|  | Frank Azzarelli, director, Elmwood Health Center |
| Elmwood Health Center Participates in Federally-Funded Pilot Project that May Help Reduce Hospital Readmissions
People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center has been selected to play a major role in a federally-funded study project that may eventually change how patients are treated following their discharge from the hospital.
The Elmwood Health Center will participate with the University at Buffalo School of Nursing as the lead entity and HEALTHeLINK, the regional health information organization, in the pilot project funded through a two-year, $298,000 grant from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Called the Care Transition Project, its goal is to work with primary care physician offices, their patients and families to see that patients receive follow-up care very soon after leaving the hospital.
Hospital readmissions is an area of increasing healthcare financial focus. Medicare alone spends an estimated $15 billion annually on readmissions, which occur after 30 days of discharge most frequently with older patients and especially those with a chronic disease.
“Experts believe that one way to prevent a return to the hospital or emergency room is through better communication to patients and their physicians about follow-up care,” said Frank Azzarelli, associate vice president, People Inc. and director, Elmwood Health Center.
As part of the study, the Elmwood Health Center will serve as the project’s only community-based health center. To learn more, click on the link here.
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| Senator Charles Schumer Visits People Inc.
On August 4, New York Senator Charles Schumer visited People Inc. administrative offices in Williamsville to call for passage of bipartisan legislation that would help thousands of Western New York families create tax-advantaged savings accounts for family members who have long-term disabilities. Senator Schumer joined People Inc.’s Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick, individuals with developmental disabilities, families, administrators from People Inc. and other human service providers to call for the creation of the new accounts by the end of the year. To find out more, read the article that was in The Buffalo News here and the press release here. Click here to see photos from the event on Facebook.
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The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Needs our Assistance! DDPC seeks feedback to help remove barriers for people with developmental disabilities The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is investigating barriers to independent living that children and adults with developmental disabilities face. The Council is seeking feedback from individuals with disabilities, family members, staff and others.
The DDPC is seeking information about barriers faced in all settings including, but not limited to; the home, the community, at school and places of employment. Additionally, the DDPC is interested in learning more about potential solutions to these barriers, with a specific interest in identifying and prioritizing technological solutions.
To access the survey, please use the following link: DDPC is seeking responses through September 1, 2014.
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| 2014 Social Skills Group: Recreation Treatment Model Program
Do you know a child with a developmental disability (age 8-15) who needs help improving his or her social skills? People Inc. is launching a new 12-week program that focuses on improving conversational skills, identifying and understanding non-verbal cues, building appropriate relationships and handling difficult situations. Individuals must be eligible for services to participate. For more information or to register, contact Shannon Bianco at 716.880.3826.
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| People Inc. Hiring Direct Care Staff
Are you or is someone you know looking for a rewarding career experience? People Inc. is hiring direct care staff. People Inc. assists individuals with developmental disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities to help them live as independently as possible. People Inc. has openings with an immediate need for direct care staff and group home workers, behavior technicians, along with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Day, evening, overnight and weekend shifts are available primarily in the Southtowns, along with Northtown locations. There is an immediate need in Akron, Alden, Eden, Hamburg, North Tonawanda, Orchard Park and Silver Creek.
Employees receive numerous benefits, including paid time off, health insurance, paid training, 401(k) pension plan and tuition reimbursement. If interested, apply online at www.people-inc.org/careers.
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| PEOPLE INC. IN THE NEWS
Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives
“Federal change bodes well for job-seekers with disabilities:” People Inc. Associate Vice President of vocational and employment services William Schultz, contributed a column. The Buffalo News, Another Voice, July 15, 2014.
“Longtime People Inc. CEO Boles to retire:” People Inc. CEO announcement news. Buffalo Business First, July 17, 2014.
“People Inc.’s chief operating officer to replace longtime CEO in October:” People Inc. CEO announcement news. The Buffalo News, July 17, 2014.
“Frederick ready to assume reins at $144M People Inc.:” People Inc. CEO announcement news. Buffalo Business First, July 18, 2014.
