Raising Matty Christian Inspirational Documentary Featured at Spring 2014 disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series

The Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. will host the Spring 2014 Annual disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series on Friday, April 25, 2014, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dipson Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main Street in Buffalo. The featured film is Raising Matty Christian. The purpose of the event is to educate attendees, challenge stereotypes and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities.   The movie profiles the life of Matthew ‘Matty’ Christian (1983-2009), from the town of Canton, MA, who was born without full limbs or a tongue. The film chronicles his dally struggles and how his parents, Allie and Jerry Christian, raised him to face his challenges head on and his uplifting achievements that followed as a result. The 84-minute documentary focuses on Matty’s legacy of strength and determination.   A reception will be held 5 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo (half mile from theatre). The film’s Director and Producer Christian de Rezendes and Associate Producer Paul Plotkin will be the keynote speakers. They will share why they created the movie and how they have been inspired.   De Rezendes was introduced to the project by his friend and the film’s associate producer Paul Plotkin of Saunderstown, RI, who the Christian family hired to edit and transfer VHS home movies to DVD. De Rezendes, along with his wife and co-producer Amanda de Rezendes, were hired by Allie and Jerry Christian in the fall of 2011. “Raising Matty Christian is a truly inspirational story,” said de Rezendes “You can’t watch a few moments of video and not be moved by how Matty’s achievements apply to your own life and how you can improve your own outlook every day.”   “From a diversity aspect, the film could have a significant effect on acceptance of others who are different,” said disABILITIES Film Festival Director and People Inc. Associate Vice President David Mack-Hardiman. “The film is so inspiring because Matty led his life like he did not have any limitations. He was an amazing athlete, friend and mentor. I think people of any age and families should strive to have an open mind after watching the movie.” Movie tickets are available in advance at the Museum of disABILITY History and can also be purchased at the Amherst Dipson Theatre on the day of the event. Tickets are $5 per person. The speakers’ segment at the Museum is free to all film screening patrons.   To learn more, visit www.disabilityfilmfest.org or call the Museum of disABILITY History at 716-629-3626. The sponsor of the Spring 2014 Annual disABILITIES Film Festival is the New York State Council on the Arts.   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.   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.

Rally to 'Spread the Word to End the Word 3.31.09'

People Inc., The Museum of disABILITY History and Special Olympics Announce a Rally to 'Spread the Word to End the Word 3.31.09' to Raise Awareness about the 'R-word' WHAT: The rally is a part of the national collaborative effort to Spread the Word to End the Word. 3.31.09 will be a National Awareness Day to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)." The day will be devoted to educating and raising awareness about individuals with intellectual disabilities. Individuals across the country will rally their schools and communities to pledge their support and stop the offensive use of the "R-word" in casual conversation at www.r-word.org. Tours of the Museum of disABILITY History will be available prior to and following the event. WHO: The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., will unite with thousands of individuals across the nation to Spread the Word to End the Word. Guest speakers include: Hillary Kellogg, New York State Special Olympics ; Larry Jordan, Self Advocate ; Cheryl Creekmore, Self Advocate ; Nick Zmuda, Special Olympics Athelete ; Charles Degraffenried, Museum of disABILITY History Docent ; Douglas Platt, Museum of disABILITY History Curator ; Kevin Horrigan, People Inc. Public Affairs Director ; Brad Watts, People Inc. Community Relations Coordinator . WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 12:30 PM - 3 PM WHERE: 1291 North Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY People Inc.'s and the Museum of disABILITY History's headquarters. Parking will be available across the street.

Rapper to Debut Album, Celebrate Poetry and Rap with Local Artists

What: A Celebration of Poetry and Rap When: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Starlight Studio and Art Gallery, 340 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY Information: Buffalo-based rapper Avery J. “The Definitive” Gill, will host a celebration of poetry and rap, performing tracks from his debut album and inviting local poets and rappers to share their work. The event, which is supported by People Inc. and Starlight Studio, is free to attend and participate. Light food and refreshments will be served and Avery’s album will be on sale for $5. Avery, who was 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. 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.

Recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the achievements of people with developmental disabilities, promote inclusion and acknowledge the work that needs to be done to eliminate the barriers many still face. People Inc. encourages everyone to celebrate and recognize abilities all year-round!  Here’s how you can get involved: 1. Reach out. Our agency offers a wide variety of supports for yourself, a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability or for someone you assist. For more information, contact our Admission and Referral Services Department :  Email: admissions@people-inc.org  Call: 716.880.3700 (Western New York) or 585.441.9300 (Greater Rochester region) 2. Learn. Our website, people-inc.org , includes lots of information – check out our Programs and Services section. 3. Become an inclusive employer. People Inc. is seeking new businesses to employ people with disabilities year-round. Our agency assists companies to create jobs around a person’s talents and interests. To learn more about how you or someone you assist can get employed through the People Inc. Supported Employment Program or to become a business partner, contact James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call 716.817.5750. 4. Follow our social media channels. Information will be shared on our social media channels all month long about developmental disabilities and the diverse accomplishments people make. Here’s where to find us: Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , LinkedIn and YouTube . Join us in spreading awareness by using the hashtags: #DDAwareness2023 and #DDAM2023 5. Practice inclusion. Be a friend, a listener, a teammate and welcome someone to your activities. Spread the Word: Inclusion , a national organization in partnership with the Special Olympics and Best Buddies, thinks the world would be better if everyone were included. Promote inclusion by signing a pledge . 6. Celebrate…. • National World Down Syndrome Day on March 21: It is a day that the Down syndrome community creates for a global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome. Learn more .  • Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is March 25: Find out more about cerebral palsy. 

Register for Headway of Western New York’s Haunted Helmet Ride and Walk

Event to raise awareness for those living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities Headway of WNY will host its Helmet Ride and Walk on Friday, October 13, 2017, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Parkside Lodge and Ring Road in Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY. The family-friendly fundraising event is designed to raise awareness about traumatic brain injury, along with encouraging helmet use, safety and brain injury prevention. It is not a race or competition; simply an evening ride or walk around Ring Road. Participants are encouraged to wear their helmets and dress them up in coordination with costumes. All registrations include the following: Group ride/walk around Ring Road, event t-shirt, reception in Parkside Lodge, food/drink, music, games, prizes and raffles. Pre-registration cost is $20 per person and children ages 5 to 17 is $10. Day of event registration costs is $25 per person and children ages 5 to 17 is $15. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.  The event will begin and end at Parkside Lodge, 84 Parkside Avenue. It is recommended to enter Delaware Park’s parking lot at Meadow Drive off Parkside Avenue.  To pre-register or for more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100.  Proceeds from this event support Headway of WNY to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy and supports to enable them to live as independently as possible. Sponsors of the event include: Bandbox Helmets, Health Force, The Reed Family, Munroe Chiropractic and Venture Forthe. If interested in sponsoring this event, call 716-408-3117. 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.

Registration Now Open for Free Diabetes Self-Management Workshop to be held in Grand Island

June 12, 2019: People Inc. has joined with the Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative (WNYICC) to present a series of free health and wellness workshops for people looking to manage their health. The classes, known as Choose Healthy Western New York Workshops, span a number of topics and seek to assist people living with diabetes and chronic disease. The next program in this series is the Diabetes Self-Management Workshop, which includes techniques to help manage the symptoms of diabetes, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance, healthy eating and working more effectively with health care providers. Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops incorporate tips to maintain a full and active lifestyle, skills that enable participants to confront the challenges of living with chronic disease and weekly action planning. Workshop curriculum was developed and tested by Stanford University and is an evidence-based program. People Inc. staff members have been certified to instruct the courses. Each workshop is six weeks long, meeting once a week for two and a half hours.  The Diabetes Self-Management Workshop will be held on Saturdays, July 27 through August 31, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, 3026 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island. It will include a free consultation with a registered dietitian for qualified participants. To register or more information about this or upcoming workshops, visit wnyicc.org or call 716-773-0907. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 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.

