Disability History & Awareness Education Bill - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT

Friends and Supporters of the NYS Disability History and Awareness Education Bill, WE NEED SUPPORT FROM OUR NYS LEGISLATURE TO ENACT A.4384/S.2352 NOW! WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!!! Next week may be too late! This bill will help teachers prepare students to better understand, accept and respect people with disabilities by making available to all K-12 schools disability history and awareness education materials with the goal of promoting civic responsibility, awareness and understanding of people with disabilities. This bill will be a conduit for removing negative stereotypes and the development of a more inclusive and tolerant society. IF OUR NY REPRESENTATIVES DO NOT HEAR FROM ADVOCATES, THIS IMPORTANT EDUCATION BILL WILL END! Put disability history and awareness curriculum in every classroom in NYS. Assembly member Cathy Nolan and Senator John Flannigan's office especially need to hear from us TODAY. CALL THEM, WRITE THEM - PLEASE CONTACT THEM TODAY. Urge them to support A.4384 (Schroeder) / S.2352 (Grisanti) and urge them to put the bill on the next Education Committee Agenda. PLEASE SEND TWO communications to your elected state representative(s) in the Assembly and the Senate. Please send:      1.)  MEMO OF SUPPORT ON YOUR LETTERHEAD AND      2.)  SAMPLE LETTER TO YOUR NYS REPRESENTATIVE. Unsure of who your state representatives are? Visit:  and . Please feel free to personalize your memo and letter. Please mail/fax your memo to as many Representatives as possible. In addition, please send a copy of your agency Memo of Support to  cherrick@people-inc.org or fax to (716) 817-7234. We are meeting with NYS Representatives now and require these memos and letters. Please send copies of your letters and memos as soon as possible. Your help is appreciated! Now is the time to make sure that history is not repeated and that people with disabilities are treated respectfully! Show your support for this important education bill. Send your memos today! PLEASE HELP MAKE A.4384/S.2352 A REALITY

Disability History Curriculum Bill being pushed in the State Legislature

Last year a bill was introduced in the New York State Legislature requiring children in grades K-12 in New York State be taught through a curriculum developed by the Museum of disABILITY History the history of people with disabilities. The bill and curriculum aim to promote greater awareness and understanding of people with disabilities by amending current NYS Education Law 801 to make available to all students “suitable curriculum materials to aid in the instruction, understanding and acceptance of students with disabilities.” The bill is sponsored by Senator Mark Grisanti of Buffalo and Assemblymember Michael Cusick of Staten Island. Cusick is also the Chair for the NYS Assembly’s Disabilities Task Force. “Teaching kids this important history will open their minds to the unfortunate past of how people with disabilities have been treated while at the same time show them the contribution they make and will continue to make to society,” said James M. Boles, Ed.D., president and chief operating officer of People Inc. Presently the bill is in the Education Committees of both houses of the Legislature. The goal is to get the bill passed by the end of the Legislature’s legislative session this June. For more information, contact People Inc. Public Affairs Director Kevin Horrigan at Khorrigan@people-inc.org or 716.817.7475.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement from People Inc.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire agency, People Inc. and its affiliates are committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for everyone—the people that we support, our employees and our communities.  Recently, there has been civil unrest locally and across the nation regarding social injustices and systemic oppression for people of color. We express our sincere condolences to the families of people that have lost loved ones and who have been harmed due to horrific, racially-based acts. We strongly denounce racism and violence in society, and support the need for equality for all people of color.  We will continue to work together with the help of our DEI Committee to unite our communities and create a better future for all.

Documentary Screening of Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement at Museum of disABILITY History

The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to be a host site for a screening of the movie Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement, Wednesday, April 1, from 7 to 9 p.m., 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The one-hour documentary questions commonly held beliefs about disability. Following the screening, there will be a discussion and Q&A session with producer and director Regan Brashear. The screening is presented by the University at Buffalo Accessibility Resources and Wellness Education Services and the Museum of disABILITY History. Event admission is $6 for adults, $3.50 for students and seniors. For more information or to RSVP, call 716-629-3626.

Dr. Lizbeth Booth 2024 Supervisors of the Year Celebrated

People Inc. celebrated the Dr. Lizbeth Booth Supervisors of the Year Awards, which recognizes the critical role of our supervisors who directly support people receiving services. The awards honor the memory and legacy of Lizbeth Booth, PhD, who was an integral part of many different areas at People Inc. for nearly 30 years. Dr. Booth inspired her staff, helped them build their own skills and empowered them to become a resource to others. At the recognition breakfast, People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey said, "As a supervisor, I know you are training and engaging your team, and your wisdom and expertise have a profound impact on them and the care we provide. Your guidance sets the tone and results in people achieving their dreams, turning houses into homes, and ensuring people can live fulfilling lives."  Noting her appreciation for all that the supervisors do, she added, "It is clear, both from my experience over the past year and from the voices of the nominators, that this year’s Supervisors of the Year are natural leaders who are: patient, encouraging, compassionate, inclusive, adaptable, and quick to offer recognition. Thank you for lifting People Inc. to incredible heights." The honorees are:  Diana Ball Quintella Cottrell Monica Debus Maura Dimino Kelly Dlugosz Erika Falinski Maddison Fleming Shannon Greiner Thomas Griffith Charmaine Henley-Brown Amy Johnson Ken Kraffert Sarah Loeffler Ijeoma Mack Jenna McKeone Natalie Moore Andrea Parrish Tara Polakiewicz Denise Smaszcz Daniel Soto Cassandra Special Angela Winslow Jason Zauner

Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

People Inc.'s 6th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament will be held Monday, August 27, 2007 at the East Aurora Country Club. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. In-kind donations and auction items are greatly appreciated. To reserve your foursome or to make a donation, contact Foundation Director Denise M. Paszkiewicz at 716.817-7470. Click here for the Golf Tournament brochure Learn more about the People Inc. Foundation!

Earth Day Celebrated by People Inc. Self-Directed Staff

Teamwork provided spring maintenance and a tree planting in Allegany County. Continuing a partnership with IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc, members of the People Inc. Self-Directed team gathered on Earth Day 2024 to clear trails of winter blowdowns, trim branches, raking out drainage, mark trail hazards such as large fallen trees, and plant a new tree. The trails are open to the public and are an often visited attraction by people supported through the Self-Directed Program. IMPACT's mission is to conserve, improve and advocate for year-round access to a diverse network of public trails and greenways in Allegany County. These are multi-purpose trails used by hikers, backpackers, trail runners, snowshoe and cross-country skiers. The butternut hickory tree was planted near the parking lot and picnic area for trail #5, located  here  on the West Almond Trail System within the Turnpike Sate Forest. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Supervising Forester Greg Muller provided education and guidance on tree planting.

East Aurora Resident Thomas Ess Promoted to Associate Vice President at People Inc.

Thomas Ess of East Aurora, NY has been promoted to Associate Vice President at People Inc. Ess has held positions as a developmental specialist, program manager, program administrator, senior program manager and program director. He has his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Allegheny College. He is currently finishing an MA in Human Service Administration from Buffalo State College. Ess’ new position will involve oversight of residential operations for the Intermediate Care Facility Department and a portion of the Individualized Residential Alternative Department, oversight of free standing respite and engaging the community. Ess wants community members to know that People Inc. can offer so much and so many opportunities. He said, “The friendships I have made with individuals and coworkers at People Inc. are irreplaceable. They have taught me more than I could ever teach or give them. I am a very lucky man to have them in my life.” Ess first heard about People Inc. from The Buffalo News in the employment section after he graduated from college. He recalled, “Shortly into my career at People Inc., I was provided the opportunity and great responsibility of being a program manager in my home town of East Aurora. I remember showing up for my first day as manager at 6 a.m. I was greeted by one individual who promptly told me his life story. I felt right at home.” Ess concluded that, “Every day at People Inc. is an opportunity to do something meaningful.” Ess is also actively involved in serving his community as a Former Assistant Chief and Current Captain of the East Aurora Fire Department. He is a part-time Public Safety Dispatcher for the East Aurora Police Department and Fire Control. Ess serves as ADA Coordinator for the Village of East Aurora. Additionally, he serves as Vice Chairperson of the Enterprise Charter School board of trustees and graduate of Leadership Buffalo Class of 2013.   

EKS Day - Saturday, September 24, 2011

Celebrating Eunice Kennedy Shriver as Champion...Advocate...Leader... People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History in Buffalo, NY recognizes Eunice Kennedy Shriver on EKS Day on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Eunice Kennedy Shriver's legacy of service is being remembered worldwide on the 2nd annual global EKS Day as she will be celebrated around the world bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities in sport activities and other events. People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History recognizes Eunice Kennedy Shriver for her achievements - please see  this flyer to see some of her accomplishments and the education programs offered by the Museum of disABILITY History.