May 7, 2025

What’s Outside the Box? Growth and Opportunities for People with IDD

The thing that I have always enjoyed about my job at Milestone HCQU West is our team’s ability to look “outside the box” and to have a work culture that supports that concept. Each person that we meet and each team that we help support are unique. You cannot use a cookie cutter approach when working with people. You must...

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April 30, 2025

Shake it Up! Spices from Max Mix

The topic of inclusion, employment for all, and spices reminds me of this adage. “Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.”  – William Cowper, The Task (1785) Aren’t you glad this world, people, and life itself isn’t boring!?! Food can be so flavorful, especially when complimented with seasonings and spices. With our Holiday Shopping...

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April 23, 2025

NEW Approved Treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome

The FDA has recently approved Vykat XR (diazoxide choline) extended-release tablets for the treatment of hyperphagia, or persistent hunger, in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) aged 4 and older.  This is the first FDA-approved treatment for this diagnosis. It is administered via a once-daily, extended-release tablet . The drug is approved for individuals with PWS aged 4 years and older who...

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April 16, 2025

How I Used Social Engineering to Hack My Team

I have a confession to make. I… am a hacker. It’s not a full-time gig or anything. In fact, most of the time I’m a relatively mild-mannered IT professional. But every now and then, when the moon is full, the evil genius inside me (“Evil-Leslie”) will rise. I’m just kidding – it has nothing to do with the moon. And...

Categories General/Technology

April 9, 2025

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

People with Intellectual Disabilities/Autism (ID/A) are at a substantial risk of sexual assault. We know that. But did you know? Many people have not received education related to their body. Others do not know what sexual assault is in general. Statistically people with ID/A are sexually assaulted at seven times the rate of those without disabilities. All people are sexual...

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April 2, 2025

A Penny Saved is a Penny Learned

Finances in Everyday Life Do you ever find yourself singing along to ABBA’s “Money, Money, Money”? While we don’t want to forget that the most meaningful and beautiful things in life are not things at all, we all know that finances are an important topic. We ask financial questions every day. To buy the latte or not? Buy lunch out...

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March 26, 2025

Here Comes the Sun! The Sunflower Reveals Hidden Disabilities

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: A Symbol of Inclusion The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful tool. Wearing the Sunflower is a way people with non-visible disabilities can discreetly signal that they may need extra support. It might allow others in public spaces like stores, transport, and workplaces to recognize the wearer might need more understanding or time. For...

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March 19, 2025

Constipation Concern in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Our walking groups explore various health topics. Recently our health focus emphasized the importance of bowel management. In the winter we tend to be less active, eat more unhealthy foods, and drink less water. However, being proactive can make a positive difference. Here is some helpful information to increase bowel health. Did you know? Constipation is a prevalent and significant...

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March 12, 2025

Defying Ableism: How Wicked Actress Brings Light to Self-Advocacy and Positive Representation to the Disability Community

The adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, was brought to the big screen and was a massive success in theaters. In the movie, Elphaba, a young girl who is misunderstood due to the green hue of her skin, meets Glinda, a girl who is used to privilege and has an unwavering desire to be popular at Shiz University. Elphaba...

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March 5, 2025

Debunking Day: How to Be a Misinformation Detective

Did you know there’s a day dedicated to verifying facts and debunking false information? March 11th is “Debunking Day”, and we’re all invited to roll up our sleeves and clear the air. Imagine a world where every twisted fact gets straightened, and every false claim is corrected – now that’s the spirit of Debunking Day! In today’s digital age, misinformation...

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