Milestone HCQU West Blog - News, Resources, and Innovative Ideas & Supports

April 6, 2022

David O’Conner, Ready, Set, Go!

I had the pleasure of meeting David O’Conner and hearing, first hand, about his experience with Special Olympics. David proudly told me that he lost 25 pounds while getting ready to run the 15K. He also spoke about how his increased activity has helped manage depression. David also shared that he has had ups and downs in his life but...

General/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...

Community/Resources

March 23, 2022

Troy Kotsur Nominated for Multiple Awards for His Starring Role in CODA

Troy Kotsur stars in CODA, a movie where he plays a father operating a fishing business. “CODA” stands for “Child of Deaf Adults.” The story really centers on Ruby, played by Emelia Jones. Ruby is the 17-year-old daughter, and the only member of the family that is not deaf. She acts as an interpreter for her parents played by Kotsur...

General

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...

Community/General/Resources

March 9, 2022

Risky Business: Falls

This time of year we are all at more risk for falls due to snow and ice on sidewalks and parking lots. But did you know that people with intellectual disabilities are always at a higher risk for falls, no matter what time of year it is? Not only is the risk of falling greater for people with intellectual disabilities...

General

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...

General/Resources

February 23, 2022

Love and Loss

The past two years have been a rollercoaster for many of us personally and professionally. We may feel a sense of loss. We may have lost friends, family, people we support, and co-workers. Many of us have also lost our sense of normalcy. Normalcy is what helps the world make sense. Not knowing what the future holds can be a...

General

February 16, 2022

That’s the Power of Love!

Ok before you skip off to youtube or rewatch 1985’s Back to the Future that featured Huey Lewis’s fantastic single “The Power of Love”, I want to share some thoughts with you this Valentine’s week. Romantic love gets a major spotlight on Valentine’s Day but let’s not forget nor underestimate the power of friendship. Think about what having a friend...

Community/General

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...

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...

Community/General/Resources