Category: General

January 7, 2026

Journaling: Expressing Your Way to Wellness

Journaling…we’ve all heard the word, but up until the coronavirus pandemic I hadn’t really thought much about it.  Lately, though, it’s been on my mind.  What is a journal? I’ve always heard that writing can be therapeutic.  Put your thoughts on paper, see them, read them, meditate on them.  I’ve never been much of a writer so writing my prayers,...

Categories General

December 31, 2025

Beyond Words: Communication Tools that Empower

Communication is not just about talking; it’s about making connections, expressing needs, sharing emotions, and asserting control over your life. Imagine how it would feel to live a life without being able to communicate. A life that doesn’t allow you to let the people you care about know how you feel. Being able to communicate is essential to human dignity...

Categories General/Technology

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...

Categories 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...

Categories General

December 10, 2025

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra:  Sensory-Friendly Concert

Searching for the perfect holiday activity?  Do you or someone you support love Christmas music and theatre?  If so, I’ve got an experience that will fill your heart with holiday cheer! The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) invites you to a one-day-only Sensory-Friendly Holiday Pops concert on December 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Heinz Hall!  This inclusive event is designed...

Categories Community/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...

Categories General/Resources

November 26, 2025

One Small Slip, One Big Setback – Preventing Falls Before They Happen

Falls happen fast, and they can change everything in an instant. A single fall can lead to broken bones, hospital stays, or even a loss of independence. Although this may sound daunting, the good news is that most falls are preventable. Whether you are navigating your own fall risks or supporting a loved one, these tips can help you stay...

Categories General

November 19, 2025

When The World is Overwhelming: How to offer helpful support to individuals who experience sensory challenges

Intro According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5%-16.5% of the population experience sensory processing issues. Sensory challenges can affect people in different ways. People can experience mild to severe sensory challenges, experience too much sensory input, or they may not get enough sensory input. It can affect a person’s daily functioning, and make it difficult to complete...

Categories Community/General

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...

Categories General/Resources

October 29, 2025

Metformin (Glucophage): A Common Medication for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes in America is a common diagnosis.  In fact, the prevalence of diabetes in 2018 was 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5% of the population. Of those more than 34 million people, which breaks down to about 1 in 10, 90-95% have Type 2 Diabetes.   In addition 88 million American adults, aged 18 or older have prediabetes, that’s 34.5% of the...

Categories General