Mary Hartley, ACHIEVA's Disability Healthcare Initiative Manager, was recently featured on the Essential Public Radio broadcast regarding Medicaid's changes to dental care.

* Those of us who have family members with developmental disabilities and the need for life-long support have a close relationship with Medicaid, perhaps more than many people realize.  From an early age, Medicaid is involved with our loved ones' health and well-being.  During childhood years, Medicaid can pay for what private insurance does not cover for medical needs and therapies.  When our children become adults, Medicaid can fund the services they need in their daily lives.

With one caveat: Medicaid provides this safety net only if it is adequately funded.  At present, it is not and with major changes proposed at the federal and state level this year, the safety net is expected to deteriorate further.

Please click here to ready the entire article by Tina Calabro, Triblive.com.

* Recreation and fitness opportunities abound for people with special needs.  The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh at ACHIEVA organizes day camps in Beaver County for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Arc President Nancy Murray says the children benefit from the socialization the camps offer.  "It's a way for them to meet people outside of their families, outside of their work," Murray said.  "It's also good for instilling appropriate behaviors in people, and it's also good for making sure they're keeping up with their communication skills."

Please click here to read the entire article by Doug Gulasy, Triblive.com.

Jeanine Schultz, ACHIEVA's Family Supports Director, was quoted in an article and stated,  "It moves that education process along," said Jeanine Schultz.  "If the aide is willing to develop that relationship and it's an ongoing natural support, it's beneficial."

A Breakfast Chat was held on June 19, 2012.  Breakfast Chats are held periodically to keep employees informed and to answer questions.

Marsha Blanco, President and CEO, Reid Wolfe, President, ACHIEVA Support and Senior Vice President along with Gary Horner, Executive Vice President and CFO explained the effect the new state reimbursement rates will have on ACHIEVA.  The significant accomplishments of all departments within ACHIEVA were reviewed and staff were thanked for their contributions.  They also answered many questions that were submitted by staff regarding program rates, staffing, health care benefits and costs, salary increases, the silent phase of the Capital Campaign and other information. 

At the end of the Breakfast Chat, Marsha mentioned she was happy to announce that the ACHIEVA Board of Trustees has approved a Lump-Sum Payment for eligible employees, payable on June 22, 2012.  Complete information is in the block below: Bonus Payment for Eligible Staff.

If you missed the recent "Breakfast Chat" on June 19, 2012, please click here for the link. 

Dear ACHIEVA Co-Worker:

I write to you today with two messages-one which gives me great pleasure; the other which causes me, and others, continuing concern.  At the risk of sounding like a "good news, bad news" joke, I start by letting you know information that I'm very happy to convey: the ACHIEVA Board of Trustees has approved a Lump-Sum Payment for eligible employees, payable on June 22, 2012 (see details below).  The news I'm much less happy to convey is that ACHIEVA has received our reimbursement rates for the upcoming budget year from the state, and overall, the news is not as positive as we would like.

As you know, we have been preparing for this eventuality for several years.  I've written to you on several occasions about the changes in the state billing and payment mechanisms by which ACHIEVA and other providers are reimbursed.  I've described how ACHIEVA has prepared for the changes, including the prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding them.  Fortunately, our extensive analyses and restraint have worked well for us, and as a whole, our agency will be able to withstand the negative impact of the new rates.  However, ACHIEVA cannot rest and still needs to tighten its belt as we adjust to the impact of the new rates.

As you might expect, in order to do this, we must continue to scrutinize every expense, and determine how we can be efficient, as well as effective.  We will be prudent about incurring additional expenses, and will attempt to maximize revenue in every way possible.  At the same time, we will continue attempt to reduce our reliance on government funding by renewing our efforts to raise money from private, non-governmental sources.  We are in the quiet phase of a Capital Campaign that we will soon announce.  We will explore innovative ways of introducing or enhancing supports.  All of this will be done while providing what our customers expect: top-notch supports.

