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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.
Self-Advocates Amplify Voices During Governor Shapiro's Visit to Achieva

Self-Advocates Amplify Voices During Governor Shapiro's Visit to Achieva

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.

Pennsylvania Recognized During National 2024 Charting The LifeCourse Showcase

Pennsylvania Recognized During National 2024 Charting The LifeCourse Showcase

During the 2024 Charting the LifeCourse Showcase held in Kansas City, Missouri, two representatives of Pennsylvania's support professional cohort were recognized for their work.

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Governor Shapiro Visits Achieva to Highlight Budget Proposal for ID/A Services

Governor Shapiro Visits Achieva to Highlight Budget Proposal for ID/A Services

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.

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Shapiro visits Pittsburgh, talks about enhancing resources for people with intellectual disabilities and autism

Shapiro visits Pittsburgh, talks about enhancing resources for people with intellectual disabilities and autism

PITTSBURGH — Workers who provide services to people living with intellectual disabilities and autism said there's a shortage of employees across the country. Gov. Josh Shapiro said his proposed budget will help with that problem.

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How Shapiro's plan would boost intellectual disability/autism care and worker pay in Pennsylvania

How Shapiro's plan would boost intellectual disability/autism care and worker pay in Pennsylvania

The funding will "ensure that a continuum of care and education and opportunity is available for the ID/A community across Pennsylvania," Shapiro said.

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PA State Treasurer Announces Fee Reduction for PA ABLE Account Owners

PA State Treasurer Announces Fee Reduction for PA ABLE Account Owners

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program account owners will see a lower annual account maintenance fee on their April statements. The fee reduction is the result of the National ABLE Alliance surpassing 35,000 funded ABLE accounts.

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Achieva Promotes the HEADs UP Act at National Conference

Achieva Promotes the HEADs UP Act at National Conference

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.

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Unheard Voices: Shedding Light on the Overlooked Dental Care Challenges of I/DD Populations

Unheard Voices: Shedding Light on the Overlooked Dental Care Challenges of I/DD Populations

In the silent corridors of healthcare access, individuals with IDD often find themselves trapped in a cycle of overlooked oral health struggles.

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Hollywood Glamour Shined at Achieva's Pittsburgh Promenade

Hollywood Glamour Shined at Achieva's Pittsburgh Promenade

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.

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Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund Fulfilling Dreams for People with Disabilities

Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund Fulfilling Dreams for People with Disabilities

Achieva is pleased to announce the latest round of support for people with disabilities via the Cecil and David Rosenthal Memorial Fund, granting inclusive opportunities that turn aspirations into reality.

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.

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Bipartisan Interest in Achieva

Bipartisan Interest in Achieva

Achieva has been proud to host two visits from local elected officials, PA Senator Devlin Robinson and PA Representative Nick Pisciottano.

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'50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. It's finally closing.'

'50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. It's finally closing.'

"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.

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Governor Shapiro's Budget is a Lifeline for Families and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

Governor Shapiro's Budget is a Lifeline for Families and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

Today, I thank Governor Josh Shapiro for listening to families and making a commitment to them by proposing a historic increase in funding that will provide urgently needed services for more than half of the people on Pennsylvania's emergency waiting list.

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911th CS gives its appreciation to custodial staff

911th CS gives its appreciation to custodial staff

November, designated as National Month of Gratitude, provided an opportune moment for the 911th Communications Squadron to reflect on the contributions of Achieva's custodial team.

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Pittsburgh Adaptive Recreation Expo

Pittsburgh Adaptive Recreation Expo

During the event, individuals with disabilities and their families can learn more about a variety of local programs and resources, including adaptive sports and recreation, innovation & technology, home health, caregiver support, and interactive adaptive equipment demonstrations.

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SSI Recipients Can't Afford Housing Anywhere In The United States

SSI Recipients Can't Afford Housing Anywhere In The United States

Nationally, the average rent for a basic studio or one-bedroom apartment exceeds the average SSI payment of $983 per month. Even in the cheapest rental market in the country — Dallas County, Mo. — rent for either a one-bedroom or efficiency would require 64% of a person's monthly SSI payment.

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Thank You, Governor Shapiro

Thank You, Governor Shapiro

Governor Shapiro unveiled his State Fiscal Year 2024/25 executive budget proposal on February 6, and for the Intellectual Disability & Autism (ID/A) service system, it was significant and positive.

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A Message from a Grateful Residual Program Recipient

A Message from a Grateful Residual Program Recipient

Through Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual program, one family benefitted from a bathroom remodel that will keep their daughter safe. "Achieva Family Trust made a significant impact on our daily lives and for that I will be forever grateful." Heather Shuker

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Act Now: Sign on to Improve Dental Care Access for Pennsylvanians with IDDs

Act Now: Sign on to Improve Dental Care Access for Pennsylvanians with IDDs

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.

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Post-Gazette Pieces Emphasize The Workforce Crisis Hurting People With Disabilities

Post-Gazette Pieces Emphasize The Workforce Crisis Hurting People With Disabilities

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.

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IRS Raises ABLE Account Limit

IRS Raises ABLE Account Limit

The Internal Revenue Service said that the federal gift tax exclusion increased to $18,000 effective at the start of this month. The annual deposit limit for ABLE accounts is tied to that measure, so it will rise as well.

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Guardianship - Senate Bill 506 is Now Act 61 of 2023!

Guardianship - Senate Bill 506 is Now Act 61 of 2023!

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.

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SSI Beneficiaries Will See Double Payments This Month

SSI Beneficiaries Will See Double Payments This Month

People with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income can expect to receive two payments this month, but one will be higher than the other.

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Achieva Announced Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh & Achieva Support Welcomes Two New Senior Vice-Presidents

Achieva Announced Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh & Achieva Support Welcomes Two New Senior Vice-Presidents

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.

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Achieva Announces Selection of Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh

Achieva Announces Selection of Mary Hartley as New President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh

Achieva has selected Mary Hartley as the incoming President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. Mary will join Achieva on February 12, 2024, just prior to the retirement of her predecessor, Nancy Murray.

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