Janice E. Bollman, a trustee on the Autism Connection of PA Board, an affiliate of Achieva, recently passed away. The many friendships she established through her lifetime became just like family to her.
As a chapter of The Arc, representatives from Achieva attended The Arc's National Convention in New Orleans this week. The annual convention offered opportunities to engage and gain knowledge with other professionals, advocates, people with disabilities, and their families.
On October 25, Achieva accepted the Community Champion Award by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavorial Health. The award is given annually to an organization that has shown exceptional organizational leadership to create better communities around the region.
Achieva, one of Pennsylvania's largest providers of services for children and adults with disabilities and their families, announced the retirement plans of Gary K. Horner, an esteemed leader with a nearly three-decade tenure at the organization.
Initial reaction to Governor Shapiro's announcement was very positive because it's rare that a governor will even acknowledge the IDA population, their families, or the direct support professionals (DSPs) who care for them, much less acknowledge there's a problem finding and keeping DSPs.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. Their dedication and hard work deserve recognition and appreciation.
Disability Pride Pittsburgh | Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday's festivities will begin with stage performances, emceed by comedian Gab Bonesso, and a parade around Schenley Plaza at 11 a.m.
Non-profits like Achieva deliver home and community-based services to people with disabilities because the state has chosen it prefers to pay non-government entities to provide such services rather than having state-owned and operated facilities do it.
Six days late, the legislature passed a state budget - one that had funding cut for services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). The governor's office, calling it "a budget that delivers on Governor Shapiro's key priorities" approves.
Nancy Murray was honored for her advocacy and grassroots impact on the supports and services of people with disabilities. She received the M.J. Bartelmay, Jr. Excellence in Advocacy Award from The Arc of Pennsylvania.
People with disabilities are one of the largest untapped labor pools in our economy. While the labor participation rate for adults with disabilities is typically half that of those without disabilities, the disability unemployment rate is consistently twice the rate of people without disabilities.
Health and human services organizations ask General Assembly for $430 million increase to stop further termination of programs, closure of facilities.
A charitable non-profit corporation like Achieva is constantly thinking about financial resources to sustain its mission and provide high-quality services.
Don't Miss the Transition to Employment Conference Sponsored by The Arc Erie County A conference for graduating students, families, transition coordinators, and service coordinators with speakers from Achieva Family Trust and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Achieva's annual Pittsburgh Promenade on Saturday, March 25th, commemorated the 25th anniversary of Achieva Family Trust and recognized Richard and Mary Beth McQuillis, siblings who work for Achieva and also received a grant from the Family Trust Charitable Residual Program.
Families and advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) had hoped the new governor's first state budget proposal would include new funds to cover the higher costs of delivering services due to inflation.
Achieva's innovative Books at Birth initiative is now encouraging literacy and caregiver empowerment at a third Pittsburgh-area healthcare facility: Allegheny Health Network's Jefferson Hospital in the South Hills.
The EFOC was created when Act 36 of 2018 was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Tom Wolf.
Words matter. The campaign to end the "R" word and using the word "people" instead of "client" may help facilitate change. However, the change is not sustainable if real action is not taken to correct and prevent devaluing systems and beliefs.
Achieva wishes you a Wonderful Holiday Season and the Happiest of New Years!
On behalf of the entire Achieva Family of Organizations, I want to wish everyone a happy new year. Ushering in a new calendar year is more than just a way to mark time - it's symbolic of renewal, fresh starts, and new opportunities.
With the recent elections, Pennsylvania will soon experience a new governor, some new state representatives and senators, and likely new control of the state House of Representatives once all 203 state representatives are seated. Are all these changes for the better? Time will tell.
Among the many things, the Achieva Family of Organizations is thankful for this season is YOU! It is our joy to extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day.
Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.
Four years ago, the city of Pittsburgh was collectively stunned and saddened by the tragedy that shook the tight-knit community of Squirrel Hill.