Category: General

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

December 1, 2021

What’s the Hype? Hypothyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction can be life changing, as I personally found out several years ago. I want to share my experience with thyroid issues as I hope it will help others. It was a difficult time for me; perhaps my story can help readers avoid leaving medical issues unidentified and untreated.  It just seemed like I woke up one morning and...

Categories General

November 24, 2021

Gratitude is Everything

A year holds so very much in it. For some it is endless change. That change can be grand, wonderful things or it can be devastating loss. For others the year stretched long in sameness and not the changes they might have wished. But throughout the rollercoasters and monotony, there is one thing everyone can do in their ride through...

Categories Everyday Life/General

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 10, 2021

Your Personal Guide: MagnusCards

Figuring out the nuances of day to day life, from interacting with others to navigating local stores, can be confusing for many of us. Take my current situation as an example. My local grocery store is going through a remodel. Now, having lived in the same town for almost 20 years, I have gotten used to what items are in...

Categories General

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

October 27, 2021

Cushion Consideration

When do you know its time for the dreaded shopping trip for new shoes?  Do you go based on how much tread is left?  Do you wait until you have toes poking through a hole in your shoes?  Is it time to go when you no longer have any arch support?  Or do you schedule it for every 6 months?...

Categories General

October 20, 2021

Down Syndrome Association of the Valley

I recently had the pleasure to meet Michele Jones, the President of Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV).  DSAV serves Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as a regional support group. She was excited to share some of the opportunities that DSAV has to offer people with Down Syndrome and their families.  Down Syndrome Association of the Valley provides everything...

Categories Community/General/Resources

October 13, 2021

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries will Feature Actor with Autism

“The Christmas Bond” will air as part of the Hallmark network’s “Miracles of Christmas” which begins October 22, 2021.  This is the first time Hallmark will feature an actor on the autism spectrum. The movie stars Holly Robinson Peete and Nik Sanchez, an actor with autism.  Peete is also the executive producer of the film. Peete plays a single mother...

Categories General

October 6, 2021

Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and did you know that in our region we are lucky enough to have the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UPMC?  It is one of only ten centers in the United States. The clinic is run by Dr. Peter Bulova who is also the Co-Director of Magee Center for Women with Disabilities. He is...

Categories General/Resources