In spite of the care we must take in containing our costs, we want to continue to recognize and reward our employees who help us to accomplish the efforts described above.  Through careful planning and budgeting, we are able to provide a bonus payment which for many employees may represent about 2.5 percent of their annual salary.  Taken together with the bonus payment provided in December of 2011, most employees will experience an increase to pay, in a six-month period, of over 4 percent of their annual salary.  Here are the details:

Employees hired on a regular-status basis prior to July 1, 2011 whose schedule is 37.5 hours or more per week will receive a $525 lump-sum payment.  Employees hired on a regular-status basis prior to July 1, 2011 whose schedule is less than 37.5 hours per week will receive a pro-rated portion of the $525 lump-sum payment based on their scheduled hours per week.  Employees hired on a regular-status basis on or following July 1, 2011 will receive a pro-rated portion of the $525 lump-sum payment based on their scheduled hours and length of employment since July 1, 2011.  Top executives will not be eligible for this payment, and special rules will apply to employees who have had a suspension or decision-making notice within the last six months.

In addition to this bonus payment, ACHIEVA was able to absorb increases to health insurance costs for the upcoming year as well, with no increases to co-pays, deductibles, or payroll contributions for employees.  We are pleased to be able to do this, but I want to emphasize that you should not assume that ACHIEVA will be able to continue holding the line on health insurance costs or the awarding of bonus payments in the future.  However, know that the compensation of our co-workers is a high priority each year when we evaluate our costs and revenue.  You are an important part of what makes ACHIEVA successful.  With many thanks for your continuing efforts, and wishing you a safe and happy summer, I am,  

Sincerely yours,  

Marsha Blanco

President & Chief Executive Officer                                                                            

Information from Michelle Bowser, Director of Quality Assurance

One of ACHIEVA's values of customer service is to treat customers with respect, dignity and courtesy.  As people with disabilities are ACHIEVA's customers, it is important to use People-First language when referring to the people that we provide support to and also those in the community with disabilities.

Using People-First language reflects respect for people with disabilities and eliminates generalizations, assumptions and stereotypes.  A disability does not define a person, but is one of the many characteristics they have.  Therefore, we want to always use language that emphasizes abilities not limitations.  Please remember to be sensitive when choosing the words you use and follow the guidelines below regarding People-First language.

General Guidelines: 

• Do not refer to a person's disability unless it is relevant to the conversation.
   
• Use "disability" rather than "handicap" to refer to a person's disability. Never use "cripple/crippled" in any reference to disability.
   
• Avoid referring to people with disabilities as "the disabled." When referring to a person's disability, use person-first language.
   
• Avoid negative or sensational descriptions of a person's disability. These portrayals elicit (ex. "a person with a disability" not "a disabled person.") unwanted sympathy or pity toward people with disabilities. 
   
• Don't use "normal" or "able-bodied" to describe people who do not have disabilities.

The following terms should be avoided when speaking to or about a person with a disability:
 

"retarded" "invalid" "wheelchair-bound" "mongoloid"  

"deaf and dumb" "defective" "special person" "suffers from" 

"handicapped" "stricken with" "a patient" "mute"
"victim" "crippled" "afflicted with"

Examples of People-First Language: 

• People with disabilities are people who have disabilities.
  Not: "the handicapped or disabled"
   
• He/she uses a wheelchair.
  Not: "He/she is wheelchair-bound or confined to a wheelchair."
   
• He/She has a congenital disability.
  Not: "He/She has a birth defect."
   
• Accessible parking or accessible bathrooms
  Not: "handicapped parking or handicapped bathrooms"
   
• He/She has a need for .... He/She needs....
  Not: "He/She has a problem with..." 

• He/She has an intellectual disability.
  Not: "He/She is retarded."

Mark started off his summer with a fun trip to Ocean City, Maryland.  His vacation had him enjoying the waves as 'one cool surfer dude" you will see in the attachment.  It looks like he was having an awesome beach vacation.

Judy decided to "shop till she dropped" with sister Carol.  They stopped at the styling salon for a haircut, then purchased a pair of athletic shoes.  Before continuing, Judy took a quick break in the food court and then it was off again.....

Click here to see photos.

Mark's photo submitted by his brother to Kim Gombos, Program Specialist, Residential Program.

Judy's photo taken by Peggie Watson at the mall.

Recently, Janice Bohr, a participant in ACHIEVA's Supportive Lifestyles Program, was honored at the sixth annual 2012 Celebration of Success luncheon.  Janice was honored for her successful adjustment, two years ago, to living independently in the community and increasing her independence.  She had to learn new bus routes to commute to and from work and did not want staff to drive her.  She wanted to learn the route herself .  She stated, "I might want to stop on the way home."  Janice successfully learned the route, while taking two buses, met the challenges and mastered them.  Then Janice's health prevented her from continuing her work at St. Margaret's Hospital, but that did not deter her.

