Team. PLUS - How to Report Income for SSI Benefits; Social Security COLA Increases
Medicaid on the chopping block: Proposed cuts threaten coverage of vulnerable Pennsylvanians
In Pennsylvania, where 3 million residents rely on Medicaid, advocates like Shana Jalbert, communications director of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that promotes affordable health care access, worry about the vulnerable populations that stand to lose coverage
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.
Social Security Programs/Services Overview and Updates
Explore key insights into Social Security programs, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, along with updates for 2025. Learn about eligibility, income limits, and how to navigate appeals. Stay informed with helpful resources and links to plan your financial future.
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
There are some options for people to access assistive technology when they cannot afford it, but they don't reach everyone and cover all the needs many have.
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.
#NoDesignationIsDiscrimination
Why the U.S. v. State of Maine Case Proves the Need to Designate People with Disabilities as a Medically Underserved Population
Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team
Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team. PLUS - The IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit; Mail Delays, Paperwork Problems Prevent Hungry Families From Accessing Food Benefits in PA; and All Children Deserve to Live With Their Families
Empowering Students Through Leadership: Insights from the Student-Led IEP Webinar
The student-led IEP Webinar, hosted by the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, provided a transformative look into how students can take active roles in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
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.
6 Pennsylvania nonprofits receive surprise holiday donations
Six Pennsylvania nonprofits received unexpected donations totaling $70,000 this holiday season from the FirstEnergy Foundation, the charitable arm of Ohio-based electric utility provider FirstEnergy.
Upcoming Medicare System Changes and How To Prepare For Them
As we approach 2025, significant changes are coming to the Medicare system, impacting costs, coverage, and access for beneficiaries. These adjustments are largely driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. Here, we break down the key changes, their implications, and how you can prepare.
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.
"Gifts of the Season" Totaling $70,000 Presented to Nonprofits in Pennsylvania
The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded surprise "Gifts of the Season" totaling $70,000 to six Pennsylvania nonprofits serving communities in FirstEnergy Pennsylvania's service area.
Upcoming Changes to the ID/A Waiver in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is implementing significant updates to the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) Waiver program, aimed at improving service quality, accessibility, and outcomes for participants.
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.
Congratulations to AFT's President, Amy Dolan Strano
Congratulations to Amy Dolan Strano, Esq., President, Achieva Family Trust, on being recognized as one of the 2024 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awardees!
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 Pitt Community Alliance Program
Achieva's Clinical team & Rohit Aita, through the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Community Alliance Program (CAP), have worked diligently to create a fact sheet that encourages medical professionals to presume the competence of people with disabilities.
Sheetz Commits to Hiring More Individuals With Disabilities
Convenience-store retailer Sheetz Inc. is the first employer to commit to a new Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry program, Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team (InVEST).