Achieva | Blog
New Camp Request Deadline
Please note that the due date for camp requests from our Charitable Residual program has been moved up to  APRIL 15, 2025.  Please get your applications for camp requests completed timely to ensure you meet the application deadline!
Stop by our hiring events!
Greensburg: 1.31.25 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM @ 5129 Route 30 Greensburg, PA 15601
Pittsburgh: 2.4.25 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM @  711 Bingham Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203
or apply today!

News

A collection of newsletters, press releases, and media coverage.

Find out what's happening!

Whether you want to learn what's new in the disability world, hear what others have to say about Achieva, or share Achieva's messaging with your audience, this is the place for you. Read all the latest news, or select the category of your choice to narrow down your search results.
Upcoming Changes to the ID/A Waiver in Pennsylvania

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.

Empowering Students Through Leadership: Insights from the Student-Led IEP Webinar

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.

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6 Pennsylvania nonprofits receive surprise holiday donations

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.

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Awards of Excellence Recognized Extraordinary Honorees

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.

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"Gifts of the Season" Totaling $70,000 Presented to Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

"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.

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US Department of Labor announces proposed rule to phase out certificates allowing payment of less than minimum wage to workers with disabilities

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.

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Congratulations to our President, Amy Dolan Strano

Congratulations to our 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!

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New Award in Memory of Devoted Parent and Advocate

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.

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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.

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Sheetz Commits to Hiring More Individuals 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).

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Achieva Partners with the Shapiro Administration to Advance Employment for People with Disabilities, Meet Workforce Needs

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).

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Sheetz joins program for workers with disabilities

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.

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Labor & Industry Creates InVEST Program to Help Individuals with Disabilities, Secure Good Jobs through 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.

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Achieva Partners with the Shapiro Administration to Advance Employment for People with Disabilities, Meet Workforce Needs

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.

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Laughter in the Limelight Benefits Arc of Erie County

Laughter in the Limelight Benefits Arc of Erie County

A local fun event brings laughter and funds for The Arc Erie County.

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"Breaking Down Barriers": A Partnership with VaultArt Studios

"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.

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Achieva Family Trust says Farewell to a Good Friend

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.

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Achieva Highlights Commitment to Inclusive Hiring During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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."

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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

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Celebrating Achieva's First Credentialed DSP 1 - Pam Thomas!

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!

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Plans of Care for Students with Special Health Care Needs

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.

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Back to School Tips & Tricks

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.

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Achieva C&J Employee Wins Unique Source Achievement Award

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!

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Achieva Moderates Capitol Hill Panel Discussion on IDD Health Inequities

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.

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Achieva Family Trust Exceeds $2 Million in Charitable Distributions

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.

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State Budget Questions Remain

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).

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