Apartment Applications Now Accepted for People Inc.’s New Integrated Housing Project in Tonawanda

Apply by March 6 for Spring/Summer Move-in People Inc.’s new integrated housing project, Highland School Apartments on 105 Highland Avenue in Tonawanda, is accepting apartment applications for spring and summer move-in dates. The project brings together a diverse group of people; as tenants can be those with disabilities and the general public who are income eligible. Highland School Apartments houses 35 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom handicap adaptable apartments that include kitchen appliances and are one small pet friendly. The building also includes a community room with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, safety features, storage in each apartment and a 24-hour on call emergency service. The adaptive reuse project includes substantial rehabilitation of the two-story former Highland School, into an integrated, vibrant residential community. The building has been vacant in the City of Tonawanda since 2009, and fills an important need in the community. The apartment building will open in May and apartment applications are currently being accepted. To be considered for a spring and summer move-in date, applicants must apply by March 6. Income limits are based on the current federal rate and are subject to change. To apply, complete an apartment application found on people-inc.org, under the Community Outreach category and Tax Credit Housing section. All applications must be returned via USPS mail to C/O P.O. Box 296; Williamsville, NY 14231. For more information, contact Sarah Alessi at  housing@people-inc.org 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 and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews

Apartments Featured on LCTV

Ensuring that older adults and the general public have access to affordable living is an important part of what People Inc. does regularly. Do you have an elderly family member or friend that is having difficulties managing their household expenses? Is your mom, dad or grandparent having a difficult time maintaining their household maintenance and lawn care? People Inc. Senior Living has an answer for you. Plus, People Inc. has expanded into additional apartment management to help the general public have reasonable rent through their Affordable Apartments. Learn more through the WNY Tonight show that aired on LCTV , as Sarah Bohnstadt, People Inc. Senior Living administrator, shares more information and the many benefits of our various apartment opportunities. If you have questions about our apartment options, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.

Artist Nancy Hall to Present “All Things Are Possible” as part of Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series

As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host artist Nancy Hall to present “All Things Are Possible,” on Saturday, April 16, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Hall’s story is one of hope, strength and determination to overcome obstacles. In May of 2000, Hall was in a tragic motorcycle accident resulting in becoming paralyzed from the neck down. She is now an established artist who paints by mouth and is a student of the International Mouth and Foot Association.  Artwork will be on display and for sale. Event admission costs are: $6 for adults, $3.50 for students, seniors and human service employees and free for Museum members. Proceeds benefit the Museum of disABILITY History and Feminists for Nonviolent Choices. 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.

Artistic Talents of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities at People Inc. Appreciation Arts Event

What: People Inc. Foundation Supporting Member Appreciation Arts Event   When: Friday, May 1, 2015, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.   Where:                 People Inc., 2635 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo (Delaware Camera Plaza, across from Target)   The artistic talents of People Inc.’s Arts Experience program participants who have developmental disabilities will be displayed during the agency’s exclusive People Inc. Foundation Supporting Member Appreciation Arts Event.   Scheduled live performances of various mediums of art will be demonstrated, including: country and salsa dance routines, a rap performance, puppet demonstration, poetry readings and woodworking. An artist panel with a question and session will also be held. The event represents the talented individuals People Inc. is proud to serve.   The People Inc. Arts Experiences is a fine arts day habilitation program offering an array of classes from music, drama, visual art and dance to creative writing and dance aerobics. Classes are instructed by qualified artists and educators. To live a healthy lifestyle, in both body and mind, participants benefit from an outlet where the focus is on self-expression, creativity, relaxation, free movement within the body and self-enlightenment.   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.

Ashley Kuell promoted to Senior Recruiter of Human Resources at People Inc.

Ashley Kuell of Silver Creek, NY has been promoted to Senior Recruiter of the Human Resource Department at People Inc.  Ashley has been employed at People Inc. since 2006.  In the 6 plus years she has held positions of IRA Specialist, Recruiter, EE Relations and Safety Analyst. She has her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia and is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) as well as Human Resources Management Certification at Empire State College. Ashley is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Ashley credits her achievements to be closely aligned to a great upbringing at home. She also credits her dedication and commitment to education that gives her the ability to act independently, and strive to achieve her goals. She learned a lot growing up in a home that’s upbringing stressed; “that hard work and not giving up will get you far.” stated Ashley. She remembers that she was referred by someone at People Inc., and started part-time in one of the group homes.  She says, “People Inc. presents opportunities for teamwork; and a working environment with respect, opportunities to learn, and grow with a general sense of commitment by all to support the positive and caring culture at People Inc.” She has continued to let many of the candidates that interview for employment have an understanding that People Inc. is a great place to work and grow. Ashley says, “With great training and staff development, you can go pretty far if you work hard!” According to Trisha Duke, PHR, Director of Human Resources at People Inc.,” Ashley’s background and education has provided her with the expertise and skills needed to lead People Inc.’s staffing team. Her direct care experience has given her first-hand the invaluable knowledge needed to recruit quality candidates who will provide exceptional care to the individuals our agency serves. We are pleased that Ashley has chosen to grow and develop her career at People Inc.

