Category: Community

September 17, 2025

Fall: Be Aware of the Fabulous and the Flu

Fall is the time of year when everything is pretty exhilarating from the magnificent colors of leaves to apple picking and delicious, fresh cider. Let’s not forget the pumpkin everything this time of the year! The shorter days and longer nights, the cool crisp mornings, and the breezy sunny days are sometimes pleasantly welcomed after a hot and humid summer...

Categories Community/General

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,...

Categories Community/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

July 30, 2025

Beautiful Places to Explore in PA

Did you know… there are more than 2,000,000 acres of state forests, 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, and 86,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore just in Pennsylvania alone! While researching I found some really beautiful, historical parks that were not too far from home.  Some of these parks I have visited on occasion. Some I may have driven by...

Categories Community/General/Resources

July 23, 2025

Check Out Erie Beaches: Where Accessibility and Adventure Meet

Last summer, I had the pleasure of exploring Erie, Pennsylvania. I was genuinely impressed by its natural beauty and commitment to accessibility when we explored Presque Isle for the day.  We spent time at Beach 11. The soft, white sand stood out. It was smooth and rock-free, unlike some of the other beaches nearby. It was the kind of place...

Categories Community/Resources

July 9, 2025

Connect with Us on Facebook: Stay Informed and Engaged

Did you know Milestone HCQU West is on Facebook? Stop by and check out our vibrant Facebook community and stay connected with us online! Why Follow Us on Facebook? Our Facebook page is a dynamic hub where you can find the latest updates, resources, and community stories related to the health and care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities...

Categories Community/Resources

July 2, 2025

Included in the Fourth of July Independence Day

The Fourth of July is almost here. But, it’s not all about the ooh’s and aah’s of fireworks for some people with intellectual disabilities and autism. For many people it can cause frustration, anxiety, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. It is very hard to completely escape the celebrations. However, there are several things that we can do to help...

Categories Community/General

June 18, 2025

Intentionally Accessible: The Movie Experience Levels Up

As a story lover, I have a passion for cinema. Like so many in today’s culture, I bond with others over a film. But what if the movie experience is not the same across the board? We can talk about accessibility and inclusion all day every day, but it is the inventors, movers, and shakers that change the world and...

Categories Community/Technology

December 18, 2024

You’re an important piece in the puzzle. How Can You Help Foster Connections?

Modified from January 2019 Connection is such an important piece of our lives. I think of all the people I have in my life. My support system has helped me in many invaluable ways in my lifetime. But, what if they weren’t there? Where would I be right now? Through my years of working at the HCQU, this theme has...

Categories Community/Everyday Life

October 30, 2024

Face it. We All Need Friends.

“A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.” Maya Angelou What gives your life meaning? While that may be a very existential question, the answer can have a lot of different themes. I would bet that for most of us it has a lot to do with connections. We have many different relationships in our lives. We have our...

Categories Community/Resources