Museum of disABILITY History Unveils “Little Differences: The Portrayal of Children with disABILITIES Throughout History” Exhibit

April 8, 2013: People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to unveil its newest exhibit called, “Little Differences: The Portrayal of Children with disABILITIES Throughout History.” An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   The “Little Differences” exhibit includes a six panel banner stand showing how children with disabilities have been depicted from the biblical era to modern times in art, literature, heroic characters, telethons and media campaigns. A selection of artifacts from the Museum’s collection will be on display to complement the banner stands, including a selection of classic fundraising posters and photographs.   Children with disabilities have often been used as “poster children” to raise funds and awareness. To help make a connection, organizations put a face on disability – the face was often a young one intended to rouse the audience to action. The images have helped shape perceptions. The keynote speaker for the event is Michael A. Rembis, Ph.D., director of the Center for Disability Studies at the University at Buffalo and assistant professor in the Department of History. Along with Douglas Platt, curator for the Museum of disABILITY History, Dr. Rembis assisted with the development of the exhibit. The exhibit is supported by the New York Council for the Humanities and Erie County. The exhibit will be open to the public to view until the end of August. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 716-629-3626. Walk-ins and group tours welcome.   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 offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.   People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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.

Music Performance by Rapper Avery Gill Encourages Buffalo City Honors Students to Eliminate the Derogatory use of the R-word

What: Buffalo City Honors Assembly Program with Music by Avery Gill, alumni member, to promote “Spread the Word to End the Word” When: Friday, February 17, 2017, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Where: Buffalo City Honors School, 186 East North Street, Buffalo, NY (Auditorium) Information:  The Buffalo City Honors Assembly Program will feature a performance by Avery Gill, who graduated from City Honors' Students with Autism Rising to Success (STARS) Program. He recently realized his dream of producing his first rap album. Gill, who has been writing rap music for more than ten years, is a participant in People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching and Arts Experience programs. He lives with a mild form of autism, but does not let that stop him from writing songs, producing his own beats and performing. The event will also include a presentation by Frank Cammarata, executive director of the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities, describing the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. The campaign raises awareness about the corrosive impact of using the term “retard” in casual speech and asks audiences to carefully consider their choice of words. The campaign encourages people to sign a pledge to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The event will also include a video presentation by City Honors students, as well as an opportunity to sign a large poster in support of “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign.  City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park is a college preparatory school and part of the Buffalo Public Schools system. The school was founded in 1975 for academically gifted and talented high school students. 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.

National Service Recognition Day in Buffalo Acknowledged People Inc.

Buffalo, NY proved why it’s called the City of Good Neighbors on National Service Recognition Day. Mayor Byron Brown hosted a virtual celebration on April 6, to recognize the numerous AmeriCorps service members in Buffalo and their contributions to improving our communities. Buffalo is host to several different AmeriCorps programs, including two at People Inc. – the Senior Companion Program (AmeriCorps Seniors) and ETHOS AmeriCorps. The event was made accessible with captioning and an ASL interpreter provided by Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc. Each AmeriCorps program nominated one of their members to be recognized for their dedication and to highlight their service. People Inc. nominated Betty Grazes from the Senior Companion Program and Yann Spindler from the ETHOS AmeriCorps program. Betty was recognized for her almost 25 years of providing companionship and developing strong bonds with the people she supports. She became a Senior Companion to stay busy while still earning a little extra money. Betty has said that her main goal when providing companionship is to “lift her clients up.” Since moving to Buffalo in 1957, she has been an active member of her community. Betty has remained active as a volunteer with Senior Companions even during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Instead of providing in-person services, Betty has been able to volunteer with our Senior Companion Phone Connection program. She has been able to keep in touch with four different seniors and keep them company over the phone. Even though she has not met them in person, Betty has developed a strong bond with each of them. She told us that she is very excited to finally be able to meet her clients in person. They are also very excited to be able to meet her. We are truly proud to have Betty recognized for her service as a Senior Companion. Her care and dedication shines brighter than a sunflower. Yann was recognized for his tremendous flexibility and patience in delivering services to some of our area’s most vulnerable people. He is currently serving in his third service year with Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc. Yann assists Deaf refugees with their adjustment to life in the U.S. by providing cultural orientation, ASL instruction and promoting their self-sufficiency. In addition to this core service, Yann also represents Deaf Access Services while tending to his community gardening program with Grassroots Gardens Accessible Gardening Project. He is also a beekeeper and has created educational videos about bees and gardening for the local Deaf community. Thank you Yann for your service and for creating pathways to a better life for the Deaf community members in Buffalo. Thank you Betty, Yann and all of the Senior Companion and ETHOS AmeriCorps members for creating stronger communities! The event concluded with all of the present members raising their right hands and reciting the AmeriCorps pledge that each one had taken at the beginning of their service: “I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.” If you are interested in serving your community through one of the People Inc. AmeriCorps programs, or know someone who is, more information can be found on the  ETHOS  or  Senior Companion  sections on this website.

