Achieva's 2024 Awards of Excellence occurred on Monday, December 9 at the Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh. Fifteen awardees were honored during the event.
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.
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.
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).
Michael McMurray has found a fulfilling role working at a fast-food chain three days a week. As the dedicated dishwasher, Michael describes his job simply: "I clean the dirty dishes, put the clean dishes away, and help my friends."
"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
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!
Federal law and professional nursing standards require the development of individualized plans of care for students with special health care needs.
Congratulations to Gerald McGinnis, an employee of Achieva's Cleaning & Janitorial (C&J) staff for winning the 2024 Achievement Award from UniqueSource!
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.
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).
In June of 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its Olmstead decision that unnecessary institutionalization violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a difference in dental care inclusivity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Pennsylvania. You have the opportunity to support a crucial initiative that would support equitable access to dental care for the 1 in 4 Pennsylvanians with a disability.
The state's budget reveals what the state thinks of people with disabilities and autism. Another budget, another chance to help Pa.'s struggling disability care system.
On December 13, 2023, after passage by the General Assembly, SB 506 became Act 61 upon the signature of Governor Shapiro. Act 61 is the result of many years of advocacy by disability and aging advocates (including Achieva) and the bi-partisan leadership of Senator Lisa Baker & Senator Art Haywood.
Mary Hartley will join Achieva on February 12, 2024, just prior to the retirement of her predecessor, Nancy Murray. Court Hower and Kolleen Johnson were recently hired as Senior Vice Presidents for Achieva Support.