Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. recently welcomed U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy to the People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services location at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo to thank him for securing funds to purchase new or replace outdated physical, occupational and speech therapy equipment that will enable the agency to expand and elevate related services to people across Western New York and the Rochester area.

Through the efforts of Congressman Kennedy during his previous tenure in the New York State Senate a grant of $131,758 will support the purchase of dozens of pieces of equipment, including but not limited to a new treadmill, a stander, E-Pacer electric lifts, an EasyStand standing frame, an Obi adaptive feeding device, Rifton Transfer and Mobility device, and activity chair.

The Rehabilitative Health Services team provides physical (PT), occupational (OT) and speech interventions to approximately 4,700 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, as well as those diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, and Spina Bifida. Therapies are provided at the state-of-the-art clinic in Buffalo as well as 11 other locations.

“This grant will support the purchase of equipment that is essential to promoting independence and helping people reach their full potential, which are at the core of People Inc.’s mission,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “The addition of these devices can significantly increase access to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, help them improve many skills, and positively impact their daily routines. Ultimately, this is about improving the quality of people’s lives.”

“Western New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families rely on People Inc. to access the services they need to thrive,” Congressman Kennedy said. “This funding will provide the critical resources used to deliver world-class services to thousands of patients across the region. As an occupational therapist, I know first-hand how reliable and state-of-the-art equipment can boost patient outcomes and I was pleased to secure this funding during my time in the State Senate. I applaud People Inc. for always putting patients first and providing skills and support to patients and families that make everyday life easier.”

Congressman Kennedy also offered his compliments to the staff of the Rehabilitative Health Services Department and their outstanding work.

People Inc. Occupational Therapist Amanda Kujawinski demonstrated one of the new pieces of equipment purchased through the grant – the Obi. The Obi is designed for people with upper extremity mobility and strength limitations, who may otherwise be completely dependent on others for eating. This device utilizes customizable switch access, allowing people to select the food they want, when they want it, and bring it to their mouth independently. The robotic arm, which is structured like a human arm, moves over the plate to select food items, simulating natural mealtime patterns. Amanda remarked “The Obi embodies the values and vision that we strive to integrate into our roles as clinicians at People Inc. and as an agency. That is, we try to help people achieve the highest possible degree of independence.”

People Inc. Occupational Therapist Kayla Conaway explained how another new piece of equipment – the pacer gait trainer – will be used daily to help patients ambulate where otherwise this would not be possible. It is unique because of the motorized function that allows the clinician to assist patients from a seated position into a standing position, even if they are unable to support themselves in standing on their own. She stated, “One of the most important attributes that the pacer has shown is the ability to bring hope and joy to patients who never believed walking would ever be a possibility. We often take walking for granted but when you see the pure joy on our patients’ faces when using this device, we are reminded of what a privilege it is.”

Lynette Trudeau, a current Rehabilitative Health Services patient, during the press conference shared how the dedicated team of clinicians use the state-of-the-art equipment to make lasting impacts on her quest for greater independence.