People Inc.’s Expansion Into Rochester Disability Services

Continued growth creates new opportunities for expanded services in Rochester People Inc., WNY’s leading non-profit human service agency, is announcing an expansion of services into the Rochester area. The OPWDD COMPASS agency currently offers a variety of services including residential, employment, community outreach, health care and recreation programs for people with disabilities and seniors in the Western New York region. People Inc. services and initiatives strive to help individuals live a more healthy, independent and productive life. People Inc. will be taking over the developmental disabilities unit of DePaul Community Service Inc, a Rochester non-profit that will continue to provide services outside of those for the developmentally disabled. The transfer of services between DePaul Community Service Inc and People Inc. comes after significant changes to New York State and Federal Regulations. “A lot of times, other agencies give something up because they’re basically forced to because of quality issues; this was not the case here,” said James Boles, CEO of People Inc. “(Depaul) felt it was getting more complex and they really needed a bigger base to operate from. They just felt it wasn’t their primary mission.” It is anticipated that the Rochester services, including three group homes, a day habilitation program, a respite program and several community-based, individual support programs will be orchestrated through the new People Inc. Finger Lakes division and employee training will be provided by Life Time Association Center, another Rochester non-profit organization. People Inc. stands to grow by more than 300 employees and $5 million in revenue from the new Rochester locations. “Entering into our 41st year of person centered services; the growth of the agency into the Rochester area reaffirms our commitment to working towards a future where all persons with disabling conditions can reach the highest level of human potential as members of society,” said Anna Korus, Vice President of People Inc. and point person in the development of People Inc. services in Rochester. “Were excited to welcome the new staff and individuals we serve into the People Inc. family.”  For more information, contact Kevin Horrigan, Public Affairs Director at 716.817.7475 or 716.866.5893 (cell).

Phone Screenings in Progress to become Ombudsman Volunteer to Advocate for Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities

Volunteers Needed for Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties Motivated people who are skilled and compassionate are needed to advocate for seniors in long-term care facilities. Through the People Inc., the New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Center for Elder Law & Justice, volunteers called ombudsmen, promote the rights of residents who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. Phone screenings are now available to review eligibility to join the program’s upcoming spring training session. Ombudsmen bring problem-solving skills as they visit long-term care facilities to help residents resolve and/or refer complaints. Volunteer opportunities are available for those who work in professional fields, such as paralegals, human service staff, social workers and business professionals. Many ombudsmen are also recent retirees, ranging from those who have worked within education systems, administration or engineering fields. Schedules are flexible with a minimum of two hours per week.  If enrolled into the program, there are two training locations available in the northtowns and southtowns. People Inc. provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for ombudsmen. To be screened and to learn more about becoming an ombudsman volunteer, call 716.817.9222.  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 .

Plain Language Communication on the Eclipse

Thomas Ess, People Inc. Vice President for Emergency Management, was interviewed by WBFO's Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins on why plain language communication matters on communicating about the eclipse to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how the eclipse is changing operations at the agency for April 8. Learn more

Potential Medical Cannabis Benefits for People with Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Disorders is Symposium Focus

Free Symposium Hosted by Headway of WNY January 24, 2019: Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., will host a free educational symposium, “Medical Cannabis: A Promising Therapy for TBI & Other Cognitive Disorders?” on Wednesday, February 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at the University at Buffalo Center for Tomorrow, 101 Service Center Road, Amherst, NY (North Campus, Flint Road entrance, off Maple Road). The featured speaker is Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, medical director, Cannabis Clinic at DENT Neurologic Institute. The symposium will include up-to-date information about the current state of Medical Marijuana, including legal aspects and common misconceptions.  The symposium will include a panel of experts from PharmaCannis, a local medical cannabis dispensary, along with a health and wellness fair. The symposium is ideal for people living with the after-effects of a traumatic brain injury, cognitive disorder or chronic health condition, as well as for caregivers, medical professionals and wellness specialists. As part of its community outreach activities, Headway of WNY addresses current topics through its educational programs. “The Medical Cannabis symposium is an opportunity for experts to share information for attendees to learn more about possible alternative therapies for people with traumatic brain injury and cognitive disorders,” said Ronald Fernández, RRDS, CRC, LMHC, director of Headway of WNY.  Dr. Mechtler is professor of Neurology and Oncology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is UCNS certified in Neuroimaging, Neuro-Oncology and Headache Medicine. He completed his Neuroimaging fellowship at the Dent Neurologic Institute in 1990. He is currently participating in numerous clinical trials, which include neuroimaging research for traumatic brain injury and migraines, as well as brain tumors. He is publishing some of the first major retrospective research trials on medical marijuana in headaches and other neurologic disorders. Lecturing both nationally and internationally, he is recognized as a leader in the fields of neuroimaging, headache medicine, medical cannabis and neuro-oncology. Dr. Mechtler is the director of the DENT Cannabis Clinic, which has nearly 6,500 patients certified through the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. Pre-registration for the symposium is strongly encouraged by January 28. To register, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100. The symposium includes breakfast. Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides support groups, trainings and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY is a support and advocacy agency for persons with brain injuries and other disabilities and the Regional Resource Center/Single Point of Entry for the New York State Department of Health’s Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver. For more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100.

Presentation by Jan Nichols, Author and Polio Pioneer at People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY

People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History will host a presentation and lecture by Jan Nichols, author and polio pioneer on Thursday, October 6, at 5 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo . Janice Nichols is a polio survivor. In 1954, she was one of nearly two million children in the United States, Canada, and Finland who participated in the Salk vaccine trial, which is the largest vaccine trial in the history of the world. Nichols made a complete recovery. Her book, "Twin Voices: A Memoir of Polio, the Forgotten Killer," was published in 2007. The book wraps her family's personal story around the greater story of polio, the disease. Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a disease that can damage the nervous system and cause paralysis, and sometimes death. Since polio immunization has become widespread in the United States, cases of polio are rare. However, polio remains a problem in many parts of the world. A childhood victim of the 1953 Dewitt, New York, polio epidemic, Nichols personal and professional life have been profoundly shaped by her experience. Nichols lost her twin brother, Frankie, to the disease and suffered temporary paralysis, leading her to choose a career as a rehabilitation counselor. Despite setbacks, Nichols has never lost her optimism. Nichols earned a BA in psychology from Seton Hill University and a MEd in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked in the social service department at Community General Hospital in Syracuse, New York, and was an instructor in the social work graduate department at Syracuse University. For more information about the presentation, call 716.629.3613. The Museum of disABILITY History 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. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits 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.

Production of “Frozen” Performed by People Inc.’s Themed Learning Club

What:    “Frozen” Production by participants of People Inc.’s Themed Learning Club   When:    Wednesday, April 1, 2015 6:30 to 8 p.m.   Where:                  Amherst Central High School 4301 Main Street, Amherst   The snow is disappearing, but it will be a winter wonderland as participants of People Inc.’s Themed Learning Club produce their own adaptation of the popular movie, “Frozen,” on Wednesday, April 1,  from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Amherst Central High School, 4301 Main Street, Amherst.    There are 18 individuals participating, ages 12 to 21, who have developmental disabilities. People Inc.’s Themed Learning Club typically does productions in December. The participants were adamant they perform “Frozen,” so additional time was made for practice. The participants have been able to have focused rehearsals since February.   There is no cost to attend the performance; donations are appreciated.     People Inc.’s Themed Learning Club, held at Amherst High School, is one of the agency’s Afternoon Respite Programs, which provides after school and after day program care for participants. The program includes arts and crafts, recreational activities, help with homework and peer socialization while providing parents and caregivers the opportunity to work and complete errands.   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.

Professor Korydon Smith - Southern Accents: Disability, Housing, and Identity in the Rural South (and North)

Friday, February 22nd 4‐6pm At the Museum of disABILITY History 3826 Main Street *This event is free and open to the public*   This discussion brings together two facets of disability studies: (1) identity development theory and (2) the role of the built environment as an agent of empowerment/disempowerment. The discussion is set in the rural south, a place of dualities. The “South” is both a fact of history and an imagined myth. It is often romanticized in literature and mocked in popular media. It is a region that is easily stereotyped and yet remains understudied. Exploring housing in the South reveals the complex and often interlocking meanings of race, poverty, and disability in the modern United States, and illustrates the reciprocal relationships between social identity and the built environment. Korydon Smith is associate professor in the School of Architecture + Planning at the University at Buffalo, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate architecture courses, and conducts research with the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. Dr. Smith’s primary research investigates the relationship between design and social justice, while a second line of scholarship investigates alternative models of design education. Smith is the lead author of Just Below the Line: Disability, Housing, and Equity in the South (University of Arkansas Press, 2010), co-editor of the Universal Design Handbook, 2nd Ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2010), and editor of Introducing Architectural Theory: Debating a Discipline (Routledge, 2012). From 2001 to 2012, Smith was a faculty member at the University of Arkansas, where he received the Department of Architecture’s Outstanding Teacher Award four times, the School of Architecture Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, and the Honors College Distinguished Faculty Award. Smith holds an Ed.D. in higher education For more information regarding the Museum of disABILITY History, please see their website at museumofdisability.org .

Promoting Growth at the People Inc. Greenhouse

People Inc.’s Day Services throughout Western New York offer a place for people with developmental disabilities to grow and learn while gaining independence. And one unique program takes “growth” to a whole new level with a hands-on approach to education in a working greenhouse, where plants, trees, fruits and vegetables are the center of attention. The Brighton Park Day Services program and greenhouse sits adjacent to a park and neighborhood in Tonawanda. Each day the greenhouse is buzzing with activity – planting seeds, weeding, and watering. The array of tropical house plants, succulents, vegetables and more are tended to by 17 regular gardeners each week. They also take care of several raised garden beds outside. People who may wish not to go into the greenhouse often actively contribute by planting seeds in their classrooms to be transferred into it. The greenhouse, originally established in the late 1980s with a grant from the Blue Rose Foundation, is also a therapeutic experience for many of the program attendees who find a spot to relax, taking in the fresh scents, sitting by the fishpond and enjoying the beautiful greenery and colors. Several people will venture into the greenhouse when they feel an urgent need for the calming benefits of being in nature. Recently a team of planters were busy in the greenhouse with Patricia Coggins, People Inc. Senior Day Supervisor. She encourages choices on the types of vegetable seeds, discussing colors, uses and tastes, while expertly breaking down the process of planting and providing accessible tools. Johnsie Quick appreciates accessing the greenhouse using her wheelchair. She looks forward to watering the plants and watching the vegetables grow so they can be put outside – especially the green beans. Through generous assistance provided by the Lutheran Association for the Developmentally Disabled the motors in the greenhouse fans were overhauled and a larger plot of accessible raised garden beds are being installed. Checking on some of the plantings, including those in the new raised beds, Coggins used the opportunity to have the gardeners work on identifying the different type of plants and their uses. She was beaming as they correctly named the vegetables and talked about how they liked to eat them. “It’s all about watching the growth of the people we support – that’s why we put so much energy into this program,” Coggins said. “They learn new skills and we see their self-esteem blossom along with the plants.” Jessica Tolbert enjoys watering and weeding the plants almost every day, and her favorites are the differently colored flowers. She is looking forward to being able to plant all summer in the raised beds. People with disabilities who reside in the agency’s group homes often come to enjoy the greenhouse and gardens. There are plans to increase the integration of the community even more through partnerships and immersive activities such as horticulture education, relaxation, art viewing and sensory gardens.

Proud to recognize Nekema Hunte

People Inc. is proud to recognize Nekema Hunte whose exceptional work in our field has earned her recognition as a Black Achiever in Western New York. These awards honor outstanding individuals and show our community the variety and quality of achievements of African Americans in Western New York. The recognition event will take place on October 11 at the Adam’s Mark. Nekema, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, moved to Western New York in 2000 to attend the University at Buffalo. She soon realized she wanted to work in the human and social services field and, in 2007, would join the People Inc. family as direct care staff. Nekema now works as a program manager in our Personal Enrichment Program. Previously, she worked in group homes and provided hands on care to the men and women we serve. She has also worked in Day Habilitation facilities as a primary instruction and support management specialist. Through all that she does, Nekema works to help our individuals to be integrated into the community and reach their goals in life. As she now works to obtain a degree in sociology, she hopes to further her education even more with a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology. She also dreams of one day opening a health center with an array of services and service providers for people with these disabilities to come to, feel comfortable at and know they are getting the right services. If all of that weren’t enough, Nekema is active in her church and even owns her own business, “A Piece of This A Piece of That,” selling hair accessories, bowties, and soon, t-shirts. “I want to thank People Inc. for the experience they have given me ,” said Nekema. “It has helped to shape who I am today.” Nekema is a true example of a People Inc. success story. Please join us in congratulating her in this great honor.