A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.
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.
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.
As we approach June 17th at 2 p.m., we invite you to join us for 1,951 minutes to Impact Achieva. Your support will help amplify the voices of people with disabilities. Add the date to your calendar, and get ready to make an impact!
More than 100 students using Allegheny County's special education services will see changes next school year after officials announced the elimination of three education specialist positions, a decision already receiving pushback from local advocacy groups.
Allegheny County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is planning to phase out its three education specialist positions just before the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
After years of underfunding, inflation was taking a serious toll on non-profit service providers like Achieva. Rates paid to these organizations by state government had only increased one time in seven years.
President and CEO of Achieva, Steve Suroviec, welcomed the governor to Achieva's headquarters during a recent visit and press conference. Achieva employee Erin Grimes spoke along with two women she supports, Sierra & Christy Wechtenhiser, about the impact of budget deficiencies.
During the 2024 Charting the LifeCourse Showcase held in Kansas City, Missouri, two representatives of Pennsylvania's support professional cohort were recognized for their work.
President and CEO of Achieva, Steve Suroviec, welcomed Governor Josh Shapiro to Achieva's headquarters in the South Side. There, he addressed members of the media to promote his unprecedented spending plan for the Intellectual Disability and Autism (ID/A) service system.
PITTSBURGH — Workers who provide services to people living with intellectual disabilities and autism said there's a shortage of employees across the country. Gov. Josh Shapiro said his proposed budget will help with that problem.
The funding will "ensure that a continuum of care and education and opportunity is available for the ID/A community across Pennsylvania," Shapiro said.
Governor Shapiro Visits Allegheny County Achieva to Highlight How Proposed Budget Investments Would Expand ID/A Services and Support Direct Support Professionals
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.
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.
In the silent corridors of healthcare access, individuals with IDD often find themselves trapped in a cycle of overlooked oral health struggles.
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.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
Achieva has been proud to host two visits from local elected officials, PA Senator Devlin Robinson and PA Representative Nick Pisciottano.
"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.
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.
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.
During the event, individuals with disabilities and their families can learn more about a variety of local programs and resources, including adaptive sports and recreation, innovation & technology, home health, caregiver support, and interactive adaptive equipment demonstrations.
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.
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.
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
