Author: Jenifer Baker, RN

June 4, 2025

What’s the Big Deal? Sleep Apnea is Just Snoring…or Is It?

Discover the Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Sleep apnea is common. However, it is often overlooked in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It can have significant consequences on overall health and impact on quality of life. The key is to recognize the signs and symptoms, then report them to the...

Categories General

January 8, 2025

Transforming Health and Wellness with My25;  A New Year with New Solutions

After the holidays and with a new year in motion, thoughts tend to move towards healthier eating. Finding ways to think outside the box for healthy food solutions can be challenging, especially for individuals with specialized needs. My25, a new initiative from Mainstay, Inc., is transforming the approach to health and wellness. Imagine being able to plan meals that are...

Categories General

August 7, 2024

Now You CAN Have a Sensory-Friendly Adventure at Myrtle Beach

I love the beach! The sand, the sun, and the soothing sound of the waves. Not to mention scouring the beach for shells and sharks’ teeth! Myrtle Beach, SC. has always been a family favorite. But for individuals who may have sensory issues or be on the autism spectrum, navigating travel and accommodations can be overwhelming not only for that...

Categories General

July 10, 2024

All-Abilities Media and A Valid Podcast

Who doesn’t love a good podcast? They can be informative, uplifting, comforting, humorous, give you the “feel-good” in your heart and sometimes make you scratch your head and think “hmmm, I never thought about that!”  Sometimes it is simply good company for those long drives or rides. Recently a local podcast out of Pittsburgh is getting well deserved notoriety. All-Abilities...

Categories Community/Employment/General

March 6, 2024

Getting Crafty in Butler, PA

There is a wonderful art studio in Butler, located just north of the Clearview Mall called Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics. They’ve got some really cool things going on there to spark that creativity. Most recently they’ve started sessions called “Crafting Connections-Empowering All Abilities.” These sessions take place Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and were developed for...

Categories Community/Resources

February 21, 2024

iPad Lending Program Teams Up With Assistive Technology Coordinator of Tech OWL

At the HCQU we have some exciting news! You may be aware of the fact that we have an iPad lending program, where a request to borrow an iPad can be made through supports coordination for self-advocates. This FREE service is available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who reside in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer,...

Categories General/Resources/Technology

November 22, 2023

Dishing Out Food Safety Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are times for sharing favorite foods and dishes with family and friends. No one wants to give the gift of food or foodborne illness to their loved ones.  Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration on how to keep everyone safe from foodborne illnesses while sharing meals. Keep foods...

Categories General/Resources

September 27, 2023

Online Tutoring for Deaf Students – Check Out VASLA

Thadeus Brown is a deaf educator who has worked in both mainstream and residential settings. Brown, who is also deaf, grew up attending mainstream education. It was through these experiences that he “witnessed firsthand the inequities and lack of resources in the system” for deaf students. Within mainstream grades K-12, approximately 450,000 are deaf and hard of hearing students. It...

Categories Resources

August 23, 2023

When the Chalk Dust Settles, Dreams Can Become Reality

Erika Lalita found herself in a surreal place, while grieving the loss of her mother 7 years ago and a marriage that fell apart about four years after that. She was experiencing life as an adult on her own for the first time, with her son Phin, who is now twelve. The journey from that painful place has been a...

Categories General

March 29, 2023

SAU1 – Knowledge is Power

Self Advocates United as 1 or SAU1 is a Pennsylvania based non-profit group that supports and encourages self-advocates to empower them to work toward their dreams or goals. People are encouraged “to live their lives, their way” through the My Life, My Way self-advocate values. The Board of Directors, SAU1 Power Board, are voluntary positions comprised of people with disabilities....

Categories Community/Resources