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

July 29, 2020

Dog Days of Summer

“Dog Days of Summer” describes the excessively hot and humid period of summer, between July 3rd and August 11th each year. This year seems like we are right on schedule with both the heat and humidity. All I can say is… It’s the middle of July and it’s doggone hot out there! Summer can be the best time of the year...

General

July 22, 2020

Mokusatsu

Mokusatsu is a Japanese word with several shades of meaning. Much like many of our English words, the meaning is left up to the person using the word. Only that person knows the intent. Mokusatsu: to ignore, to refrain from comment, or to seek more information. Looking back in history it is easy to imagine “what if,” “should of,” “could...

Community/General

July 15, 2020

Beautiful Places to Explore in PA

Did you know… there are more than 2,000,000 acres of state forests, 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, and 86,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore just in Pennsylvania alone! Over the last few months with all of the changes that took effect in our lives with COVID-19, I started thinking about all the things I wanted to do once I...

Community/General/Resources

July 8, 2020

News from Google Helps People with Disabilities

It is widely acknowledged that smart phones and tablet computers are playing a significant part in improving the lives of people with disabilities. New technology to make things easier for those with cognitive and physical disabilities is being introduced by Google™. An app, Action Blocks™, designed for Android™ devices will make smartphone tasks more manageable. A block (shortcut) can be created for...

General/Resources/Technology

July 1, 2020

Let’s Go to the School of Strength

I don’t know about you but these days being a homebody means I’m a whole lot more sedentary than usual. We’ve had some really gorgeous weather days that gave me the opportunity to get out in my yard for a bit of a walk but what about extra blazing hot days? I know the weather sometimes has me ducking indoors...

General/Resources

June 24, 2020

Variety…Helping Kids, Be Kids

Do you remember receiving your first bike and how you felt when you got it? I do. It was the summer I was 10 years old, and I was playing in the back yard. I turned around and saw my dad walking through the grass pushing a BRAND-NEW bike, and he was headed right for me! To say I was...

Community/General/Resources

June 17, 2020

Liftware-Specialized Utensils

For some, mealtime can mean relying on others to assist with eating. Or, it may bring about frustration while trying to be as independent as possible with meals. Some of the conditions that can affect a person’s ability to manage utensils could include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, or physical impairment from a stroke. Liftware is a product that...

General/Technology

June 10, 2020

Let’s Commit to Fit Pennsylvania!

COVID-19 might have suspended Special Olympics’ events but Pennsylvanians do not let that keep them down. SOPA (Special Olympics Pennsylvania) launched a virtual workout program called Commit to Fit. Athletes, volunteers, supporters, everyone can stay active together, though we’re social distancing, via the daily workout videos. You’re invited and encouraged to follow along on any of their social media channels...

General/Resources

June 3, 2020

Water Matters

Summer is just around the corner with all of its beauty of bright skies and sunshine. However, it also brings high temperatures and humidity! Did you know our bodies are made up of 60% water and we can use up about 2 liters of that water a day! Older adults are more likely to experience dehydration. This is because people...

Everyday Life/General

May 27, 2020

Everything’s Cancelled and I Feel Sad

It’s been two months since we were put in quarantine. In two months our world has changed. We watched spring bloom from the confines of our couch. We saw Easter and Mother’s Day come and go. Maybe we got to see some family. Maybe we didn’t. And as the counties move from ‘red’ to ‘yellow’, we can’t help but wonder,...

Community/General