New Exhibit, The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic at Museum of disABILITY History

Exhibit inspires dialogue about the treatment of those with mental illness  January 19, 2015: The Museum of disABILITY History will host the limited-time traveling exhibit, The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic , with a grand opening event on Friday, February 27, at 6 p.m., at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. In 1995, when the Willard Psychiatric Center, located in the Finger Lakes region of NY, closed its doors, an incredible discovery was made in the attic: hundreds of suitcases, untouched for decades, filled with the most important belongings of their former owners. This incredible collection of personal belongings was carefully removed and has become a tribute to the lives of those patients. Their stories are now told through this moving exhibit.  The history of mental illness is often forgotten or dismissed. The exhibit offers a patient-centered view of the history of psychiatry, while honoring the memories of those who packed the suitcases, and hopes to inspire dialogue about the treatment of those with mental illness.  The exhibit will be on display at the Museum of disABILITY History until April 11. The exhibit was created by The Community Consortium, an organization that works to promote the full citizenship and civil rights of people with psychiatric disabilities. The grand opening event is a fundraiser for the Museum of disABILITY History. Admission is $25, which includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. For more information, go to museumofdisability.org or call 716-629-3626. Reservations for the opening event are required. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness. <!--[endif]-->

People Inc. Interviewing for Staff Members During Open Interview Event

Dedicated employees needed to support individuals with disabilities People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, is now hiring and training full- and part-time employees. An Open Interview Event will be held on Wednesday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the agency’s recruitment office, 692 Millersport Highway, Amherst. People Inc. is actively recruiting for people seeking life-changing careers to work as a direct support professional, RN or LPN. Attendees will have the chance to learn about People Inc. and interview on-the-spot with a recruiter. No appointments needed. Applicants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes, dress professionally and be prepared for an interview.  With a staff of 3,860, People Inc. is one of Western New York’s largest employers and offers a number of employee benefits including tuition reimbursement and 401(k) plan with employer match, along with generous paid time off and health insurance for full-time employees. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. Those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers . For more information, call 716.322.7050. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit  people-inc.org . Like us on Facebook at  People Inc . and follow us on Twitter  @PeopleIncNews .

Senior Apartments in Lockport Offer Affordability and Safety Features

Tours provided during open house event People Inc. Pine Senior Living will host an open house on Tuesday, November 14, from noon to 5 p.m., at 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport. Seniors and family members who may be interested in affordable senior housing are encouraged to attend. Tours of the apartments will be provided, which are for independent seniors age 62 and over who are income eligible. Two benefits of People Inc. Pine Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Monthly rent is based on the tenant’s and/or couple’s adjusted income. As an added cost savings, some utilities are included. The one-bedroom apartments include a kitchen with appliances. For added safety, there is a day-time manager and a live-in caretaker for building emergencies. Safety features include stove fire prevention devices, grab bars in the bathroom, emergency pull-cords and a secure entrance. The apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities and a 24-hour response system. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide tenants assistance to supports and services at no extra charge. Group transportation to grocery stores is provided. For tenants who like to socialize, there are a variety of social events and community outings held throughout the year. Additionally, a presentation will be made at the open house event by Pets in Peaceful Rest, a family-owned-and-operated pet memorial and cremation center, offering pet loss services, special pet tribute products and grief support materials. Event attendees will have a chance to win a $25 gift card to the Fieldstone Country Inn Restaurant in Lockport. The event is free; registration encouraged. For more information, call 716-433-3381. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

Workshop Focuses on Methods Parents and Educators can Help Young People Living with Tourette Syndrome Reach their Full Potential

