People Inc. Launches New Durable Medical Equipment Business

Agency’s first for profit venture will leverage experience to meet community needs December 15, 2015: People Inc., Western New York’s largest human services agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs, today announced the launch of a new durable medical equipment supplier, People First Mobility (PFM). PFM will provide complex rehabilitation mobility and seating technology and home medical equipment so people with disabilities can reach their functional potential in their homes and in the community. Product examples include power wheelchairs, scooters, custom seating, hospital beds and lift chairs. PFM will operate as an affiliate of People Inc. and will serve individuals, families, caregivers and the education and medical community in their homes and offices. “This new mission-related business is backed by our 45 years of experience supporting people with special needs,” said People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick. “Because of our experience, we saw an opportunity to help match people with the equipment and technology required for them to lead more healthy, independent and productive lives. We are excited to be able to serve the community in this way.” PFM offers in-home evaluations, free delivery, equipment setup and training, equipment repair, certified assistive technology professionals (ATPs), certified repair technicians and free loaner equipment. Seasoned professional, Brian Clayback, a West Seneca native who has spent more than 25 years in the durable medical equipment field, will serve as PFM’s general manager. Clayback earned a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College and serves on the board of the New York Medical Equipment Providers. (NYMEP). Expected to become the go-to business for a variety of medical equipment needs, PFM’s lead product is complex wheelchairs delivered quickly and reliably. “We see a need from consumers for experts who can guide them each step of the way and get what they need quickly,” said Clayback. “We also offer hands on trials so that people can test out wheelchair products before they make a decision. And, while we serve people of every age, we have a proficiency in assisting parents of young children who are looking for support and guidance.” PFM, located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, initially employs two full-time associates. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 716.566.5000. 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 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Mubu’s Family Holiday Event Presented by Museum of disABILITY History

The Museum of disABILITY History presents Mubu’s Family Holiday event on Saturday, December 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The free event includes Mubu the Morph book readings, Mubu cookie cut-out cookies, face painting and a visit from Santa. The event is held in conjunction with the latest release from the Mubu the Morph children’s book series, Mubu’s Christmas. Mubu is the main character of a fun-filled series about individuality and lessons about self-confidence suitable for children, grades K to 3. The series is written by Stephen Nawotniak and illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Perdziak, both residents of Clarence. Co-hosted by the Museum of disABILITY History, Bornhava, Parent Network of WNY and People Inc., the event will help spread some holiday cheer. To register or for more information, 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.

People Inc. Silver Creek and Dunkirk Open Interview Day at Jamestown Community College

Opportunities for college students available People Inc. is hiring qualified candidates to assist individuals with disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities so they can live as independently as possible. A Silver Creek and Dunkirk Open Interview Day will be held on Wednesday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Jamestown Community College (Dunkirk Campus), 10807 Bennett Road, Dunkirk (Career Center, report to the Lobby-Main Building). Full and part-time group home, instructors, nursing and self-directed positions are available. Day, evening and overnight positions are available. Employees receive numerous benefits, including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) pension plan and paid time off for full-time employees. Additionally, People Inc. offers paid training, holiday incentives and other benefits. Candidates should dress professionally and be prepared for an interview with a resume. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. No appointments needed. For those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers. 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 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

RNs and LPNs Now Being Hired at People Inc.

People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency assisting individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs lead more independent lives, is hiring for home health care RNs, per diem physical therapists, residential RNs, LPNs, Elmwood Health Center RNs and on call office RNs. Open interviews are being held on the following days: Tuesday, November 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo and on Thursday, November 12, from noon to 4 p.m., at 692 Millersport Highway, Amherst.   Openings are available in Erie and Niagara counties. Benefits include: Flexible hours for a more balanced life, generous paid time off and health insurance for full time employees, 401(k) plan and tuition reimbursement. There is currently an up-to $3,000 sign-on bonus for full-time employees.   Candidates should dress professionally and arrive with a resume, prepared for an interview. No appointments necessary. 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 .   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.

