Category: Community

November 13, 2023

FACT: People with Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Can Be Outstanding Employees

In a world where there’s a Help Wanted sign in the window of every other business, it should be easy for a job seeker with an intellectual disability (ID) or Autism to find work. But business owners and hiring managers are often reluctant to even grant an interview. At Milestone HCQU West, we wanted to lend our support to all...

Categories Community/Employment/Everyday Life/General

October 20, 2023

Hi, I’m here about the job…

Having a job is a basic human right. Aside from the ability to earn a paycheck, being employed keeps us busy, challenges us, and adds value and structure to our lives. It gives us a sense of pride, purpose, and personal achievement. In the United States, if you’re willing and able, society expects you to work and earn a living...

Categories Community/Employment/Everyday Life/General

October 18, 2023

Consider Long Covid in the Workforce

This flyer from the Department of Labor highlights what employers may need to do to support employees who have been diagnosed with Long Covid related to their specific symptoms. Click to access Working_with Long COVID.pdf Medical Concerns of Long Covid include: In a person with an intellectual disability or Autism these medical concerns may appear different or like a “behavior”.  They...

Categories Community/General/Resources

September 13, 2023

A Tip Of The Hat

This week we celebrate Direct Support Professionals week.  I have seen many organizations proudly share their support for DSP’s.  We at the Milestone HCQU West also are thankful and grateful that DSP’s choose to continue on in this profession. I have worked Direct Care, but not in the last several decades, and I started to think about how different today’s...

Categories Community/General

August 30, 2023

It’s Buddy Walk Season!

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Buddy Walk in New York City is the flagship walk for the National Buddy Walk Program.  This event raises awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families. The Buddy Walk is the cornerstone of NDSS awareness and advocacy effort’s and it directly supports federal and state efforts to...

Categories Community/General/Resources

August 9, 2023

The Own Voices Project Premiere

If you weren’t at the premiere of “The Own Voices Project,” you sure did miss a great show! The Arc of Clarion and Venango Counties released their short, new film entitled “The Own Voices Project.” The actors and actresses came out on a red carpet just before the premiere and took their bows before the audience.  Although we all love...

Categories Community/General

July 5, 2023

Gracie’s Doggie Delights – Get Your Paws on These Treats

Why should you be careful when it rains cats and dogs?   Because you might step in a poodle. What is a dog that sneezes?  A-choo-wawa I hope you got a little laugh from those dog jokes!  Many of you reading this probably have a dog or dogs.  While I don’t have a dog personally, my family and I have many...

Categories Community/General

June 21, 2023

Smile, Mobile Dentistry Services are Accessible and Free

FREE Dental Care! Yes I said FREE! The Arc of Clarion and Venango Counties Inc. and Link the Valley have partnered to provide free dental care. This is a great way for people to get FREE (yes I said it again) preventative medical care. Further, they will assist with helping people get set up with a dentist when there is an emergency. Check...

Categories Community/Resources

June 14, 2023

Know the Signs, Ask, Report, and Take Action

Most of the people employed or associated with the Intellectual Disability/Autism systems are here because they want to help provide care and service to people with disabilities. But we also know that sometimes people get hurt. That may be through abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation. So, who can abuse, neglect, abandon, or exploit a person with a disability? It can...

Categories Community/Resources

May 31, 2023

Growing Together Aquaponics Gets Transplanted

Have you heard?  Growing Together Aquaponics is moving.  See below for press release.  The great news is they are, and continue to be, awesome!  They are already growing produce for our second season of “Lettuce Help with Dinner.”  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Growing Together Aquaponics is moving out of North Country Brewing. Growing Together Aquaponics, the job training program for people...

Categories Community/Resources