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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.
Achieva Announces $15 Million "Beyond Boundaries" Campaign to Expand Services for People with Disabilities

Achieva Announces $15 Million "Beyond Boundaries" Campaign to Expand Services for People with Disabilities

Achieva proudly announces the launch of its $15 million Beyond Boundaries fundraising campaign. This initiative will expand Achieva's reach, strengthen its infrastructure, & secure long-term sustainability to meet the growing needs of people with disabilities and their families.

How Long Does It Take Before SSDI Benefits Begin?

How Long Does It Take Before SSDI Benefits Begin?

Achieva Family Trust recognizes that there is a lot of information out there about the changes going on at the Social Security Administration. It is our goal to keep you as up to date as we can on these changes.

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Social Security Updates Recently Announced Identity Proofing Requirements

Social Security Updates Recently Announced Identity Proofing Requirements

The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025.

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Stars Aligned at the Pittsburgh Promenade

Stars Aligned at the Pittsburgh Promenade

The Pittsburgh Promenade was a memorable evening filled with elegance and excitement, as guests gathered to support a worthy cause. Hosted by emcee Andrew Stockey from WTAE, the night featured a delicious dinner and lively conversations.

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For teens with disabilities, transition to adulthood varies widely by school

For teens with disabilities, transition to adulthood varies widely by school

Pennsylvania schools must help 14-year-old students with IEPs to plan their future. In a state with 500 school districts, that process is far from uniform. A state panel aims to compel improvements.

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Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff

Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff

Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff. PLUS - March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; and Helpful Tax Filing Tips for Individuals with Disabilities

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Achieva's Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund Turns Aspirations into Achievements

Achieva's Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund Turns Aspirations into Achievements

Achieva is proud to announce a new wave of support for people with disabilities through the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund. The Fund continues to provide inclusive opportunities that help turn dreams into reality for people with disabilities.

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As Congress considers Medicaid cuts, Pennsylvania's health care advocates settle in for a fight

As Congress considers Medicaid cuts, Pennsylvania's health care advocates settle in for a fight

And others who require assisted living support rely on the program too, said Mary Hartley, president of the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. Her organization, which is part of the Achieva Family of Organizations, supports more than 2,000 families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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As Congress considers Medicaid cuts, Pennsylvania's health care advocates settle in for a fight

As Congress considers Medicaid cuts, Pennsylvania's health care advocates settle in for a fight

The Pennsylvania delegation in the U.S. House voted along party lines this week to narrowly pass a GOP budget blueprint that calls for $2 trillion in spending cuts, including reductions at the federal agency that oversees Medicaid and Medicare.

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Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff

Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff

Meet Achieva Family Trust's Team. PLUS - How to Report Income for SSI Benefits; Social Security COLA Increases

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Medicaid on the chopping block: Proposed cuts threaten coverage of vulnerable Pennsylvanians

Medicaid on the chopping block: Proposed cuts threaten coverage of vulnerable Pennsylvanians

In Pennsylvania, where 3 million residents rely on Medicaid, advocates like Shana Jalbert, communications director of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that promotes affordable health care access, worry about the vulnerable populations that stand to lose coverage

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Hire your next great employee with Achieva!

Hire your next great employee with Achieva!

Discover how Zach Dixon found success in competitive-integrated employment and earned the title of "Employee of the Month" at McDonald's.

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Social Security Programs/Services Overview and Updates

Social Security Programs/Services Overview and Updates

Explore key insights into Social Security programs, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, along with updates for 2025. Learn about eligibility, income limits, and how to navigate appeals. Stay informed with helpful resources and links to plan your financial future.

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

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

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings often focus on planning for the needs and goals of students with disabilities. However, they can unintentionally exclude the very individual they're meant to support.

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Will Hall and Steve Suroviec: The federal budget leaves people with disabilities without the technology they need

Will Hall and Steve Suroviec: The federal budget leaves people with disabilities without the technology they need

There are some options for people to access assistive technology when they cannot afford it, but they don't reach everyone and cover all the needs many have.

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Will Hall and Steve Suroviec: The federal budget leaves people with disabilities without the technology they need

Will Hall and Steve Suroviec: The federal budget leaves people with disabilities without the technology they need

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 28% of people living in Pennsylvania have a disability. Many of them will be among the 28% of Pennsylvanians the United Way identifies as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE), and the 12% living below the Federal Poverty Line.

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#NoDesignationIsDiscrimination

#NoDesignationIsDiscrimination

Why the U.S. v. State of Maine Case Proves the Need to Designate People with Disabilities as a Medically Underserved Population

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Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team

Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team

Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team. PLUS - The IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit; Mail Delays, Paperwork Problems Prevent Hungry Families From Accessing Food Benefits in PA; and All Children Deserve to Live With Their Families

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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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Achieva's Bridgeville Facility Received "Gift of the Season" from FirstEnergy

Achieva's Bridgeville Facility Received "Gift of the Season" from FirstEnergy

The FirstEnergy Foundation awarded Achieva Support $10,000, benefiting their pallets and packaging business operations in Bridgeville. The facility offers services and manufacturing assistance while providing employment opportunities to people with and without disabilities.

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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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Upcoming Medicare System Changes and How To Prepare For Them

Upcoming Medicare System Changes and How To Prepare For Them

As we approach 2025, significant changes are coming to the Medicare system, impacting costs, coverage, and access for beneficiaries. These adjustments are largely driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. Here, we break down the key changes, their implications, and how you can prepare.

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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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Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff

Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff

Achieva Family Trust currently has a staff of 26 people, and each month we will introduce you to some of them.

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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.

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