| Buffalo Natives Featured in Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series Siblings often have a special connection – they offer support and lift each other’s spirits. In the documentary, Kelly’s Hollywood, the sibling bond is captured between Buffalo natives, Brian and Kelly Donovan. The movie is Brian’s tribute to his sister, Kelly, who was born with Down syndrome. A 1985 graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Brian moved to Hollywood and became a writer, actor, director and producer. The inspirational film is about a brother’s quest to help his sister fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. The event provides entertainment and information while exploring issues faced by individuals with disabilities. The event goal mirrors Brian’s reasoning for the film. Brian shared, “By documenting my sister, I hope the film illuminates that it’s not who you are when you’re born, but who you are when you live.” The film will be shown twice on October 17, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Amherst Dipson Theatre, 3500 Main Street, Buffalo. A reception with Brian Donovan will be at 5 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Costs: $10 in advance, $15 day of the event and free for members of the Museum of disABILITY History Members. Proceeds benefit the Museum of disABILITY History, Bornhava and Cantalician Center. For tickets, call 716.629.3626 or go to disabilityfilmfest.org. Stay updated with the Film and Speaker Series news by joining the event on Facebook.
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“Stepping Beyond Illness” Presentation Features Author Stephen Nawotniak The Museum of disABILITY History will welcome Stephen Nawotniak, author of Handbook for Healthy Living with a Mood Disorder, as its next featured presenter for its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series. The event will be held on Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m., at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Nawotniak will share his personal story and how some activities from his book can support a person in designing a desired quality of life. A review on “The Acceptance Ladder” (a tool in the book), along with a question and answer session will also be included.
In 2012, Nawotniak was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a weeklong hospitalization for severe depression. He has been coping with the symptoms and is currently in the process of recovery. In his book, Nawotniak offers an experienced-based sharing of skills and tools that have worked for him. Relying on his expertise as a licensed occupational therapist, he focuses on constructing a meaningful quality of life using skills that are effective and important for everybody while addressing and accommodating the needs unique to bipolar disorder. The cost to attend is: Adults – $5, Students, Seniors, and Human Service Employees – $2.50, Members of the Museum of disABILITY History – free. For more information or to RSVP, call 716.629.3626.
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| Room Rentals Available Community organizations, businesses and networking groups are invited to rent meeting space at the Museum of disABILITY History. Located inside of a lovely two-story building, the Museum is fully ADA-compliant. Ethernet availability, laptop connection capabilities and other features are provided. Each room is available for use Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special permission is required to schedule a room outside of the standard hours. Organizations are welcome to bring their own food. For more information or to schedule a conference room, call 716.629.3626.
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Volunteer at the Museum of disABILITY History! Are you looking for a fun and interesting activity to participate in during your spare time? Do you have a passion for education and history that you would like to share with the community? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then a volunteer opportunity is waiting for you at the Museum of disABILITY History! The goal of the volunteer program is to recruit people who are passionate about education and history. Various opportunities are available, including: performing research on assigned topics, cataloguing new museum acquisitions, special event planning and assistance, serving as a docent and conducting outreach with local organizations. If this sounds intriguing to you, contact Thomas Stearns, Museum coordinator, at tstearns@people-inc.org or 716.629.3604.
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