News
A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.
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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).
Sheetz joins program for workers with disabilities
From the Altoona Mirror. Altoona-based Sheetz Inc. is the first employer in Pennsylvania to commit to a new program aimed to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities in transitioning from subminimum wage positions to competitive-integrated employment.
Labor & Industry Creates InVEST Program to Help Individuals with Disabilities, Secure Good Jobs through Competitive, Integrated Employment
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry today announced the launch of a new program through its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), leveraging a $14 million federal grant to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities earning a subminimum wage to obtain competitive, integrated employment.
Achieva Partners with the Shapiro Administration to Advance Employment for People with Disabilities, Meet Workforce Needs
The InVEST program is a critical step in ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunities they deserve to pursue fulfilling careers. By focusing on eliminating barriers faced by those working in sheltered workshops, InVEST empowers participants to earn competitive wages.
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."
"Breaking Down Barriers": A Partnership with VaultArt Studios
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and VaultArt Studio have joined forces to promote the inclusion of artists with disabilities in contemporary art. Works from two VaultArt resident artists are on display in the Cultural District: Kim Bond and Charlie Wallace.
Achieva Family Trust says Farewell to a Good Friend
"It's always good to be a friend." - Elaine Cole On September 13, 2024 the Achieva Family Trust Social Services Committee met to wish a happy and healthy retirement to longtime member and friend Elaine Cole.
Achieva Highlights Commitment to Inclusive Hiring During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
"At Achieva, we believe everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to contribute through paid employment. Our Competitive-Integrated Employment program strengthens relationships between employers and job seekers, ensuring we provide the necessary support for success."
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.
Back to School Tips & Tricks
You are your student's best advocate! Here are the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh's tips and tricks for the 2024-2025 school year.
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.
Achieva Family Trust Exceeds $2 Million in Charitable Distributions
Achieva Family Trust is proud to announce a historic milestone, surpassing $2 million in charitable distributions through the Charitable Residual Program for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
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).
When And How Do I Fund My Special Needs Trust for My Child with Disabilities?
Several factors should be considered when establishing a third-party special needs trust (TPSNT) for a child with disabilities. When should the TPSNT be funded? How should the TPSNT be funded?
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).
Achieva Announces Departure of Shayne Roos, Executive Vice President of Achieva and President of Achieva Support - Names Interim Successor
Achieva, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services for people with disabilities, announces the departure of Shayne Roos, Executive Vice President of Achieva and President of Achieva Support. Stepping into the position will be Court Hower.
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.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
Wills and trusts are foundational estate planning tools. While each is used to distribute assets to beneficiaries, they do so in different ways. Each also has its own distinct uses and advantages.
Adults with Intellectual Disabilities May Wait Years for Services. Shapiro's Budget Would Help
Shapiro wants lawmakers to allocate another $483 million in state and federal money, or a 12% rate increase, to direct service providers, which they in turn can spend on pay bumps, retention bonuses, recruitment and other costs related to staffing.
Pa. human service officials say budget proposal will eliminate wait list for disability services
More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities or autism are on an "emergency" state waiting list: meaning they need services and supports now but aren't getting them.
Achieva Launches "Impact Achieva" Online Giving Day on June 17-18, 2024
Achieva, a leading organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, is excited to announce its annual online giving day, Impact Achieva, set to take place from June 17 to June 18, 2024. This year's event will span 1,951 minutes in honor of the year Achieva was founded, 1951.