Author: Denise Quinn

May 27, 2026

Very Special Camps: The Experience Made Accessible

Summer is officially here and with summer comes… summer camps!  Perhaps you remember your summer camp days of hiking, swimming, canoeing, playing sports, doing crafts, sitting and singing around campfires, and participating in many other recreational activities.  Oh, and we can’t forget eating the camp food! Summer camps offer people many different opportunities, as well as a chance to establish...

Categories Community/General/Resources

March 18, 2026

Make that Dinner Bell Ring with Accessible Chef

Why is cooking important? We know that as providers and caregivers our goal is to give people with disabilities an everyday life.  But what is an everyday life?  “An everyday life is about opportunities, relationships, rights, and responsibilities.  It is about being a member of the community, having a valued role, making a contribution to society, and having one’s rights...

Categories Everyday Life/General

January 21, 2026

Variety Helps Kids, Be Kids

The Thrilling Cycle Do you remember receiving your first bike? Remember how it felt when you got it?  I do.  It was the summer I was 10 years old, and I was playing in the back yard.  I turned around and saw my dad walking through the grass pushing a BRAND-NEW bike. Moreover, he was headed right for me!  To...

Categories Community/General/Resources

January 7, 2026

Journaling: Expressing Your Way to Wellness

Journaling…we’ve all heard the word, but up until the coronavirus pandemic I hadn’t really thought much about it.  Lately, though, it’s been on my mind.  What is a journal? I’ve always heard that writing can be therapeutic.  Put your thoughts on paper, see them, read them, meditate on them.  I’ve never been much of a writer so writing my prayers,...

Categories General

December 10, 2025

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra:  Sensory-Friendly Concert

Searching for the perfect holiday activity?  Do you or someone you support love Christmas music and theatre?  If so, I’ve got an experience that will fill your heart with holiday cheer! The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) invites you to a one-day-only Sensory-Friendly Holiday Pops concert on December 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Heinz Hall!  This inclusive event is designed...

Categories Community/General

October 1, 2025

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  To honor this month and bring attention to it, I’d like to take a moment of your time and introduce you to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP).  For those of you who may not be familiar with the DSAP, it is a small, non-profit agency which supports the Down syndrome community...

Categories General/Resources

August 20, 2025

The Sensory Trail: A Trail for All

As summer winds down and fall begins, you might find yourself looking for an activity to do with the people you support.  Might I suggest getting outdoors and enjoying the cooler days with a picnic and a hike?  Not sure where to go?  Well, I have a suggestion for that too…Cook Forest State Park! Cook Forest State Park in Cooksburg,...

Categories Community/General

May 28, 2025

The Fight for The Americans with Disabilities Act

Equality and accessibility…two words we hear a lot of these days, but what do they mean?  According to Google search, “Equality is about ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities and benefits, regardless of their background or characteristics.  Accessibility focuses on removing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing and using resources, services, and environments.  It aims to make things usable...

Categories General

January 15, 2025

Bridging the Gap: Accessible Transportation in Rural Areas

Imagine needing to rely on someone else every time you need to go somewhere. For many with special needs, especially in rural areas, this is a daily reality. They may have to depend on others to get to appointments, events, or activities. Who do they call? How do they find someone reliable? Fortunately, many companies provide transportation services. Introducing Point...

Categories General

September 18, 2024

Starbucks…Brewing More Inclusion and Accessibility

Who loves a good, hot cup of coffee?  I do!  It does not matter to me if I have that cup of coffee at home or at a coffee shop with a friend. Perhaps you are someone who enjoys coffee and visiting a coffee shop from time to time with those you support.  Maybe you have gone into the shop...

Categories Community/Resources