Deaf Access Services Hosts “A Magical Homecoming” Event to Recognize the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and its Supporters

Award-winning Deaf Magician Matthew “Magic” Morgan to Perform November 7, 2019: Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., is hosting “A Magical Homecoming” event on Wednesday, November 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joseph’s Country Manor and Grove, 275 Columbia Avenue, Depew, NY. The event welcomes the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, along with people from the Hearing community who support them.  The event includes a performance by Matthew “Magic” Morgan, an award-winning Deaf magician. During his highly visual performance, Morgan combines the art of illusion and comedy to give audiences a program of wholesome family entertainment by using humor, magic and mime.  Deaf leaders, volunteers and community partnerships will be recognized during the event. Award winners include: Mark Schroeder, NYS DMV Commissioner and former board member; Yann Spindler, community advocate; Best Self Behavioral Health and Deaf Access Services Advisory Council Members. The keynote speaker is Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO of People Inc. Deaf Access Services, which became an affiliate of People Inc. earlier this year, serves over 600 people through various programs. “We look forward to recognizing the people who have worked so hard this year to support the Deaf community in Western New York, said Pamela Kefi, executive director, Deaf Access Services. “We will also be celebrating our first year as an affiliate of People Inc. and all that our new partnership has to offer.” Event admission is $55 per person. For tickets, go to bit.ly/DASHomecoming. For more information, contact Stacy Allen at sallen@wnydas.org or call 716-335-9192. Services provided by Deaf Access Services include: In-Person Interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), American Sign Language classes, community services navigation and advocacy, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), assistive technology supports, employment placement, specialized Deaf refugee services, and Life Skills and Literacy adult education classes. Formed in 1983 by a group of dedicated Deaf leaders and volunteers concerned about the welfare of the Deaf community, Deaf Access Services is the only local non-profit community organization solely dedicated to serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Deaf Access Services envisions a community where all people experience equality, empowerment and inclusion to lead lives full of possibilities.

Deaf Access Services Merges with People Inc.

Partnership to provide increased services and advocacy People Inc. is pleased to announce that Deaf Access Services , which previously became an affiliate in February 2019, has now merged with the organization. Now a program of People Inc., Deaf Access Services will continue to provide the same high quality services for the Deaf and hard of hearing community throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region, with potential to expand further. As natural partners sharing a common mission to serve the community, the merger was part of the long-term plan when Deaf Access Services affiliated with People Inc. “This partnership will allow our services and advocacy to grow and continue to strengthen over time, delivering results for Deaf people and businesses who utilize our supports,” said Jodie Chibi, director of Deaf Access Services, a program of People Inc.  In 2022, Deaf Access Services experienced substantial growth, including: three times more service requests compared to 2021, an addition of more than 250 new business accounts and an increase of remote interpreting services. The program also provided weekly American Sign Language (ASL) classes for approximately 108 first- and second-grade students, as well as Deaf Cultural Competency Training for agencies across Western New York, among other initiatives.  The merger with People Inc. has been seamless with no interruption of services. “Together, we look forward to achieving great things and even more advocacy for Deaf and hard of hearing people,” said David Wantuck, community engagement specialist and ASL coordinator. “We will continue providing services to you just as usual.” Office space has also expanded for Deaf Access Services. In addition to its main office, located in the Tri-Main Center at 2495 Main Street in Buffalo, there is shared office space at Heart Love & Soul, 924 Niagara Avenue in Niagara Falls, along with offices at the People Inc. Greater Rochester Region Headquarters, 1860 Buffalo Road in Rochester. This expansion will assist in supporting community needs and allow the team to continue growing the program’s interpreting services to help work towards the goal of creating communities that are fully accessible.  For more information about services or to make an appointment for any of the office locations, email communications@wnydas.org or call 716-833-1637 , videophone 716-335-9192 . Deaf Access Services responds to the interests of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing by promoting communication access, awareness and opportunities in the greater community. The program provides: In-person interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), ASL classes, community services navigation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, assistive technology supports, employment placement and specialized Deaf refugee services.  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 .  

