New Exhibit Focusing on Down syndrome to be Unveiled

April 29, 2016: According to the National Down Syndrome Society, there are more than 350,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. It is one of the most recognizable chromosomal conditions in the world. “In Celebration of Down Syndrome,” an exciting new exhibit at the Museum of disABILITY History, explores medical history, myths and facts, as well as success stories and popular culture. The exhibit’s grand opening, featuring vibrant multimedia and Hollywood memorabilia honoring the lives of individuals who have Down syndrome, will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo.   Keynote speaker Dr. David Wright, professor of history at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, will present, “Down syndrome: Learning from the Past, Looking Toward the Future.” He is author and co-editor of eight books, including Downs: The History of a Disability . Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a question and answer session. The centerpiece of this new exhibit is photography by Eva Snoijink from her book, Down’s Upside: A Positive View of Down’s Syndrome . Rather than stereotypical images, the display features portraits of happy children.   Kelly’s Hollywood , an inspirational documentary, will be available to view. The movie is film director Brian Donovan’s tribute to his sister, Kelly, who was born with Down syndrome. A Buffalo native and a 1985 graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Brian moved to Hollywood and became a writer, actor, director and producer. The film is about a brother’s quest to help his sister fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. In 2014, the film was featured at the Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series.   “Unspoken Voice,” an artwork exhibition by Bailey Bastine, an artist from East Aurora, NY who has Down syndrome, will be displayed during the event, along with engaging exhibit panels featuring professionals with Down syndrome in acting and advertising. Memorabilia donated by Christopher Burke, an actor with Down syndrome, who played Corky on Life Goes On will be available to view. Additionally, a cheerleading uniform worn by Lauren Potter, an actress with Down syndrome, from her role as Becky on Glee , will be on display.   The pop culture exhibit panel includes photos of actors with Down syndrome contributed by Gail Williamson, founder of Down Syndrome in Arts and Media and talent agent for the Diversity Department of Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associates, both based outside of Los Angeles, CA. Williamson said: “Babies with Down syndrome are the youngest people ever trained to be actors. We take one look at their sweet faces when they are born and put them into therapies that are very much like acting.” Also highlighted on this panel is Madeline Stuart, a model from Brisbane, Australia who was born with Down syndrome. She has been internationally recognized for her work promoting acceptance and changing perceptions of beauty.   “In Celebration of Down Syndrome” is supported by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities and a donation from the Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York, Inc.   The exhibit will be on display until the end of 2016. For more information about the free grand opening event or to register, call 716-629-3626.   Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History 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, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

New Fund Created in the People Inc. Foundation

The People Inc. Foundation helps fund quality of life programs, medical equipment, technology, capital improvements, staff development and advocacy efforts. It relies on community support to provide services to people in need and the efforts of its Foundation Board volunteers.  A restricted fund was recently launched - the President & CEO’s Discretionary Support Fund - in recognition of  People Inc. CEO & President Anne McCaffrey’s new leadership and vision for the future. It will provide essential resources to: Support the development of new and innovative initiatives that engage and enrich the experiences of people receiving services. Address immediate needs and fund unexpected strategic priorities. Provide funds that support our dedicated DSPs when urgent or unexpected expenses arise. The fund was announced in a letter from People Inc. Foundation President William Regan, where he shared: "At People Inc., our services touch the lives of thousands of people annually. My own personal experiences with their staff of professionals and programs have provided me and my loved ones with an abundance of care, strength and hope, along with a vibrant sense of community. People Inc. is committed to investing in the latest resources available and in professional development programs that promote excellence in the delivery of services. It is for these reasons that I fully support the development of the President & CEO’s Discretionary Support Fund." Learn more and donate    

New Hiring Salaries

Effective Monday, July 10, as a result of the most recently approved New York State Budget, People Inc. was able to make a significant wage enhancement for direct support professionals and frontline supervisors. The new salaries are: Interested in a career with People Inc.? Learn more!

New People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments Now Open and Accepting Applications

Located in Blasdell, NY – Apartments are for 55+ Years, income-eligible and elderly who are frail homeless The new People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments in Blasdell, NY, are now open and applications are being accepted. This newly-built two-story apartment building is for people 55+ years, income-eligible. Additionally, there are seven furnished set-aside apartments for people 55+ who are income-eligible and are frail elderly homeless individuals. Located at 15 Oakwood Avenue in the village of Blasdell, NY, one- and two-bedroom units are available. Section 8 vouchers accepted. The apartment units include a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher, plus safety features and building laundry facilities. Tenants may have one small pet. Located in the “Gateway to the Southtowns” of Erie County, People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments is near a major bus route, as well as within blocks of restaurants and shopping. To download an application, go to people-inc.org/oakwoodapts . Staff members are available to provide income eligibility details. For more information or to request an application be mailed, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of 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 .

New Release!

Published by the Museum of disABILITY History, People Inc., and People Ink Press Just before the Civil War, Dr. Platt H. Skinner, a pioneer educator of the disabled, operated three schools for African-American children who were blind, deaf, or both. An ardent abolitionist, Dr. Skinner was forced to move his school twice. The second school, the subject of this newly released book, "Dr. Skinner's Remarkable School for 'Colored Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Children' 1857-1860", was located in Suspension Bridge, New York at a terminus of the Underground Railroad, on which Dr. Skinner may have been a conductor. This small book is published in association with the Museum of disABILITY History in the hopes that it will raise awareness of the educational challenges that faced minority children with disabilities in the past. Available at the Museum of disABILITY History Store (3826 Main Street, Amherst), and on  amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com .

