People Inc.’s Arts Experience Day Habilitation Presents “Grease” Production

What:  “Grease” Production by participants of People Inc.’s Arts Experience Day Habilitation Program   When:   Friday, June 29, 2012, 11 a.m.            Meet and greet the cast after the performance   Where:  The Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street, Buffalo (Theatre District)   For the past two years, the artists involved in the musical theater class of People Inc.’s Arts Experience Day Habilitation program have worked to produce their own adaptation of the popular musical “Grease.” “It has been a two-year process that began when artist Mary Ann Gregory shared her lifelong dream to perform in the musical “Grease.” Her fellow artists expressed a desire to create their interpretation of the beloved classic,” shared Kim Petri, program manager and teaching artist.   People Inc.’s Arts Experience Day Habilitation showcases the talents of adults with developmental disabilities. The musical theater class has been rehearsing for the past two years to present their show to the community. “One of the challenges faced by the artists has been the rehearsal schedule. The musical theatre class meets once a week for two hours. This is very different from the typical rehearsal process,” said Petri.   Different classes from the Arts Experience program have been involved with the production from stage work to costumes. There will be 13 individuals performing “Grease.” Staff members will assist back stage with set up and costume changes. Phil Cercone is Danny Zuko and Jen Giolando is Sandra D.   The Arts Experience Day Habilitation offers classes in visual art, theatre, music, dance, jewelry design, fitness dance and creative writing. For more information about People Inc.’s Arts Experience, call 716.635.6526.

People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center Receives Prestigious Award

Upon the high recommendation of the Community Foundation of Western and Central New York and WNY HEALTHeLINK, People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center will be honored at the upcoming New York eHealth Collaborative Gala and Awards Ceremony in New York City as a New York Health IT Visionary for their pioneering use of technology to improve the lives of the community that the Elmwood Health Center serves, many of whom are un- or under-insured and struggle with chronic conditions. The award notification letter from NY eHealth Collaborative reads in part that "In working with HEALTHeLINK, your NCQA PCMH level 3 certification through the HEAL 10 project is one example of how your efforts measurably improve care coordination. And your tele-monitoring project as part of the WNY Beacon program is both exciting and groundbreaking. It is high tech and high touch at the same time, creating a stronger and more substantial method for communication between providers and their most at-risk patients. This is what health IT is all about." The New York eHealth Collaborative is the not-for-profit organization designated by both the state and federal governments to advance health IT in the State of New York. Ultimately, the goal of NYeC is that no patient, wherever they may need treatment within the State of New York, is ever without fast, secure, accurate, and accessible health information. According to the NY eHealth Collaborative, "It is this goal which resonates so profoundly with the work of the Elmwood Health Center." When asked for his thoughts on receiving word of this award, Frank M. Azzarelli, associate vice president of People Inc. and director of the Elmwood Health Center, said "To receive recognition such as this is truly an honor and is in and of itself a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Elmwood Health Center Team in making health information technology a reality for all of our patients and their families. In doing so, we have truly put health information technology to meaning use in all that we do for the betterment of all that we serve." Information on the Elmwood Health Center may be found at www.elmwoodhealthcenter.org while additional information on the New York eHealth Collaborative may be found at www.nyehealth.org .

People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center Receives Prestigious Grant with National Impact

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant Will Promote Research and Education on Diabetes   Diabetes is said to affect one out of every twelve adult New Yorkers according to the Department of Health. That number has doubled since 1994, and is anticipated to double again by the year 2050. Diabetes has been strongly linked to obesity and Western New York’s rate of obesity tops the New York State’s population occurrence of 25%.   It is expected that increasing patient knowledge on diabetes management and increasing health professional’s training on patient lifestyles will result in better health outcomes . A grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will allow People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center to complete nationally recognized research and offer more resources to their Western New York patients The grant, anticipated to help health centers reduce health disparities in communities across the United States, will allow the Elmwood Health Center to focus their attention on the medical care and management of individuals with diabetes.   The RWJF grant brings the Center for Health Care Quality at George Washington University together with six health centers located in Western New York and Cleveland, OH to create the Aligning Forces for Quality Equity Improvement Initiative 2.0. The goal is to reduce health disparities in the participating communities and impact the methods of care delivery across the country. The Elmwood Heath Center, located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, primarily serves patients in North Buffalo, Riverside and West Side of Buffalo, along with residents of Kenmore and Tonawanda.   The Elmwood Health Center will focus their attention on identifying disparities in relation to diabetes. Research will include focus groups that examine patient care and patient perception of care. The health professionals aim to pinpoint obstacles in patient’s health management and alter their own practices to better address the obstacles. A major educational component will be included with the involvement of a Diabetes Care Coordinator that will be available to aid patients who struggle to manage their health and diabetes. Ideally, the fund will allow health professionals to develop different methods of staff training and patient treatment approaches to best serve different populations. “The purpose is to gain the best understanding, give quality care and help people alter their lifestyles for the better,” said Frank Azzarelli, associate vice president of People Inc. and director of the Elmwood Health Center.   It is critical to learn about the whole person, such as their ethnicity, race, religious affiliation and any other characteristics that may impact an individual’s lifestyle, eating habits and ultimately the success of the medical care they receive. “The staff will be educated on each patient’s cultural or religious beliefs and other aspects which may impact the individual’s health,” added Azzarelli.   The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is a nonprofit health policy resource center dedicated to improving health care access and quality. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care in the United States.   Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center provides primary and specialty care services to a diverse patient base and is recognized locally for its care of those with special needs. 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.   Contact: Kevin Horrigan, Public Affairs Director Direct: 716-817-7475   Cell: 716-866-5893    

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.