“Major Makeover for Disability Accessible Signage in New York State:” Museum of disABILITY History Director Doug Farley interviewed about new accessible signage. YNN Buffalo, July 25, 2014.
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| OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS
Huffington Post: Yes, My Adult Son with Down Syndrome Lives at Home
“The first thing you should know is this: My son Marcus is an adult with Down syndrome and he lives with us, not because he has to, but because we want to live together.”
NPR: Advice for Dating with Asperger’s: Don’t Call 100 Times A Week
“Dating isn’t easy, and it's even less so when you've got Asperger's, an autism spectrum disorder that can make it hard to read social cues.”
Today: Go, Turbo, go! Tiny disabled dog gets special wheels crafted from toy parts
“A tiny Chihuahua born with a genetic defect is now back in action, thanks to some ingenuity — and a little faith — from an Indianapolis veterinarian.”
USA Today: Nordstrom ads feature models with disabilities
“It’s not easy to find models with disabilities in ads for the fashion and beauty industry — unless you look in the Nordstrom catalog.”
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| Bidding for Good Auction now Open!
Bidding for Good is an online auction and a fun and easy way to support People Inc. Log onto biddingforgood.com/peopleinc to discover amazing auction items including: Disney Hopper tickets, exciting trips, sports memorabilia, jewelry, fun gift cards and more! The auction is now open and will continue through 10 p.m. on August 17. Proceeds of the auction will benefit People Inc.’s programs and services. The auction is a component of the Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament, which takes place Monday, August 18, at East Aurora Country Club. You do not have to participate in the tournament to bid on an item. To learn more about the auction or golf tournament, contact Sarah Snyder, People Inc. annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269.
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| UB Anthropology Department to Present at Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series
As part of the Museum of disABILITY History’s Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, anthropologists Douglas Perrelli, PhD, Joyce E. Sirianni, PhD and Rosanne Higgins, PhD will explain their work at the old Erie County Almshouse Cemetery, located throughout the UB South Campus between Bailey and Main Streets in Buffalo.
When: Friday, August 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo
Cost: Adults – $5, Students, Seniors and Human Service Employees – $2.50, Members of the Museum of disABILITY History – free
Information/RSVP: Call 716.629.3626
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| Headway of WNY’s 5th Annual Walk, Run & Wheel 5K Event
Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is holding its walk, run or wheel fundraising event along Buffalo’s majestic waterfront to raise funds and awareness for people in our community who are living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities. Post-race festivities will take place at The Hatch and will include refreshments, awards, basket auction and live music.
When: Sunday, September 7; Check-in at 8:30 a.m., Start Time at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Erie Basin Marina and The Hatch, 329 Erie Street, Buffalo
Cost: $20
Information: Call 716.408.3100. Click here to register.
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| Rivershore, Inc.’s 5th Annual Gala Dinner
Join Rivershore, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc., for their Beatles-themed gala where guests can “Imagine” a world where people living with disabilities are accepted, loved and supported, just like everyone else. Maryalice Demler of WGRZ-TV Channel 2 will serve as emcee and world class jazz pianist, Matt Savage, will be the featured entertainer. All proceeds help Rivershore, Inc. carry out its mission of supporting people living with disabilities as they pursue and achieve meaningful lives.
When: Wednesday, October 1
Where: Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Dr., Lewiston
Note: Sponsorships still available! Donated auction items needed!
Information: Call 716.754.7272, ext. 15
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| Only $10 a Month Makes you a Supporting Member!
By giving just $10 a month, you can become a People Inc. Foundation Supporting Member! By pledging a recurring payment of $10 a month or with a one-time gift of $100 or more, you can become one of our valued Supporting Members. Your gift will help ensure the continued growth and vitality of our mission – helping individuals with developmental disabilities enjoy the greatest possible degree of independence and acceptance, in all aspects of their lives. People Inc. Foundation Supporting Members are critical for us to continue our mission. To learn how to become a Supporting Member, go to www.people-inc.org and select the Supporting Members tab under How to Help. If you have questions, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269.
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Emagine is a monthly E-publication for friends of People Inc. Produced by the People Inc. Public Relations & Marketing Department Leslie Garrity, Director
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