Deaf Access Services to Host Spring Virtual Fundraiser Events to Support Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

April 1, 2021: Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., is the only non-profit organization in Western New York that bridges gaps in services and communication among the Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities. To help support its programs, Deaf Access Services is hosting three ways you can help:  An online auction will be held from April 8 to15, with a variety of items to win. Check out wnydas.org . Deaf Access Services will hold its “Celebrating Deaf History” Spring Fundraiser virtually on Thursday, April 15. A virtual tour of the Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture, located in Olathe, Kansas, will be provided. If you are curious about the Deaf experience or want to learn about the rich heritage, this will be a great opportunity. Ticket are $11 and can purchased at wnydas.org. Another way to provide support is with BW’s Smokin’ Barrels Barbecue on Thursday, April 15, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at People Inc. Administrative Offices, 1219 North Forest, Williamsville. Three meal selections will be available and can be ordered online in advance at wnydas.org or on the day of the event, while supplies last. This is a drive-thru event only.  To learn more, contact Office@wnydas.org , call 716.833.1637 or videophone at 716.335.9192. Deaf Access Services continues to provide services remotely, due to the pandemic, in order for its clientele and businesses to access critical services. These include interpreting services, advocacy, employment readiness, educational supports for students, assistive devices and American Sign Language classes. Program information and event updates are posted on the Deaf Access Services Facebook . Formed in 1983 by a group of dedicated Deaf leaders and volunteers concerned about the welfare of the Deaf community, Deaf Access Services is the only local non-profit community organization solely dedicated to serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Deaf Access Services envisions a community where all people experience equality, empowerment and inclusion to lead lives full of possibilities. 

Deaf Access Services, a Program of People Inc. to Host Be the Light Gala to Celebrate 40 Years of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Tickets to be purchased by April 8  Download event flyer To help support its offerings, Deaf Access Services , a program of People Inc. , will host the Be the Light event on Thursday, April 20, at Shea's Performing Arts Center, 650 Main Street in Buffalo, NY.  This event celebrates 40 years of Deaf and hard of hearing services being provided throughout the community. The event features a keynote speaker, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, drinks, entertainment, a basket raffle, an award recognition ceremony and more. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view the historic Shea’s theatre by enjoying dinner on stage.  Event proceeds allow Deaf Access Services to continue bridging gaps in services and communication among the Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. The keynote speaker is Angela Maria Nardolillo, founder of Off-The-Grid Missions, the only organization in the world dedicated to providing Deaf and hard of hearing people with access to life-saving resources in high-risk, remote and disaster-stricken regions around the world. The cost of the event is $100 per person or a table for eight people is $750. Tickets may be purchased online at wnydas.or g by Saturday, April 8. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If you have questions about this event, contact David Wantuck at dwantuck@wnydas.org or call 716-833-1637 (phone) or 716-335-9192 (videophone). Deaf Access Services responds to the interests of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing by promoting communication access, awareness and opportunities in the greater community. The program provides: In-person interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), ASL classes, community services navigation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, assistive technology supports, employment placement and specialized Deaf refugee services.  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 .  

Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series features Author Diana Katovitch

Publication focuses on first school for children with intellectual disabilities in the United States As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host author Diana Katovitch who will conduct a free presentation on Saturday, September 9, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Katovitch will focus on her book, Beautiful Children: The Story of the Elm Hill School and Home for Feebleminded Children and Youth. The book is published by the Museum of disABILITY History. The Elm Hill School was the first school for children with intellectual disabilities in the United States, founded in 1848 in Barre, Massachusetts. During the discussion, Katovitch will review her research, the progressive nature of early special education and the importance of disability history.  Diana “Dee” Katovitch is the coordinator of the Peer2Peer Project and assistant director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. She worked for 21 years as a special education teacher in New York state public schools. What began as a personal research project on post-secondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities resulted in her book, The Power to Spring Up: Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Significant Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2009). She is a graduate of Syracuse University (B.S. School of Education ’90; Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies, ’14) and SUNY Cortland (M.S. in Reading ‘95). The presentation is ideal for those with an interest in the history of special education, as well as for parents, college students, college/university staff and K through 12 teachers. The softcover book costs $9.95 and will be for sale at the event.  Event registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or 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.

