People Inc. Program Participant and his Workplace Honored
For more than six years, Justin Basinski has worked at The Irishman Pub and Eatery in Williamsville, as a dishwasher. Also a participant in our Supported Employment Program that provides individuals with developmental disabilities and other special needs, training, as well as assistance with acquiring and maintaining employment, Justin is proud to be an employee at The Irishman, and the company is thrilled to have him on board. General manager Maria MacPeek spoke Justin’s praise at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Awards Luncheon on October 22. Maria was there to accept an award for being a local business that employs individuals with disabilities. People Inc. nominated The Irishman for the award and attended the reception at the Columns Banquets Hall in Elma.
People Inc. thanks The Irishman and all other local businesses that help increase employment rates for individuals with disabilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013, only 17.6 percent of persons with a disability were employed, as opposed to the 64 percent employment for those without a disability. It’s time for that to change.
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Longtime Supporter Passes Away
People Inc. is saddened to share that longtime supporter and Foundation Board Chair, Ralph J. Vanner, Sr., passed away November 8, 2014. Ralph has been a tireless advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs for more than 40 years. We are so grateful for his incredible support of our programs and services. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences go out to the Vanner family.
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Arts Experience Performs Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road! Don’t miss your last chance to see our dinner theatre production of The Wizard of Oz. The performance, put on by participants in our Arts Experience Day Habilitation program, will be held on November 18, at 11 a.m. at The Forvm, 4224 Maple Road, Amherst.
People Inc.’s Arts Experience Day Habilitation showcases the talents of adults with developmental disabilities. The program offers classes in visual art, theatre, music, dance, jewelry design, fitness dance and creative writing.
The Wizard of Oz was selected by the actors two years ago. Since then, they have been memorizing scripts and lyrics and striving to create their own adaptation with an unforgettable show. Arts Experience participants also contributed to the show’s design, developing props, sets, programs, costumes and more! Attend the performance and see the vibrant product of their hard work! The cost is $20 and includes a meal. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Rebecca Pitcher at rpitcher@people-inc.org or 716.768.2360.
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Improving the Health of Young People: Integrating Mental Health Care and Primary Care in WNY If you are a primary care physician or behavioral health provider in Western New York, you know that New York State is pushing for a more holistic approach to treating patients as part of its Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Join local experts in the field on Friday, November 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to learn how to best integrate primary care and mental health care. The workshop will be held at the UAW Region 9, 35 George Karl Boulevard, Buffalo.
The presentations will include: how to improve quality of care, including mental health for patients under age 27; training to improve mental health care; implementation plans; payment for combined services; creating the best care plans for patients; and a regional approach to de-stigmatizing mental health care.
The workshop is hosted by the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc. To register by November 15, click here. For more information, contact Amanda Scates-Preisinger at apreisinger@people-inc.org or 716.374.0179. The workshop has been funded by the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation.
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November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers of people who have Alzheimer’s have many challenges, including depression and financial concerns, as well as physical and emotional stress.
Caregivers are not alone through this devastating disease and are encouraged to use our day program as a resource. People Inc. Seniors Unlimited is a social day program that meets the needs of adults who have developed dementia or memory loss, which may have been caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease or other illnesses. Our program provides caregivers time to work, run errands or even time to just take a break. Participants receive socialization and activities in a safe environment needed to maintain a better quality of life. The program is now accepting participants. For more information, click here or call 716.853.4500.
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PEOPLE INC. IN THE NEWS
Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives. “Prepare to be inspired at Museum of disABILITY:” The column by David Sherman, Bee Group Newspapers managing editor, was a result of a guided tour that was coordinated for editors/reporters of the Bee Group Newspapers at the Museum of disABILITY History. Amherst Bee, October 29, 2014.
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EVENTS Assistive Technology Conference: From SmartHomes to SmartSupports
Kitchen countertops that adjust to wheelchair height or the ability for an individual in a wheelchair to control lighting, telephone and security without relying on others are just a few of the many features available in SmartHomes. Learn more about the assessments, technology and support needs used when developing a SmartHome during the conference. People Inc. is proud to be a sponsor of this event. When: Wednesday, November 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Millennium Hotel, 2040 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga.
Info/Costs: Tracey Kosmoski at tkosmoski@people-inc.org or 716.817.7484 or click here for a registration form.
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| NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF DISABILITY HISTORY Encore Presentation of Kelly's Hollywood
If you missed the Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series event last month, there is still a chance to see the featured movie, Kelly's Hollywood. The documentary is about a young woman who has Down syndrome and her brother’s quest to fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. When: Friday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Where: People Inc., 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst
Admission: $5.00 and FREE for members of the Museum of disABILITY History.
RSVPs Required: Sarah Jerge at sjerge@people-inc.org or 716.626.3626
Get into the Holiday Spirit with Music by Universal Mind!
Get your dancing shoes ready and join us as Universal Mind plays music to spread holiday cheer on Friday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo.
The event is FREE and open to the public. Sponsored by Aspire of Western New York, Universal Mind is comprised of musicians who are all “differently-abled.” Formed in 2007, the group performs some of the greatest rock hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s as well as their own dynamic material. They play for businesses, parties and conferences.
The event will include a basket raffle, refreshments and tours of the Museum. A gift wrapping station will also be available for those who would like to get a head start on holiday gift wrapping. Simply bring in gifts that you have already purchased, and the Museum team will wrap them for only $1.00 per gift (up to five gifts)! For more information, call 716.629.3626.
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OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS
ABC News: Former Ballerina Teaches Students with Down Syndrome to Dance
“Rather than the rigorous perfectionism Perry chased when she danced in a ballet company, she now focuses on having fun with the kids and getting them to simply express themselves through their dancing.” Disability Scoop: TV Networks Featuring More Characters with Disabilities
“The number of characters with disabilities appearing on broadcast television is on the rise.”
Forbes: The Best Jobs for People with Disabilities
“Several of the jobs on the list, like computer support specialist, accountant and statistician, entail heavy use of computers, which can be set up for people who are blind and/or deaf.”
NBC News: Jerry Seinfeld to Brian Williams: ‘I Think I’m on the Spectrum’
“Jerry Seinfeld tells Brian Williams he's observed in himself behavior that makes him think he may have autism.”
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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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