NCCC and People Inc. Team Up to Add Nurses to Community

Sanborn, NY - People Inc. and Niagara County Community College (NCCC) have teamed up to cultivate new nurses within our communities. This fall, nine employees from People Inc. will enroll into the one-year Practical Nursing certificate program at NCCC. An additional 25 People Inc. employees will register for prerequisite courses, allowing them to enter the Practical Nursing program in September 2023. In order for them to succeed, People Inc. has agreed to reduce their full time employment to 20 hours per week while they are in school. Furthermore, People Inc. is committed to paying these employees their full time salaries.  “In line with People Inc. values, the program was created in an effort to further invest in staff development and growth, and ultimately, improved capacity to care for those we support. We are growing our own nurses,” says Bonnie Sloma, Senior Vice President of People Inc.  “It’s all part of our intention to be the employer of choice.” Lydia Ulatowski, NCCC Vice President of Academic Affairs agrees, stating, “When People, Inc. approached the College about a partnership, we realized the importance of this opportunity.  It gives People Inc. employees a chance to upscale their skills by enrolling in our LPN program while maintaining their employment with the agency.  Collaboratively, we are contributing to the much needed workforce of the health care industry.”  Dr. Diane Pytlik-Flammia, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Nursing, Physical & Allied Health programs, shares, “The partnership that has been formed will provide People Inc. staff with a unique opportunity to earn their LPN degree and advance in their careers. Forming these types of partnerships assists with the nursing shortage that has been seen within our community. We are pleased to continue working with People Inc. by providing flexible, evening classes and quality education for these LPN students.  Coordination and financial support of this immense opportunity was made possible by PharmAmerica, BrightSpring Health Services’ Equus Workforce Solutions department, Niagara WorkSource One, the US Department of Labor and the New York State Department of Labor along with the People Inc. Foundation and Rivershore Foundation.  NCCC is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.  Learn more about this initiative in an article from T he Buffalo News .

New Affordable Apartments in North Tonawanda Now Available

People Inc. offers affordable apartments across Western New York, including its newest location at 25 Grant Street in North Tonawanda, NY. People Inc. Grant Street Apartments is open and accepting rental applications. The head of household must be 18 or older and meet income eligibility. Located in a suburban setting, the apartments are ideal for a single person, couple or family.  The one and two-bedroom apartments are spacious and have beautifully landscaped grounds. Features include: On-site management; kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, with a dishwasher; safety features; water and garbage removal included; on-site laundry facilities and air conditioning. Tenants may have one small pet. Some apartments are designed for people who have mobility and vision challenges or who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. The smoke-free living apartment building is two blocks from a major bus route. Rent subsidies and/or rental vouchers accepted. For more information about income eligibility and for an apartment application, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716-880-3890. Please share this information and flyer .

New Art Specialist at People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited Program