Diana Katovitch, Author and Syracuse University Assistant Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher, Launches New Book

Publication focuses on first school for children with intellectual disabilities in the United States Diana Katovitch, author of Beautiful Children: The Story of the Elm Hill School and Home for Feebleminded Children and Youth , will conduct a presentation on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at The Jacquet Education Commons, Syracuse University Huntington Hall, 804 University Avenue, Syracuse. The book is published through the Museum of disABILITY History and the presentation is part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series. The Elm Hill School was the first school for children with intellectual disabilities in the United States, founded in 1848 in Barre, Massachusetts. The school was known for its innovative methods and its long history of teaching students previously thought to be incapable of learning. During her discussion, Katovitch will review her research, the progressive nature of early special education and the importance of disability history. A question and answer session will also be held. The free presentation is ideal for those with an interest in the history of special education, including parents, Syracuse University staff members, staff, K-12 teachers and university students. The softcover book will be for sale at the event for $9.95. Diana “Dee” Katovitch is the coordinator of the Peer2Peer Project and assistant director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. She worked for 21 years as a special education teacher in New York state public schools. What began as a personal research project on post-secondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities resulted in her book, The Power to Spring Up: Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Significant Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2009). She is a graduate of Syracuse University (B.S. School of Education ’90; Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies, ’14) and SUNY Cortland (M.S. in Reading ‘95). To register for the presentation, complete the Syracuse University School of Education online form at blogs.soe.syr.edu/beautiful-children or call the Museum of disABILITY History at 716.629.3626.  The Commons is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible restroom. For additional accommodations to attend this event, contact Diana Katovitch at dlkatovi@syr.edu or 315.406.6945. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, located in Buffalo, NY, 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. The Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

Dining Out Dinner Event Fundraiser Supports People with Brain Injury

In recognition of March as National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is having a dining out dinner event with select area restaurants on Wednesday, March 29 and Thursday, March 30.  Participating restaurants include: Bonefish Grill , 1247 Niagara Falls Boulevard (at the Boulevard Mall), Amherst and Lombardo Ristorante , 1198 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo. Twenty percent of a patron’s dinner bill will be donated to Headway of WNY, Inc. Awareness and funds will be raised to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy, resources and support systems so they may live as independently as possible. To ensure a percentage of the dinner bill is donated to Headway of WNY, patrons can use event information cards that will be available at each restaurant to give to their server or simply let their server know they are dining to support Headway of WNY. For more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3100. Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides resources, support groups, training and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY, Inc. is a volunteer support, advocacy and resource organization that was founded in 1985 by caring families and individuals who have survived brain injury and other disabilities.

Dining Out Event Supports Individuals with Brain Injury

A Nourishing Event in Support of Headway of WNY, Inc. February 24, 2015:  In recognition of March as national brain injury awareness month, Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is holding a dining out event from March 2 to 4, with select area restaurants. Awareness and funds will be raised to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy, resources and support systems so they may live as independently as possible. Participating restaurants include Betty’s, 370 Virginia Street in Buffalo, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, 41 Virginia Place in Buffalo and Ristorante Lombardo, 1198 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. There are specific dates for the participating restaurants. For a flyer with more information and to present to your server so a percentage of your check will be donated to support Headway of WNY, go to headwayofwny.org . Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides resources, support groups, recreational programs, training and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY, Inc. is a volunteer support, advocacy and resource organization that was founded in 1985 by caring families and individuals who have survived brain injury and other disabilities.

Disability & the Media: A Community Dialogue

WHEN: Oct. 24, 2013 - 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. WHERE:  Harriman Hall, University at Buffalo South Campus and Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main St. WHO: DEAN of WNY (Disability Education and Advocacy Network of WNY) MEDIA CONTACT:  Dr. Michael Rembis, marembis@buffalo.edu                                            *******************************                                                                          How the disability community can empower itself through social media and the media's perception of the disability community will be examined during "Disability & the Media: A Community Dialogue" to be held on Oct. 24.  The conference will feature Dr. Beth Haller (Towson University, Maryland), who specializes in media portrayal of people with disabilities. Haller will give the keynote presentation on " Disability Advocacy in the New Media Environment " during the morning session. University at Buffalo professor Dr. Ezra B. Zubrow, a renowned anthropologist, will discuss media representation of people with disabilities in various parts of the world during the morning session. The conference also will offer: · Afternoon break-out sessions at the Museum of disABILITY  History led by Dr. Haller and by Buffalo News reporter Gene Warner and former News features editor Susan LoTempio. · Free catered breakfast and lunch at Harriman Hall. · Shuttle service between Harriman Hall and the museum. · Tours of the Museum offered between 3-4 p.m., for regular museum fee The event is accessible and barrier free with ASL interpreters. Participants must register in advance at: ( ) Early registration ends October 18, 2013. DEAN of WNY - made up of people with disabilities and their allies, promotes community education, access and advocacy for the disability community.