News
A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.
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Olmstead Decision Turns 23
Home Stretch for Disability Funding Advocacy
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.
The 'Ballerina on Wheels' To Be Honored For Book About Inclusion
Together, Achieva Family Trust and Cynthia's School of Dance are hosting a celebration of Ava Allenberg on June 8, 2022, at Achieva's Southside office. Ava is featured in the new book Ballerina on Wheels - Amazing Ava's First Dance Recital.
Disability Issues - Always on the Ballot!
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.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
Our caring staff of Trust Administrators and Regional Trust Liaisons all have significant experience in the social service field, including supporting people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, and Mental Health diagnoses.
The Arc Erie County To Host May Conference
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.
Advocates push for more state funds for disability services and higher wages for workers
Advocates for people with disabilities are pushing for additional millions in the Commonwealth's budget in the next fiscal year to raise wages and shore up staffing for home and community-based services.
College programs for students with disabilities are growing in Western PA, but some have faced challenges
As their peers without disabilities graduate high school and embark on college journeys, students in these programs are able to follow a similar path.
Benefits Counseling - Complicated, But Worth It
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.
Count The Trout At Wholey's: Raising Money For Achieva Of Pennsylvania
KDKATV Wholey's in the Strip District is raising money and rewarding one winner with a gift card if they can guess the number of fish in the live tank.
Return To In-Person Promenade A Success!
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'
On A Positive Note: Lesson In Kindness From Mt. Lebanon School District Students
Sixth-grader Holden Frye returned to his elementary school, Hoover Elementary, to read his new book "The Spot" to students during an assembly. It's the highlight of the school's celebration of inclusion.
Awareness
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?
10-Year-Old Pittsburgh Native Writes Children's Book Book about Inclusion and Diversity published by Pennsylvania Non-Profit
Pittsburgh, PA - After a Mikayla's Voice inclusion assembly at Hoover Elementary School, 10-year-old Holden Frye was inspired to write a children's fiction book about the non-profit's logo, a ladybug with one yellow spot. Dot is a "teenage ladybug with a cool and different look, and life is good...
March is National Disability Awareness Month
Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM).
The Arc Erie County Appoints Key Employees
Erie, PA (2/10/2022) - The Arc Erie County (PA) is pleased to announce the addition of two employees tasked with sustaining and building upon its mission of advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Jillian Zacks honored with Shore-Whitehill Award
The award, given annually by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and Jewish Residential Services, celebrates volunteers who promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the fabric of Jewish life through advocacy or direct service to those individuals and their families.
Achieva Family Trust Employment Benefits Counseling Program
If you are concerned about how your employment income may affect your government benefits, we can help. Discover how Achieva Family Trust Employment Benefits Counseling Program can assist you to achieve your employment goals.
Proposed Rates Fail "Employment First" - Fail People with Disabilities
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.
IRS Raises Limit For ABLE Accounts
For the first time in four years, the amount of money that people with disabilities can save without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits is rising. Starting this month, the Internal Revenue Service said that the federal gift tax exclusion is growing from $15,000 to $16,000 annually.
Achieva Announces Partnership Between Erie and Pittsburgh Sites
Southwestern Pennsylvania-based Achieva, a disability advocacy and service organization, has announced its affiliation of The Arc Erie County with The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, a member of the Achieva Family of Organizations.
Achieva and The Arc Erie County Announce Affiliation
Southwestern Pennsylvania-based Achieva, a disability advocacy and service organization, is excited to announce the affiliation of The Arc Erie County (PA) with The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, a member of the Achieva Family of Organizations.
Achieva and The Arc Erie County Announce Affiliation
The Arc Erie County will operate as a subsidiary of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh.
New Year, New Website.
Pittsburgh, PA (January 5, 2022) - Achieva, a leading provider of lifelong comprehensive services for people with disabilities and their families, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website.
Gov. Wolf and the legislature must raise wages now for home workers caring for people with disabilities | PennLive Editorial
Families of people with disabilities are pleading with Gov. Tom Wolf and the legislature to help. They are asking them to work together to raise the wages of the DSPs.
Low pay is causing a staffing crisis for disability care. Advocates say Pa.'s plan to raise wages isn't enough
Pennsylvania is facing a dire shortage of direct support professionals who help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bathe, get dressed, eat, exercise, socialize, and perform many other fundamental tasks.