Registration Open for Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for Older Adults

Workshop to be held at West Seneca Location The start of the new year is often the time when people like to make positive changes for their health. Through People Inc.’s Living Healthy Program, a Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop will be held for older adults who are living with or caring for someone with a chronic or ongoing health condition. The free workshop will be held each Tuesday from January 23 to February 27, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at People Inc. Burchfield Commons Senior Living, 2290 Union Road, West Seneca. Workshop topics include: How to enhance your ability to better manage your health, tips to maintain an active lifestyle and learn new skills, which enable you to confront challenges of living with a chronic disease.  Registration is required. To register or for more information, call Becky Orton, peer leader trainer and manager of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, at 716-773-0907. People Inc., a not-for-profit health and human services agency, 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 .

Renovation Project for Oxford Square Community Lot Announced

Transformational Enhancements to Community Gathering Space Made Possible by State Grant Through NYS Senator Sean Ryan with Additional Financial Support from People Inc. Foundation On May 24, 2024, New York State Senator Sean Ryan and representatives from People Inc. announced plans for an estimated $600,000 in enhancements to the Oxford Square Community Lot in Buffalo. The renovation of the lot will add new amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy in order to create a versatile, multigenerational community gathering space at the corner of Oxford Avenue and Lafayette Avenue on the land adjacent to People Inc.’s Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments. The preliminary design for the reimagined lot includes plans for an accessible playground, additional seating, and new shade structures. The design is the culmination of a year of close coordination with the Oxford Square Block Club to gather community feedback and determine which amenities would best benefit the surrounding neighborhood. Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO of People Inc., said, “People Inc. is committed to doing all we can to uplift and enhance the communities in which we offer housing and other services. Creating safe and accessible areas for people of all ages to enjoy is part of that commitment and at the core of our mission to improve lives. We are grateful for the seamless collaboration with Sen. Ryan and the Oxford Square Block Club and very excited to move forward with these important improvements to the Oxford Square Community Lot.” The project will be funded primarily through a state grant secured by Senator Ryan, which will cover the site preparation costs as well as the cost of the playground and other amenities. The People Inc. Foundation has generously committed an additional $75,000 to cover expenses that are not covered by the state grant. Senator Sean Ryan said, “Neighborhood gathering spaces are integral to maintaining vibrant communities. Having a dedicated space for neighbors of all ages to interact and pass the time provides a safe recreation option in urban environments and helps build lifelong relationships. The residents of Oxford Square have done a wonderful job maintaining the community lot for well over a decade. The addition of an accessible playground and new areas for visitors to sit and relax will make an important community amenity even more welcoming to all residents.” Jenifer Kaminsky, President of Oxford Square Block Club, said, “For nearly two decades, the Community Lot has been a project of purpose and pride for the Oxford Square Block Club. Our neighbors have committed countless hours, their personal resources and creativity to build this valued space for all of our families. We are honored and incredibly grateful to State Senator Ryan, our ‘forever partners’ People Inc., and our community of advocates for this transformational investment in the families of Oxford Square and our surrounding neighborhoods.”

Rescheduled / New Date: Headway of Western New York 7th Annual Walk, Run & Wheel 5K

Event raises funds and awareness for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities   The new date of the Headway of Western New York 7th Annual Walk, Run & Wheel 5K is confirmed for Saturday, October 22, 2016. All other details and logistics of this event will remain the same. If you have already registered and want to participate on October 22, your registration will be moved to the new date. If you are not able to participate on the new date, your registration cost will be refunded. Headway of WNY apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. What: Headway of Western New York Walk, Run and Wheel 5K When: Saturday, October 22, 2016 (previous date was Saturday, September 10, 2016) Times: Registration/Check-in: 8 to 9 a.m. Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Where: LaSalle Park Pavilion Area, Porter and AmVets Drive, Buffalo Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is holding its Walk, Run & Wheel, 5K event to raise funds and awareness for individuals in our community who are living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities. The 5K is a certified course. Participants have the opportunity to walk, run or wheel in the event. Following the walk/run/wheel, there will be awards, live music, food, prizes and a basket raffle. The event’s lead sponsor is Feroleto Law. For more information or to register, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3110. Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is a non-profit support and advocacy agency whose mission is to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries, other disabilities and seniors have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible.