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.

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.