BUFFALO, N.Y., March 10, 2011: Amazing results can be attained with art therapy. Just ask Dr. Arnold Bresky, author, co-founder of Brain Longevity Center in Thousand Oaks, CA and who calls himself a "preventive gerontologist." Dr. Bresky has been utilizing art therapy for patients that have Alzheimer's and dementia for years and claims he has achieved a 70 percent success rate with improving his patient's memories. People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited  located at 310 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo understands the importance of art activities in the lives of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Kaitlin Frisicaro was recently hired as an art specialist at People Inc.'s adult day program for individuals with dementia and other memory loss illnesses. Frisicaro brings with her a passion to improve the quality of life of the individuals she works with. She said, "The beautiful thing about imagination is that it is so uninhibited and is always accessible, no matter what your ability." Frisicaro has experienced breakthrough moments with individuals that were previously resistant to participating in art activities. One gratifying moment occurred when she witnessed firsthand how the use of art activities brought a distinct clarity and relaxation to one of the individuals that she was working with. Frisicaro, a resident of Cheektowaga, graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a degree in Visual Arts and New Media. During that time, she worked as a volunteer curator at Adams Art Gallery in Dunkirk while at the University and has a wide array of experience in planning special exhibits. Her goal at Seniors Unlimited is to improve the art experience by initiating value outcome focused projects. She helps individuals that attend the day care program with print making and painting. Frisicaro is excited about the ability to use a recycling focus in her activities as she explores innovative materials that can be reused for the art experience. She is utilizing color theory, a beneficial approach for those with memory impairment. People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited is a unique social day program for individuals who have dementia or Alzheimer's which may have been caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, strokes, heart disease or any other illness. For more information for a loved one, call People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited at 716.853.4500. People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited is partially funded by the Erie County Department of Senior Services and the New York State Office for the Aging.

New Cutting-Edge Treatments for Dizziness and Balance Presented by Lixin Zhang, MD, PhD, from DENT Neurologic Institute

Apartment tours of People Inc. Pine Senior Living provided  November 9, 2018: Lixin Zhang, MD, PhD, an attending neurologist and director of the Dizziness and Balance Center at DENT Neurologic Institute, will lead a presentation on Wednesday, November 14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at People Inc. Pine Senior Living, 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport. The informative presentation will focus on ground-breaking new treatments for dizziness and vertigo, balance issues and more.  Dr. Zhang’s patient focus is on balance disorders, dizziness/vertigo, sleep medicine and epilepsy, as well as general neurology. He has 12 years of extensive neuroscience research experience with almost 30 peer reviewed publications in various neuroscience journals. As one of the principal investigators, Dr. Zhang has been involved in multiple national clinical research projects in the areas of Restless Leg Syndrome, Neuropathic Pain and Epilepsy. He has helped thousands of patients with dizziness, imbalance and tinnitus. DENT is currently in its tenth year of offering services for dizziness, balance and tinnitus for evaluating, diagnostics and treatment under one roof, while utilizing efficient and up-to-date technology. People of all ages, plus seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the presentation. Apartment tours will be provided. Two benefits of People Inc. Pine Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Apartments are for independent seniors age 62 and over who are income eligible. 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.  Registration for the presentation is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 716-433-3381. People Inc. manages 20 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For information about other locations, call 716-817-9090. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals 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.

NEW DATE FOR RESCHEDULED WORKSHOP: Improving the Health of Young People: Integrating Mental Health Care and Primary Care in WNY Workshop

Register by February 28 February 9, 2015: If you are a primary care physician or behavioral health provider in Western New York, join us for a workshop on March 13, to learn how to best integrate primary care and mental health care as encouraged by New York State’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the workshop is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, 2402 North Forest Road, Getzville. The workshop was previously scheduled for last November, but was postponed due to inclement weather. Local experts in the field will present how to best integrate primary care and mental health care. The workshop will cover: how to improve quality of care, including mental health, for patients under age 27; training to improve mental health care; implementation plans; payment for combined services; creating the best care plans for patients; experience from local experts who have worked to integrate mental health care and primary care; and a regional approach to de-stigmatizing mental health care. Presenters and panelists will be from the Amherst Pediatrics, Compeer, Erie County Department of Mental Health, Horizon Health Services, Lake Shore Behavioral Inc., Mental Health Association of Erie County, University at Buffalo, VA Center for Integrated Health Care. The workshop is hosted by the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc. To register by February 28, go to elmwoodhealthcenter.org. For more information, contact Amanda Scates-Preisinger at apreisinger@people-inc.org or 716-374-0179. The workshop has been funded by the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation. Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc. is a health care facility that provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for the general public. Specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities are provided. 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.

NEW DATE! Board Members Honor Dr. Boles

Due to inclement weather, the board member event to honor Dr. Boles originally scheduled for November 19 at the Park Country Club has been rescheduled for January 14 at the Park Country Club. Please RSVP by January 1 to ssullivan@people-inc.org.