Achieva | Blog

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.
"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.

College Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities Grow With Little Oversight

College Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities Grow With Little Oversight

It was never a question of whether Kellyn Donahoe would go to college like her four older siblings. However, when her mother started to look for viable options for her daughter with Down syndrome near their home in northeast Ohio, she was surprised and disappointed...

Read more

Brothers lost in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting remembered for their kindness, love for others

Brothers lost in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting remembered for their kindness, love for others

The Rosenthal Family is sharing cherished pictures and memories of the four siblings: Cecil is the oldest, then Diane, then David, and Michele is the youngest. The sisters are also sharing what they say is their brothers' legacy of genuine kindness and true love for people.

Read more

Pennsylvania launches program to teach students disability inclusion

Pennsylvania launches program to teach students disability inclusion

School districts across the state, including those in Western Pennsylvania, could soon implement new curriculum focusing on political and historical contributions made by people with disabilities.

Read more

Transition to Employment Conference

Transition to Employment Conference

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.

Read more

Pittsburgh Promenade A Success

Pittsburgh Promenade A Success

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.

Read more

Ongoing investment in disability services needed to address backlogs, says Achieva vice president

Ongoing investment in disability services needed to address backlogs, says Achieva vice president

On today's episode of The Confluence:The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has an initiative to utilize up to $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help address gaps in services for residents with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Read more

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and our partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.

Read more

Shapiro Budget Disappoints

Shapiro Budget Disappoints

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.

Read more

Achieva Early Intervention's Books at Birth Initiative Expands to AHN Jefferson Hospital

Achieva Early Intervention's Books at Birth Initiative Expands to AHN Jefferson Hospital

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.

Read more

New Chair Takes EFOC Reins

New Chair Takes EFOC Reins

The EFOC was created when Act 36 of 2018 was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Tom Wolf.

Read more

2023 SNAP and Medicaid Updates

2023 SNAP and Medicaid Updates

The Achieva Family Trust Benefits Counseling Program has received calls concerning the 2023 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments. Here is what individuals can expect with each benefit.

Read more

For the bullied, the bullies or the bystanders, this Achieva Advocacy presentation is for you

For the bullied, the bullies or the bystanders, this Achieva Advocacy presentation is for you

Several advocates noted an influx of bullying-related calls, but they weren't all about victims. In some cases, the calls were from concerned loved ones of known — or suspected — bullies.

Read more

Words Matter

Words Matter

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.

Read more

Western Pa. school staffing shortages leave special education students struggling, families say

Western Pa. school staffing shortages leave special education students struggling, families say

Before bedtime last school year, Melissa Skiffen sat with her son and showed him a picture of the new teacher assistant in his classroom to make him more comfortable with the person who would help him throughout the next day.

Read more

Achieva Family Trust Celebrates Silver Anniversary

Achieva Family Trust Celebrates Silver Anniversary

The Achieva Family Trust is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of serving as corporate trustee for special needs trusts for people with disabilities. A member of the Achieva Family of Organizations, Achieva Family Trust was established in 1998.

Read more

Achieva Family Trust Celebrates 25 Years!

Achieva Family Trust Celebrates 25 Years!

2023 is an exciting year for Achieva Family Trust. It marks our 25th year serving as corporate trustee for special needs trusts for people with disabilities!

Read more

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Achieva wishes you a Wonderful Holiday Season and the Happiest of New Years!

Read more

New Year, New Opportunities

New Year, New Opportunities

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.

Read more

Buddy Walk

Recap the 2022 Erie Buddy Walk with this photo album from the day.

Read more

January is National Wellness Month

January is National Wellness Month

While January is cold in many parts of the country, and we tend to want to stay inside and hibernate until Spring arrives, a better idea is to bundle up with a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves and check out all that nature has to offer during the winter.

Read more

PA ABLE Savings Program Announces Updates

PA ABLE Savings Program Announces Updates

A PA ABLE (Pennsylvania Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) Account is a useful tool that allows individuals with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing receipt of their government benefits.

Read more

A New Day, New Opportunities

A New Day, 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.

Read more

Achieva's Own Nancy Murray Selected for Shapiro-Davis Transition Role

Achieva's Own Nancy Murray Selected for Shapiro-Davis Transition Role

Nancy Murray, President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh and a Senior Vice President of Achieva, has been selected by the transition team for Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Austin Davis to serve as a member of the Health and Human Services.

Read more

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2023 From the Social Security Administration

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2023 From the Social Security Administration

In December 2022, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the Message Center of their my Social Security account. This is a secure, convenient way to receive COLA notices online and save the message for later.

Read more

Be Thankful. Happy Thanksgiving

Be Thankful. Happy Thanksgiving

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.

Read more