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

September 18, 2024

Starbucks…Brewing More Inclusion and Accessibility

Who loves a good, hot cup of coffee? I do! It does not matter to me if I have that cup of coffee at home or at a coffee shop with a friend. Perhaps you are someone who enjoys coffee and visiting a coffee shop from time to time with those you support. Maybe you have gone into the shop...

Community/Resources

September 11, 2024

Let’s All Make Some Room. Give Space to Grieve.

Modified from January 2019. Many years ago, I was at an agency to give a training for self-advocates on oral hygiene. As I walked into the room, there was a woman sitting by herself at the edge of the table. Her eyes were looking downward. I greeted her, figuring she was early, and started about my business of setting up the...

Everyday Life

September 4, 2024

Why Should You Care About Psychiatric Polypharmacy?

Over the years I have had the pleasure to work with many people receiving services in our system. Our team typically gets called in, not when people are doing well, but when they are struggling. This can be from a medical standpoint, a behavioral standpoint, or often both. When reviewing their records, many people are noted to have a mental...

Everyday Life/General

August 28, 2024

Think Safe: Have Successful Meals, Not Sickness

Modified from August 2019. Summer is all about getting out of the house and enjoying the great outdoors. Time outside could include picnics, fairs, parties, grilling, and all kinds of fun. However, being outdoors with food means we need extra care around food safety. Whether you are purchasing, preparing, consuming, or storing food, it is very important to protect yourself...

Community/Everyday Life/General

August 21, 2024

Let’s Get Candid: You Don’t Want to Miss Grace Key

“Hey, party people!” That is the phrase you will hear often if you follow Grace Key on any of her social media sites. I was introduced to Grace several years ago via social media when I came across her Instagram page. This day Grace was explaining why ice cream was most likely a health food and she wasn’t going to be...

General

August 14, 2024

Project Lifesaver to the Rescue!

Last revision 8/24 Do you support someone who is prone to wandering from home or a program site? Have you had to call 911 when a loved one cannot be found? Project Lifesaver, a program comprised of components specifically designed to protect “at risk” individuals, may be able to help you to be proactive in supporting a loved one or...

Community/General/Resources/Technology

August 7, 2024

Now You CAN Have a Sensory-Friendly Adventure at Myrtle Beach

I love the beach! The sand, the sun, and the soothing sound of the waves. Not to mention scouring the beach for shells and sharks’ teeth! Myrtle Beach, SC. has always been a family favorite. But for individuals who may have sensory issues or be on the autism spectrum, navigating travel and accommodations can be overwhelming not only for that...

General

July 31, 2024

What is the WorkLink at Penn State University all about?

Penn State University has a program called WorkLink. It is an on-campus, non-residential 2-year certificate program. WorkLink is fully integrated. It provides the opportunity for individuals with ID to participate in postsecondary experiences and education opportunities with their peers. This program was founded in 2018. Special education students receive the opportunity to participate in Penn State classes. Participants connect with...

Community/Resources

July 24, 2024

Fun in the Sun? More like Safe in the Summer

Modified from July 2019 5…4…3…2…1…SUMMER! June 20 marked the first day of summer. Warm weather is here. Swimming, beach-combing, cookouts, camping, and medications await us. Wait? Medications? What do medications have to do with our summer fun? We don’t often think about what medications do besides alleviating symptoms. Many of the people we support are on several different medications. Often,...

Everyday Life/General

July 17, 2024

Breaking News: Milestone HCQU West is on Facebook!

What is a HCQU? Do you know what HCQU stands for? What services do they offer? Back in January of this year, I had the privilege of attending the Everyday Lives conference in Hershey, PA. Some of my colleagues and I shared a vendor table with the other Health Care Quality Units (HCQUs) across the state and had an opportunity...

Community/Everyday Life/General/Resources