She got a job in a different area which meant she had to learn new bus routes, and again, was successful in meeting the challenge.  Janice is currently employed at Easter Seals and has taken advantage of all of the educational opportunities it has offered.  She wanted learn how to operate a computer, so she took computer classes.

Janice has made friends with some of the shop owners and retail sales people in the stores and shops in her neighborhood.  She takes pride in decorating her apartment for every holiday and her neighbors follow her lead.  She has made friends with other residents in her apartment building, and independently participates in the activities such as bingo and game nights with other residents.  She wanted to learn to swim so she joined the YMCA and started taking swimming lessons. 

Janice has a way of facing challenges with a positive attitude and enthusiasm.  She has been described by her peers as cool, has a way of making everyone around her feel comfortable and a smile and an outlook on life that is contagious!

Janice was very deserving of this recognition and she exemplifies success in fostering community connections as she continues to strive for the optimum in independent community living.

Congratulations Janice!! 

Article and photo by Jeannette Evans, In Home Manager. 

14th Annual Million Dollar Golf Outing

Dear Friends,
 

Plans are underway for ACHIEVA's 2012 Golf Tournament and we have a great opportunity for both golfers and non-golfers to show their support!  On Hole #1, we will display a huge "Thanks from ACHIEVA's Families and Friends" sign that will list the names of those who wish to support ACHIEVA and thank the golfers.

Each year, ACHIEVA serves more than 12,600 local individuals with disabilities and their families and is the only agency of its type in western Pennsylvania that provides lifelong supports.  From early intervention therapies to in-home support for medically fragile senior citizens, ACHIEVA provides a full spectrum of services for people of all ages and abilities and their families.  We rely on donations from thousands of supporters every year to help sustain these vital programs and we hope that we will be able to count you among them.

Our 14th Annual ACHIEVA Million Dollar Golf Outing will be held on August 20th at the challenging Valley Brook Country Club.  Last year, the "Thanks from ACHIEVA's Families and Friends" Hole #1 raised $3,700 and I hope you can help us top that this year!  100 percent of the proceeds from the Families and Friends Hole directly benefits ACHIEVA and those that they serve.  I thank you in advance for your support as we strive to ensure that all individuals with disabilities are fully included in their communities.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Parks
President, ACHIEVA Board of Trustees

Please click here to register for sponsorship or golfing. 

For "Families and Friends of ACHIEVA" contributions, please make checks payable to ACHIEVA and send your contribution to: ACHIEVA Families and Friends, 711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 

Please email Connie Reilsono at creilsono@achieva.info for more details.  

My ACHIEVAments

Employees who like Facebook are enthusiastic about Café Well, the Social Network to Get Well and Stay Well.  This Social Health Management site focuses on improving employees' health and provides a safe, secure forum where they can receive, and give support to others with similar goals.  The network allows users to participate in discussions and health challenges, either anonymously or publicly, join communities and get expert health information. 

Please visit www.cafewell.com to find out more.

The attachment is a list of our new hires.  Names are listed in alphabetical order.

Welcome to ACHIEVA's team.

Please click here for the new hires.

Anniversaries!

Birthdays!

Please click here for the July birthdays.

Congratulations to our winners of the June 2012 Good Attendance Raffle: 

Whitney DeVaughn, Residential Counselor, Residential Supports Department;

Shari Maughn, Residential Counselor, Residential Supports Department;

Michael Frantz, Advisor, Residential Supports Department Department;

Melinda Miller, Community Homes Specialist, Residential Supports Department

Whitney, Shari, Michael and Melinda each won $125!!

ACHIEVA, and its family of organizations, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ACHIEVA strives to maintain its diverse workforce and encourages all qualified persons to apply for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, ancestry, age or national origin.

Admissions, the provision of services and referrals of people we support, are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sex.  

Statement of Mission: ACHIEVA commits to excellence in lifelong services for
people with disabilities and their families. 

Statement of Vision: ACHIEVA envisions the day when people with disabilities
fully participate in their communitities.  

www.achieva.info