Milestone HCQU West Blog - News, Resources, and Innovative Ideas & Supports

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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February 26, 2025

Beyond the Fame: Lewis Capaldi’s Journey with Tourette Syndrome

Lewis Capaldi is known for his captivating voice and lyrics to match. He has performed his hits, “Before You Go”, and “Someone You Loved” all over the world. He is a Scottish singer-songwriter and musician who has performed in front of hundreds of thousands of adoring fans. During his show in 2023 at the Glastonbury Music Festival, Capaldi started to...

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February 19, 2025

Just Do It! Unpack Accessibility One Strap At A Time

Nike has done it again. You may recall in 2015 Nike produced a tennis shoe that was made to meet the needs of those with disabilities. They featured a wrap around zipper and a larger opening to make it easier for people to slide their feet in and out. Now, they have produced an accessible backpack. This backpack was designed...

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February 12, 2025

Looking for Love? Try Dateability

“Faint heart never won fair lady/maiden.” This old proverb first showed up somewhere in the early 1500s according to Google. The fact that we still hear it today shows that humanity continues to relate to this sentiment. In other words, love takes courage. It takes a lot to put oneself out there. You must be vulnerable and real. You need...

General/Resources

February 5, 2025

Cancer is Rising Among People With IDD. Screenings Save Lives.

Breast cancer awareness is always thought about in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, we really need to be thinking about the risk of this and other cancers for the people we support all year long. Often this is a risk that can be overlooked. According to a study published in 2024 people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to...

General

January 29, 2025

Hidden Gluten or Gluten Free?

Celiac disease is triggered by the consumption of the protein known as gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. For someone with celiac disease, consuming foods with gluten can include bloating, discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and so much more. The symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely among individuals. It is important to be aware of what food...

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