Registration due by February 9 The Museum of disABILITY History will host its 2018 workshop session of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Associated Disorders in the Classroom on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The workshop will be presented by Susan Conners, MEd, president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State.  The workshop will focus on ways parents and educators can help accommodate young people with TS and associated disorders, so that they can reach their full potential. The workshop is recommended for parents; educators; school administrators; social workers and health and human service professionals, such as occupational, physical and speech language therapists.  Held in association with Learning Partners, the workshop offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The cost is $40 for professionals and parents and $10 for students. There is an additional fee of $40 for those pursuing CEUs. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Wi-Fi available (bring your own laptop). Registration with payment is due by February 9. Registration forms are available online at museumofdisability.org or call 716.629.3626 with payment information.  Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

“Mike Randall and Friends” Performance at People Inc. Pine Senior Living in Lockport

People Inc. Pine Senior Living presents Magic, Puppets and Fun on Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport (off Transit Road near Millersport Highway). The family-friendly event includes a “Mike Randall and Friends” performance that features puppets, magic, ventriloquism and audience participation. A hot dog cookout and refreshments will be provided. Attendees can also tour apartments for independent seniors age 62 and up. Monthly rent is based on income; some utilities included. People Inc. Pine Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances, accessible bathroom and safety features. The apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24-hour on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Tenants are welcome to have a small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide connections to services as needed to tenants at no extra charge. For those who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year. To register for the event or for more information, call 716-433-3381. People Inc. manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716-817-9090. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. 

"African Americans and the Disability Experience" Exhibit

"African Americans and the Disability Experience" Exhibit Debuts at People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History BUFFALO, N.Y., January 26, 2011: People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to unveil its newest exhibit called, "African Americans and the Disability Experience." An opening reception, to coincide with Black History Month, will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Amherst. The keynote speaker will be Ellen Grant, Ph.D., LCSW-R. The one-of-a-kind exhibit chronicles the perspective of African-Americans in relation to their experiences with disability from colonial times, desegregation, advocacy and achievement. The goal is to bring awareness and attention to uncover the history of African Americans experiences with disabilities covering the first African slaves brought to colonial America, Brown vs. Board, civil rights, and medical accomplishments. It took three years for the Museum's researcher to uncover buried history to make a valuable and respectful exhibit. "This is a part of American history that has been mostly ignored. It is just now starting to receive attention from scholars," said Researcher Reid Dunlavey. From her health and educational background, Dr. Grant was instrumental with guiding the Museum's staff to help complete the exhibit. "The information is heart wrenching in many respects, but it is important that we force our eyes to look at it and be reminded of one's treatment of man to man," Dr. Grant shared. "The good news is that we continue to overcome and build bridges where once there were fences and walls." Dr. Grant provides management of the Buffalo City Mission's Women and Children's Shelter. She is managing partner of her consulting firm First Advantage Consulting. Dr. Grant began her career as a nurse at Erie County Medical Center. She was vice president and administrator of Buffalo General Hospital's Community Health Center. She was the first African American to be appointed Erie County Mental Health Commissioner and was the former chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Grant serves on numerous boards and has earned many awards for her accomplishments. The exhibit will be open to the public to view from February 4 to April 22. Educators, students, community groups, religious leaders, and medical and human service professionals are encouraged to visit. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 716.629.3626. Walk-ins welcome. The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society's reactions. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness.