Man with Cerebral palsy has a Wonder-ful goal with his Tribute Song to Stevie Wonder

People Inc. Encourages Public to Share Video through Social Media Jason Smith has a passion for music. He loves how music helps him express emotions and how it inspires. One particular musician who has inspired Smith is Stevie Wonder. So much so that Smith created a tribute song and video for him called, “I Wonder.” In his tribute song to Wonder, Smith sings, “Cause you’ve taught us there’s a little bit of ‘wonder’ in all of us.” A resident of Orchard Park, Smith, 46, born with a mild intellectual disability and Cerebral palsy, receives residential and support services from People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency assisting individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs lead more independent lives. Smith wants others to know how much Wonder has inspired him. In anticipation of the “Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life Performance” on November 19, at First Niagara Center, Smith got creative and with help from his People Inc. Quality Life Coach Gary Spears, created a tribute song and video for his idol. The video can be seen on the People Inc. Facebook page . In an effort to bring attention to performers who have been an inspiration, in particular Wonder, Smith is asking for help from the community. He is aiming for 200 shares of his tribute video through social media. Like Wonder, Smith proves that there are no barriers for people with disabilities. “Stevie has a disability. I have a disability, but it does not hold me back,” said Smith. Through a generous donation by Live Nation, Smith and three of his loved ones will attend the upcoming Stevie Wonder concert. 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 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Wins Bid to Coordinate NYS Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Locally

Agency Committed to Improving an Already Strong Program People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency, was recently selected by The New York State Office for the Aging to operate the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. The agency was selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process and began operating the program earlier this month.   The move comes as part of The Office for the Aging’s efforts to revamp,  revitalize and reorganize the program statewide, dividing the state into 15 regions and selecting 15 organizations to operate the programs within them. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides resources and advocates for older adults who live in nursing homes, assisted living and other licensed adult care homes. Ombudsmen help residents understand and exercise their rights to good care in an environment that promotes and protects their dignity and quality of life.   People Inc. was founded in 1971 and helps our community’s most vulnerable people, individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs and senior adults, lead more healthy, independent and productive lives. It operates 180 locations in nine counties and employs 3,400 people. The agency has been supporting seniors in the markets it serves for 22 years, including operating 19 senior housing facilities, a senior companion program and a day program for seniors. “Coordinating this program is a natural for us because it builds on our history of advocacy and our work with senior adults,” said People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick. “We are proud to bring our resources and experience to this program that does so much to protect the health, safety and well-being of those who live in long term care facilities. We are committed to continuing the great work that has already been done.”   The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is mandated federally by the Older Americans Act and requires every state to have a program that advocates on behalf of residents in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities. The program’s goal is to address concerns of residents, be a trusted resource and advocate for positive changes in the long term care system. The heart of the program is the core group of volunteers called Ombudsmen. Ombudsmen go through comprehensive training to be certified to listen to, investigate and resolve complaints on behalf of long-term care residents. Ombudsmen routinely visit long term care facilities to ensure the needs of the residents are being met. Ombudsmen meet with residents, their family and friends and facility staff.   Inspired by his father’s move into a skilled nursing facility, Joe Cal, a retiree and resident of Orchard Park, NY, has been an Ombudsman for the past eight and a half years. He says it is a role that is uniquely rewarding.   “You get more out of it than you put in, and when you leave for the day you know you have really done something to help someone,” said Cal. “We are not there to be adversaries, we are advocates, mediators and partners who appreciate the backgrounds and experiences of residents and want them to know that we have their backs. There is something really wonderful about being the person who has someone’s back. Words cannot describe it.”   As part of its new role coordinating the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, People Inc. is looking to add to the already 100 volunteers who support the program and is offering comprehensive training at convenient times for working adults. With a minimum commitment of two hours per week, Ombudsmen have the ability to decide the days and the times they work. Ombudsmen are also well supported after the training ends.   If you would like to learn more about becoming an Ombudsman, call 716.817.9222.

