Category: Resources

March 30, 2022

Celebrating People with a Little Something Extra

World Down Syndrome Day was March 21st, 2022. Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder that occurs when there is an extra copy, either full or partial, of chromosome 21. This occurs in about 1 in 800 births. Because Down syndrome occurs genetically, people who have this diagnosis typically share some common traits or characteristics. These include low...

Categories Community/Resources

March 16, 2022

Looking for Gluten Free Treats, Sweet and Savory?  Gluten Free by D&D is the place to go.

I had a chance to visit Gluten Free by D&D in Volant, PA and was so impressed, I wanted to let others know about this bakery. Gluten Free by D&D is run by a mother and daughter team, Dawn and Deanna. They got the idea for the bakery when a family member contracted Lyme disease and the physician suggested an...

Categories Community/General/Resources

March 2, 2022

The Year of the Olympics

2022 began with cold temperatures, snow, and ice which reminded us that it is winter.  With that kind of weather, there’s not much we can do outside so we tend to spend a lot more time indoors, more than likely watching TV.  I’m not sure about you, but I get tired of watching the same programs over and over, so...

Categories General/Resources

February 9, 2022

One Word … Love… Meet Nate Simon

Meet Nate Simon! He is a 19-year-old gentleman with a fashion statement of fun and dressed to impress! Nate and his family own 21 Pineapples Shirt Company.  They have only been in business a few months but it has taken off across the country!   It was such an honor to speak with Nate and his Mother, Holly, before the...

Categories Community/General/Resources

February 2, 2022

Open Up Pittsburgh

A friend of mine recently clued me into Open Up Pittsburgh. Don’t you like the sound of that name? To me it sounds like a call to step up and be inclusive. That’s right this has nothing to do with business closures, this has to do with opening up to wellness, community, equity, and accessibility. Their mission is briefly expressed...

Categories Community/General/Resources

January 12, 2022

Did you know that Milestone HCQU West has an app??

It’s true! It’s FREE! And, it’s available for iPhone or Android. Pocket HCQU contains loads of tools & resources to help you support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Do you need to cook for the people you support but only know how to use the microwave? Pocket HCQU can help with delicious, healthy recipes developed by our favorite...

Categories General/Resources/Technology

January 5, 2022

Myths and Facts Covid-19 Vaccination

Being armed with the most accurate information regarding COVID-19 and the vaccines can help you make an educated decision about vaccination. This short video may help answer some of the questions that you have and dispel some of the myths surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information you can go to Centers for Disease Control-Coronavirus 19 at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and Johns Hopkins...

Categories Community/General/Resources

December 8, 2021

STATION MD

At the latest Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Nurses Network (PADDN) virtual conference Dr. Maulik Trivedi of StationMD was a guest speaker. He presented information on a growing trend in healthcare, telemedicine.  This company is geared specifically toward individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in group residences. StationMD is staffed by board certified medical professionals who have experience in taking care of...

Categories General/Resources/Technology

November 17, 2021

Accessible Chef

Our goal as providers and caregivers is to give people with disabilities an everyday life.  What is an everyday life?  According to the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), “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/Resources/Technology

November 3, 2021

Love – You Feel It, You Sign It

There are many ways to express our love and appreciation for other people. Love Letters by Emily (lovelettersbyemily.com) helps you express it in unique pieces featuring American Sign Language (ASL). This Rhode Island, family-based company has a big online presence. Love Letters by Emily was actually inspired by Emily’s Teacher of the Deaf who photographed her hand fingerspelling LOVE in...

Categories General/Resources