Resources

ACHIEVA, serving southwestern Pennsylvania, has led the way in protecting the rights of and promoting opportunities for children and adults with disabilities; providing support and education to families and influencing public opinion and legislation for more than 65 years.

ACHIEVA provides lifelong support services for individuals with disabilities and their families. We also work to continuously keep families informed and educated on the changes within the human services field.

ACHIEVA Resources Page is designed to streamline information for individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals

Our goal is to share resources and information conveniently and effectively.
 

General Resources

ACHIEVA, serving southwestern Pennsylvania, has led the way in protecting the rights of and promoting opportunities for children and adults with disabilities; having provided support and education to families and have influenced public opinion and legislation for the past 65 years.

ACHIEVA provides lifelong support services for individuals with disabilities and their families. We also work to continuously keep families informed and educated on the ever changes human services field.

ACHIEVA Resources Page is designed to streamline information for individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals

Our goal is to share resources and information conveniently and effectively.

Abuse and Domestic Violence

Advocacy and Public Policy

Adults

Assistive Technology and Accessibility

Brain Injury

Bullying

Child Care

Children with Disabilities

Department of Human Services (DHS)

Disability and Other Helpful Resources

AHEADD (Achieving in Higher Education)

AHEDD

Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh

Christopher Reeves Paralysis Foundation

Easter Seals Western PA

Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh

Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA

Family Links

FISA Foundation

Goodwill Southwestern PA

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council

Jewish Family and Children Services of Pittsburgh

Learning Disability Association of PA

Life’s Work of Western PA

Lupus Foundation of PA

McGuire Memorial

Milestone Center, Inc.

Mon Yough Community Services

Multiple Sclerosis Service Society

PA Branch of The International Dyslexia Association

PA Connecting Communities

PA Department of Education – Special Education

PA Federation Council for Exceptional Children

PA Hate Crime Laws

PA Parents and Caregivers Resource Network

PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

Pathways of Southwestern PA

Pressley Ridge

South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM)

Southwestern PA American Red Cross

Special Olympics – Allegheny County

Spina Bifida

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

The Gatehouse Program of Spina Bifida

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh

The Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC)

The Parent Education & Advocacy (PEAL)

The Salvation Army of Western PA

The Watson Institute

Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL)

Total Learning Center

UCP/Class

Verland

YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh

Disability Language and Etiquette

Considerations When Speaking and Writing About People With Disabilities

Proper Word Choice When Referring to People With Disabilities

Education

Allegheny County Intermediate Unit (IU#3)

Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities

College for Students with Disabilities

Education for Children, Youth and Adults with Special Needs

Education Law Project

Holy Family Institute

Office for Dispute Resolution

PA Department of Education - Gifted

Secondary Transition: What is Secondary Transition?

The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania - A Guide for Parents and Advocates

Transition to Adult Living in Pensylvania from the PA Department of Health

Wesley Spectrum Services

Wrightslaw

Positive Behavior Support Plan

Students with Disabilities Attending Public Charter Schools

Manifestation Determination

Applying For Personal Care For Children With Cognitive and Emotional Disabilities

Sample Letter #1: Medical Necessity

Sample Letter #2: Medical Necessity

Sample Denial #1 From Primary Insurance Carrier

Sample Denial #2 From Primary Insurance Carrier

PSSA Accommodations Guidelines

Assistive Technology: How to Pay for the Device or Service that You Need

Creating Inclusive Schools

Discipline Chart

Extended School Year (ESY)

Functional Assessment: Students who are Deaf-Blind

Getting Help for Children with Disabilities in Private Schools

Resources in Allegheny County For Individuals with a Gifted IEP

Fairness Restoration Act

Resolving Differences: Knowing the Options Can Decrease Problems

National School Lunch Program

What Parents of Students with Disabilities Need to Know and Do

Private Schools/Equitable Participation

Special Education Reevaluation Chart

Reevaluation Process for Students with Disabilities

Sample: Section 504 Plan/Chapter 15 Service Agreement

Sample Letter Requesting an Evaluation & Services Under Section 504/Chapter 15

Using Section 504 to Help Children with Disabilities in School

 

Employment/Vocational Rehabilitation

Food Assistance

Health Care

Hearing and Deaf Services

Homeless

Housing

Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities

Legal

Legislative

Governor Signs Bill Changing DPW's Name to Department of Human Services

On September 24, Governor Corbett signed House Bill 993, officially changing the name of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to the Department of Human Services. The new law will officially take effect in November, with a phased-in approach and measured transition to the new name beginning at that time.
More information

Deal Reached On Tax-Free Disability Savings Accounts

Members of the U.S. Senate said Friday that they have an agreement that will allow the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act to proceed.
More Information

Mental Health/Substance Abuse

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

Office of Income Maintenance (OIM)

Office of Long Term Living

Office of Medical Assistance

Parent Resources

Senior Services

Service Animals

Siblings with Disabilities

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND), University of Pittsburgh.
Sibling relationships are unique. Click here for flyer.

Sibshops

 

Social Security

Travel/Transportation

Vision Services

Waivers

Workplace Accommodations