People Inc. Receives Access to Home Program Grant for Individuals with Disabilities and Seniors to Remain in their Homes

Applications Due November 20 People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency, was awarded a two-year grant of $150,000 from New York State Housing and Community Renewal to implement Access to Home, a program that provides financial assistance in order for individuals with disabilities and seniors in Erie county who have low and moderate incomes to continue to live safely and comfortably in their own residences.  Funds are granted for accessibility updates including wheelchair ramps and lifts, ceiling tracks, door widening, kitchen adaptations and bathroom modifications. Up to $14,000 is available per project.  Applicants do not need to receive services from People Inc. to be eligible for funds. To apply for assistance, applications are available on the People Inc. website, people-inc.org, under the Community Outreach section. Applications must be submitted by November 20, to: People Inc. Access to Home, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226. For questions or to receive an application, contact Angela Kunz at akunz@people-inc.org or by calling at 716-880-3834. 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.

Three Western New York Businesses Honored for their Commitment to Workforce Diversity

Ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency. More than 150 businesses in the area partner with the agency’s Vocational Services and Supported Employment Program to employ individuals with disabilities. People Inc. is pleased to recognize its business partners for creating an inclusive workforce. Two Walgreens locations were recognized for their dedication at the Western New York Employment Consortium’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Business Recognition Awards in October.   Walgreens on Young Street in Tonawanda was recognized for their understanding of the importance of meaningful work for individuals with disabilities and for their support of Nick Feeterman, who receives services from People Inc. Walgreens embraces Nick as an equal and important part of their team, seeing him for his abilities rather than disability.   Walgreens on Grand Island Boulevard in Grand Island was recognized for their dedication and support to Jennifer Voss who receives services from People Inc. Although Jennifer had no former work experience before joining Walgreens, the team has been extremely supportive.   Also recognized in October was a third business, Scotch ‘N Sirloin on Maple Road in Amherst, which was chosen as the first runner-up for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities’ Works for Me recognition. Scotch ‘N Sirloin was nominated for their caring and understanding of Martinnias Hardy, an individual who receives services through People Inc. A nationwide effort has been made to encourage employers to hire individuals with disabilities, a skilled group who are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of people without disabilities. For more information about partnering to employ individuals with disabilities, contact James Scutt, director of Vocational Services, People Inc., at 716-817-5750.   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 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Local Author to Debut Latest Book at Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to Focus on Facts and Fiction Behind Orphans and Inmates Book Series October 9, 2015: Local author and anthropologist, Rosanne Higgins, PhD, will debut her latest work of historical fiction, The Seer and the Scholar , on Friday, November 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The novel is the third installment in Higgins’ Orphans and Inmates series, which tells the tale of three sisters who were orphaned on their way from Ireland to Buffalo and sought refuge at the Erie County Poorhouse.  The Seer and the Scholar takes place during the cholera epidemic of 1849, and incorporates pieces of local history, including Bishop Timon’s attempts to establish a school for the deaf in Buffalo. Higgins’ presentation, which is part of the Museum’s Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, will include information about the books’ characters and their progression throughout the series. She will discuss the facts and themes that have shaped her work, and will also sign books for attendees. Rosanne Higgins is an adjunct professor of anthropology at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses largely on the nineteenth century’s Asylum Movement and its impact on disease specific mortality. In the spring of 2012, she was invited to join the Erie County Poorhouse Cemetery project, undertaken by the Department of Anthropology at the University at Buffalo. This project, paired with a longstanding desire to tell a side of the ‘Poorhouse story’ that was accessible to more than just the scholarly community, resulted in her novel, Orphans and Inmates. The book is the first in a series chronicling fictional accounts of poorhouse residents inspired by historical data. The series’ second installment, A Whisper of Bones, was released in October 2014. Admission for the book presentation and signing is $6 for adults, $3.50 for students, seniors and human service employees and free for Museum members. For more information 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.