New Salary of $15/hour for Direct Care Positions Announced

People Inc. is pleased to announce that the new starting rate for employees providing direct support to people with disabilities is $15 per hour.  The dedication and resiliency that all of our staff have shown during this pandemic has been incredible, and we sincerely appreciate each employee. We are proud of the critical work of our current staff and encourage others to join our family. The agency is also announcing $750 sign-on bonus is now available for designated direct support positions. Up to $1,500 sign-on bonus is now available for designated management positions. (The sign-on bonus is subject to change and/or may be discontinued at any time.) For more information about taking the next step to a rewarding career with People Inc. please visit our careers page.

New Slate of Officers for People Inc. Boards

The People Inc. Board of Directors is made up of people who work (without compensation) on behalf of the Western New York and Greater Rochester communities -- in governing the organization.  Elizabeth Mauro has been named the chairperson of the People Inc. Board of Directors, replacing JoAnne Hudecki, who served as chair for two years. Mauro, President and CEO, at Endeavor Health Services, has been on the People Inc. board since 2016. Other new officers include: Vice Chairperson Robert Mayer, Weinberg Campus Treasurer Dennis Schaeffer, Esq., Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys  Secretary JoAnne Hudecki, McGuire Development.   The mission of the People Inc. Foundation is to help fund quality of life programs, medical equipment, technology, staff development and advocacy efforts. The People Inc. Board of Directors are volunteers from the community who are committed to these philanthropic efforts. The People Inc. Foundation Board of Directors new slate of officers elected are: President - Bill Regan, retired executive SUNY at Buffalo; Vice President - Ralph J. Vanner, Jr., AssuredPartners; Treasurer - Alex Wehr, KeyBank  Secretary - Erica Sammarco, People Inc. The Foundation Board also welcomed Justin Waclawek, PharmD, of Parkview Health Services. Learn more about the People Inc. Board of Directors , the  People Inc. Foundation the  Foundation Board of Directors .

New Traveling Exhibit to be Unveiled at Niagara Falls Public Library

Exhibit details the work of Dr. Platt Skinner who operated a school for African-American children with disabilities in Niagara Falls before the Civil War What: Museum of disABILITY History Unveils New Traveling Exhibit, Dr. Skinner: Disability Educator, Advocate and Abolitionist When: Thursday, January 7, 2016, at 2 p.m. Where: Niagara Falls Public Library, Earl W. Brydges Building 1425 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY. Information: The interpretive exhibit immerses visitors in the experiences of Dr. Platt Skinner’s struggle for abolition in Niagara Falls, NY. Dr. Skinner established a school for African-American children with disabilities in the shadow of the suspension bridge in 1860. The exhibit, produced through a generous grant from the Niagara Falls Area National Heritage District, will explore dozens of compelling and persuasive visual images. The Niagara Falls Public Library is serving as the first host for the Museum of disABILITY's new traveling exhibit detailing the life and work of Dr. Platt Skinner. Speakers at the event include: James M. Boles, EdD, founder of the Museum of disABILITY History and author of Dr. Skinner’s Remarkable School for Colored Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Children 1857-1860 and They Did No Harm: Alternative Medicine in Niagara Falls, NY, 1830-1930 , and Sara Capen, executive director, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History 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, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

Newest People Inc. Site in Buffalo Creates Synergies

People Inc. is always looking for the best and most efficient ways to utilize the many properties we operate. Over the last year, the transformation of what was once a medical practice and offices on Elmwood Avenue serves as a shining example of innovation and teamwork, with the creation of unique space for both employees and people receiving services from People Inc. After the relocation of the agency’s rehabilitative health, social work and counseling services to 800 Hertel Avenue, a remodel of the Elmwood Avenue building made room for offices for People Inc.’s Learning & Development, Human Resources, and Advocacy departments, which are now all housed alongside a day program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Called the “Center of Excellence in Employment and Training,” the building at 2128 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, provides unique synergies. Communication, collaboration, development of the HR Team, cross-training, and efficiencies of many processes are just a few of the highlights that People Inc. Senior Vice President of Human Resources Kathryn Alterio has noticed in the new location. “Bringing the entire HR team from talent acquisition , retention, benefits and more into one place has been tremendously helpful,” she said. “Plus, it is easier to now work much closer with staff from Learning and Development and Advocacy – streamlining the ability to respond to the needs of our employees.” She also noted the importance of hiring the best employees and the important role that members of the Advocacy Team play in providing vital feedback during the interview process. Advocacy staff, including some who also receive services from People Inc., work with the Human Resources team, Learning & Development, as well as with people attending the day program, housed in the building. Members of People Inc.’s Advocacy Department are also involved with every new employee orientation and help facilitate several training segments, said Vice President, Learning & Development David Squires. “This has a great impact on new employees,” he said. “Additionally, having HR in the building has been invaluable for us in that they are there to provide us with guidance when situations arise with new employees.” Working with the day program, the Advocacy Team has initiated programs including sexuality training, an “Art of Advocacy” program, and more. A bonus, according to Associate Vice President for Advocacy Rick Banner, is the example set for new and existing employees by our staff with disabilities who work in the building. Funded in part by the Empire State Development division of New York State, the creation of the Center of Excellence in Employment and Training is a critical investment in our workforce, said People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey. “The Center for Excellence in Employment and Training allows us to present an inclusive and accessible high-tech space to meet the needs of prospective job applicants, new hires and our staff in every step of their recruitment, training and career development.”