Milestone HCQU West Blog

December 23, 2025

Listening to the Unspoken: A Little Girl Couldn’t Speak

I took part in a webinar hosted by Developmental Disabilities Nursing Association (DDNA). The title, Unspoken Symphony, intrigued me. I am a musician and as a HCQU nurse working for many years with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I’m all ears. Meeting Riley Using a recorded video, the speaker introduced a family. Specifically, the daughter, Riley. Riley is...

General/Resources

December 17, 2025

Laughing at My Nightmare: Spreading Joy and Accessibility This Holiday Season

When you think of holiday giving, you may picture gifts, warm meals, and moments spent with loved ones. All of these are wonderful but for one amazing nonprofit, giving means something even bigger, helping people with disabilities live more independently and joyfully. Laughing At My Nightmare (LAMN), is a nonprofit, based out of Bethlehem PA, started by Shane Burcaw, a...

General

December 3, 2025

Health Care Appointments Make You Go “EEEK”? Consider These Tips

Going to the doctor can be stressful at times for some people. Whether you are the person supporting someone with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism or you are a person with IDD and Autism, there are simple ways to make navigating appointments a smoother and a more positive experience. Before the Appointment Prior to going to the appointment, it can...

General/Resources

November 12, 2025

The Pressure is On: The Fight Against Pressure Injuries

November 20th is National Pressure Wound Awareness Day. It occurs the third Thursday of November each year. According to National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), 2.5 million people develop pressure injuries every year. Additionally, 67.1 thousand people die every year as a direct result of pressure injuries. Not only is there a high cost of life, but also the financial burden...

General/Resources

August 27, 2025

Camping The Great Outdoor Escape

Camping has been growing in increasing popularity. More and more people are taking their travels on the road in RVs. It’s a great way to vacation. Many RVs are like personal tiny homes with all the accommodations you’d find in your own house. Some places even rent RVs for those that don’t want to jump all in and buy one.Still,...

Community/Resources

August 13, 2025

Lyme: The Imitator and Quiet Epidemic of the Northeast

The summer months certainly increase our time in outdoor activities. However, it is important to keep in mind the risks of ticks. Lyme disease is a growing epidemic across the northeastern United States of America (U.S.). On the rise Lyme disease was first recognized in the U.S. in 1975, after a mysterious outbreak of arthritis near Lyme, Connecticut. It is known...

General

June 25, 2025

Sun Tea and the Danger Zone: Sip Safely This Summer!

Summer is here and there is nothing like pulling up a chair and kicking back with an ice-cold glass of tea with a big old fresh slice of lemon in it. For generations people have been taking advantage of the sun to make a pitcher of tea. But is there a potential danger brewing? Sun tea, which is a popular...

Everyday Life/General

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...

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...

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...

General

Author: Jenifer Baker, RN

Listening to the Unspoken: A Little Girl Couldn’t Speak

Laughing at My Nightmare: Spreading Joy and Accessibility This Holiday Season

Health Care Appointments Make You Go “EEEK”? Consider These Tips

The Pressure is On: The Fight Against Pressure Injuries

Camping The Great Outdoor Escape

Lyme: The Imitator and Quiet Epidemic of the Northeast

Sun Tea and the Danger Zone: Sip Safely This Summer!

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

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

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