"African Americans and the Disability Experience" Exhibit Debuts at

BUFFALO, N.Y., January 26, 2011: People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to unveil its newest exhibit called, "African Americans and the Disability Experience." An opening reception, to coincide with Black History Month, will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Amherst. The keynote speaker will be Ellen Grant, Ph.D., LCSW-R. The one-of-a-kind exhibit chronicles the perspective of African-Americans in relation to their experiences with disability from colonial times, desegregation, advocacy and achievement. The goal is to bring awareness and attention to uncover the history of African Americans experiences with disabilities covering the first African slaves brought to colonial America, Brown vs. Board, civil rights, and medical accomplishments. It took three years for the Museum's researcher to uncover buried history to make a valuable and respectful exhibit. "This is a part of American history that has been mostly ignored. It is just now starting to receive attention from scholars," said Researcher Reid Dunlavey. From her health and educational background, Dr. Grant was instrumental with guiding the Museum's staff to help complete the exhibit. "The information is heart wrenching in many respects, but it is important that we force our eyes to look at it and be reminded of one's treatment of man to man," Dr. Grant shared. "The good news is that we continue to overcome and build bridges where once there were fences and walls." Dr. Grant provides management of the Buffalo City Mission's Women and Children's Shelter. She is managing partner of her consulting firm First Advantage Consulting. Dr. Grant began her career as a nurse at Erie County Medical Center. She was vice president and administrator of Buffalo General Hospital's Community Health Center. She was the first African American to be appointed Erie County Mental Health Commissioner and was the former chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Grant serves on numerous boards and has earned many awards for her accomplishments. The exhibit will be open to the public to view from February 4 to April 22. Educators, students, community groups, religious leaders, and medical and human service professionals are encouraged to visit. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 716.629.3626. Walk-ins welcome. The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society's reactions. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org, the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness.

"Diffability Hollywood" Featured at Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series

Documentary captures Hollywood’s portrayal of people with disabilities in films throughout history June 2, 2017: The next movie to be featured in the Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will be Diffability Hollywood , presented on Saturday, June 17, with two showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. A reception with refreshments and a question and answer session will be held between screenings at 5 p.m. Produced by Espocinema and created by Adrian Esposito, Diffability Hollywood is a documentary about Hollywood’s portrayal of people with disabilities in films throughout history. A resident of Rochester, NY, Esposito will be the featured speaker during the event’s reception. Esposito’s main goal in making this film is to portray people with disabilities in a less stereotypical way and to advocate for the inclusion of more writers, directors and actors with disabilities in the movie industry. Esposito, an award-winning filmmaker, has autism and is a spokesperson who seeks to help the world accept people with disabilities as capable, seeing their disabilities as “diffabilities.” Diffability Hollywood features celebrities who have disabilities, actors and advocates, including: Edward Barbanell, Jamie Brewer, Chris Burke, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Potter and Danny Woodburn. A portion of the footage was filmed at the Museum of disABILITY History and Curator Doug Platt is included in the film, providing insight on how characters with disabling conditions are portrayed in popular culture. Event tickets are $5 per person and for sale in advance at the Museum of disABILITY History, online at store.museumofdisability.org or at the Museum on the day of the event; limited space available. To purchase or reserve tickets by phone, call 716-629-3626. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

"I Am A Person": Advocates Host a Celebration of Disability History Week

On October 23, 2009, in recognition of Disability HistoryWeek, (Oct. 18th - 24th, 2009), advocates with disabilities will be holding an event at Canisius College. The location for the celebration is the Richard E. Winter Student Center (on the 2nd floor) and the time is from 9:30am - 2:30pm. The theme for our event is entitled: "I Am a Person". Assemblyman Mark Schroeder will be speaking at the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. The theme of the event is based around the truth that people with disabilities are people first. As many have said, "I am a person first, I have a name!" The focus is to remove labels and focus on individuality. The purpose of this event is to educate the general public about people with visible and invisible disabilities, people first language, and disability history. The event will publicize Disability History Week and bring awareness of resources for teaching disability awareness in schools. Among the activities of the day will be: a panel discussion with local disability leaders, a workshop on getting involved as a citizen, a historical film discussion with the Museum of disAbility History, and a poetry jam hosted by artists from the Starlight Art Gallery. Information tables with materials from local disability awareness providers, a disability history display, and school curriculum will be available. Participants will be invited to shred the negative labels that have been used to define them in a fun demonstration. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by FREEDOM, Innovative Voice, and LEADERS Self Advocacy Groups, the Self Advocacy Association of NYS, WNY Independent Living Center, Mental Health Peer Connection, and People Inc. Contact: Richard Marino, AmeriCorps Member, 517.3598 or Kevin Horrigan, People Inc., 866.5893.