Assistive Technology Expo

This Expo is brought to you by Early Childhood Direction Center, Parent Network of WNY, and People Inc. Thursday, October 4, 2012 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lucarelli's Banquet Center 1830 Abbott Road, Lackawanna Join us for a dynamic and fun presentation by our keynote speaker and two panel presentations by AT Specialists. Learn what technology is out there and how to incorporate it across all settings to enhance quality of life of individuals who use AT. To download a copy of the brochure and registration form click here . About the Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Campbell Jonathan has an extensive background working with children with special needs as an Assistive Technology Specialist and as a Paraprofessional. He also spent several years working for Apple as a computer trainer providing one to one support and performing workshops for both children and adults. He uses his knowledge of video production and podcasting to enhance the projects he works on. He has a passion for technology, which he uses to promote and inform about the benefits of assistive technology.  Agenda Registration and Vendors ................. 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Welcome and intro ...........................9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Keynote Vendor/Exhibitor Assistive Technology Panel Lunch (provided) Assistive Technology Funding Panel About the Panels Experts will share knowledge and strategies in the areas of utilizing assistive technology in the following areas: Assistive Technology Panel - What is it and how to use it. Assistive Technology Funding Panel - How to fund it. Scholarships There is a limited amount of scholarships available for AT users and their families, funded by the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. For more information please call,Tracey Kosmoski at 716-817-7484. Registration fee is: $35 Registration Deadline is Sept, 17 To register by mail please click here to download the registration form and make check payable to People Inc. and send to: People Inc., Attention Tracey Kosmoski 1219 North Forest Williamsville, NY 14221 Specify if you have any special needs (sign language interpreter, diet, other). Deadline for accommodations is Sept. 17, 2012. To register online please click here .

Attend Conference - Creating Family and Professional Partnerships in Schools and Community Agencies: It Works Both Ways

Creating Family and Professional Partnerships in Schools and Community agencies: It Works Both Ways Conference for educators, clinicians (OT, PT, ST), agency providers, administrators, and parents 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. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joyce Epstein Thursday, November 15, 2007 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lucarelli's Banquet Center 1830 Abbott Road Lackawanna, NY 14218 (716) 824-8711 See the brochure for more information and cost details The conference will focus on how collaboration between schools and community agencies supports learning from preschool through adulthood. Keynote speaker Dr. Joyce Epstein will present the six keys of parent involvement to help educators and community organizations think systematically and take action to improve family and community involvement. Research shows that leadership must value the collaboration of schools, families, and community agencies to improve learning. Following the six keys result in inclusive, well implemented and goal oriented programs. These practices take time and effort to develop excellent programs. Dr. Joyce Epstein is the Director of the National Network of Partnership Schools and the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships. Dr. Epstein is the research professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University. She has written over 100 publications on parent involvement. In 1996, Dr. Epstein established the National Network of Partnership Schools to connect research, policy and practice for school improvement. Dr. Epstein was a recipient of the Academy for Educational Development's Alvin C. Eurich Education Award and also received an award in 1997 from Working Mother magazine for her work on school-family partnerships.

Author Anthony Antek to Speak at Museum of disABILITY History

Book tells struggles, humor and adventures growing up Polish, Catholic and Bipolar in Buffalo during the mid-20th Century   The Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome its latest addition to the Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series : Anthony Antek, author of Bipolar Buffalo – A Mosaic of Minds Journey . The presentation, “The Bipolar Advantage: The Link to Creativity,” will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo . Antek’s presentation will focus on his book, as well as personal stories about living and coping with Bipolar disorder. In 52 stories and 29 works of original art and photos, the book tells the struggles, humor and adventures of a steel-city, second generation working-class youth growing up Polish, Catholic and Bipolar in Buffalo during the mid-20th Century. Antek will address numerous other topics, including positive aspects of the disorder and reflections on the debate of neurobiology vs. social conditions as causal factors. The presentation will also include a Question-and-Answer session. Author of the non-fictional work of literature, Bipolar Buffalo – A Mosaic of Minds Journey , Antek has degrees from the University at Buffalo (BA), University of Denver (MA) and doctoral studies at Tulane University, Northern Michigan University and SUNY Albany. He has had a versatile career in education in New York, Colorado, Michigan and Vermont as a college teacher of the social sciences, college administrator, school superintendent, elementary principal and as a primary/secondary teacher of math and history. Antek was born and raised in Lackawanna, NY to a steel-working family of Polish descent. He and his wife Lynn have been married for 43 years. They have three daughters and three grandsons. The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Anthony Antek is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees. The event fee includes admission to the gallery space of the Museum of disABILITY History. For more information or to register, call 716-629-3626. 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, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

Author Rosanne Higgins, PhD, to speak at Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on research behind author’s work The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome author and anthropologist, Rosanne Higgins, PhD, as the latest presenter in its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series. The presentation, entitled “Libraries, Ledgers and Graveyards: Unearthing the Facts Behind Historical Fiction,” will take place on Friday, May 29, 2015, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Higgins will speak about her Orphans and Inmates book series and the research that shaped its creation. She will also highlight her involvement with the University at Buffalo’s Erie County Poorhouse Cemetery Project, and share how it inspired her second novel, A Whisper of Bones. Additionally, Higgins will discuss the relationship between poverty and disability in the nineteenth century. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and have books signed by the author. Higgins, an adjunct professor of anthropology at the University at Buffalo, was born in Enfield, Connecticut, but spent her youth in Buffalo, NY. Her experiences traveling in both the United States and in Europe as a child resulted in a love of history from an early age. In 1998, she went on to earn her PhD in anthropology from the University at Buffalo. Her studies focused largely on the nineteenth century’s Asylum Movement and its impact on disease specific mortality in Erie, Niagara and Monroe County Poorhouses. 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. The Dialogues on disABILITY event is $6 for adults, $3.50 for students, seniors and human service employees, and free for Museum members. The event fee includes admission to the gallery space of the Museum of disABILITY History. For more information or to register, call 716-629-3626. 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, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.