On Thursday, October 6, the Western New York Employment Consortium & Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) held its annual luncheon to honor inclusive companies employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Among the business leaders recognized were Dr. Christian Duquin of Duquin Family Chiropractic, LCC. and Kevin and Cassandra Sheedy of Chick-Fil-A in Cheektowaga, who were nominated by People Inc.

Duquin Family Chiropractic, LCC
Dr. Duquin stated, “I am grateful for the partnership that we’ve established over the years with People Inc. When Jess [Jessica Broughton, Senior Employment Supervisor] asked me about helping out [the SEMP program], I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.” Dr. Duquin is thrilled with the work being done at his office and commented on the professionalism and friendliness of the program participants and staff.

Dr. Duquin founded Duquin Family Chiropractic, PLLC in 2015 and has been committed to serve the community. Dr. Duquin has worked with People Inc. Supported Employment program since 2019. During that time, Dr. Duquin has provided young adults and students an opportunity to work in a safe, friendly and supportive work environment. By doing so, the participants are able to gain and utilize important work skills needed to be successful in their future employment. Dr. Duquin is always willing to assist our program in order to promote integration and awareness. The students and young adults who have completed internships, assessments and work experiences there have been especially grateful for the calming and accepting atmosphere that the Duquin Family Chiropractic office has provided.

Cassandra and Kevin Sheedy of Chick-Fil-A in Cheektowaga
Rosemary Young is employed at Chick-fil-A on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. She’s a friendly woman with a kind smile who also goes by Rosie. She’s been working at Chick-fil-A for two years this past July. The manager Will Potts stated that Rosie is a great addition to the Chick-fil-A family, “She does a wonderful job and brings sincere friendliness to the dining room.” Rosie was very excited to give a tour of her work space and her duties. Rosemary shared about her employer, “They are nice people who they treat me nice.” “Sometimes they give me rides to company events or home from work if the weather is bad.” Rosie said that her workplace treats her like a family. She is invited to all of the company events. Many of her coworkers and supervisors know that she relies on public transportation and will often give her rides to and from the events. Rosie’s favorite meal at work is the chicken nuggets with a strawberry milkshake. The owners Kevin and Cassie always speak with Rosie when she is working. They said they cannot wait for Tuesday to come because they are happy to see Rosie and miss her the other days. Rosie’s job coach Robert Barlow indicated that Rosie is doing a great job. “Rosie is a pleasure to work with and never has a bad day.” “She is a hard worker, always has a smile and makes me feel good about the work I do.”

People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.