Supporting Choices at The Edge

It’s the beginning of the day, and everyone is greeted with great enthusiasm as they come in the door of The Edge, People Inc.’s new “Day Habilitation Without Walls” program. The group is excited to learn updates from each other since they were last together. Both the people who attend and the staff show enthusiasm for the start of their day at this space on 66th Street in Niagara Falls. The Edge offers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to interact in the community. It does not literally mean there are no walls, rather, that there is maximum community integration and activities tailored to each person. After moving from the Golisano Center, the team at The Edge enjoys the flexibility provided in this new location. An array of activities are offered, including art, exercise, cooking, a stage with sound system, computers, use of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Niagara Community Center, just to name a few. The staff work with each person’s needs and interests, while empowering choices, to create the activities for the day. On a recent Tuesday there was a flurry of activity and many people to meet, including: Donte Griffin, a direct support professional who has been with People Inc. for two years, is quick to explain all the different activities the attendees can select from, explaining that every day is different here. “We might be drawing, playing a board or card game, having a ping-pong tournament, cooking – especially for the holidays, playing a very competitive game of basketball, bringing lots of energy to the stage with karaoke or covering safety training skills in the community,” he said. When he noticed that one of the people attending the program was having a challenging morning, Donte invited her to take a walk outside.  He knew that the calming environment of the neighborhood would provide her a chance to talk and relax. Matthew Dinino, who welcomes you and introduces each person by name. He likes to play volleyball. Tiffany Carr enjoys all the room and choices they have both at this new location and when they are out in the community. Her favorite activities are basketball, tennis and kickball. Tiffany likes seeing her friends each day and how friendly the staff is. She also enjoys the opportunities to walk in the neighborhood and explore the mall. Tabitha Schuman says the staff are good listeners and very funny. She has many favorite activities, including doing research and word puzzles on the computer, singing rock music on the stage with karaoke and playing basketball. Corey Cunningham enjoys coming to The Edge and is helping to build a “Lego” town. She also likes going to the community center to get exercise. Marche Moody, a direct support professional who has been with the agency four years, is excited to be rebuilding the program after the COVID hiatus. “It is very refreshing to be in this new location where everyone can be themselves, and we have the room to work with each person. We have seen the people we support be more comfortable and really grow.” One of the activities Marche enjoys is accompanying the attendees to the Community Center for basketball, volleyball, kickball, and soccer, remarking on how competitive this group of people can be. The staff are busy preparing for a future talent show, softball tournament and working in the community garden. Through partnerships with other area organizations and businesses, the team at The Edge will be expanding community-based volunteer and other opportunities. “We have fun together and learn from each other,” Donte said. “We understand how difficult lives can be outside of here – so we work hard to create a safe place where the people we support can be themselves.” Learn more about People Inc. Day Programs A day at The Edge in photos:

Susan Bayerl, Associate Vice President at People Inc. becomes Board Chair of NYS Association of Health Care Providers

Susan Bayerl of Cheektowaga has become the newest Chairperson for the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP). The New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc. (HCP) is a trade association representing approximately 400 offices of Licensed Home Care Service Agencies, Certified Home Health Agencies, Long Term Home Health Care Programs, Hospices and health related organizations (HROs) across New York State.   She has been a part of the HCP board for the last thirteen years and, has served two terms as the WNY chapter president, and the Board Treasurer as well as two terms as the Executive Vice Chair. Per Mrs. Bayerl, “The Home Health Care Industry continues to face challenges in an ever changing healthcare environment while ensuring that at risk individuals receive the healthcare support necessary to keep them at home and healthy. HCP is an invaluable resource providing the support and information necessary to ensure providers succeed in this endeavor.”   Susan was recently promoted to Associate Vice President at People Inc. She is responsible for operation of People Inc.’s Home Health Care Department. This includes Certified Home Health Care, Licensed Home Health Care, Early Intervention, as well as People Inc.’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.   Susan believes in the importance of keeping individuals in their home surrounded by family and friends to promote healing and well being. People Inc.’s willingness to explore innovative new programs and ideas along with their commitment to quality services is why Susan has remained a part of the People Inc. family for the past twenty five years.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations with over 2,000 employees. 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.

Susan Conners to Speak about Tourette Syndrome at Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome UPDATED - NEW EVENT DATE As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome Susan Conners, author and president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The presentation, entitled “Tourette Syndrome – What makes us tic?” will take place on Friday, May 30, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   Conners will focus on a number of topics relating to Tourette Syndrome, including criteria for diagnosis, common neurological disorders, as well as strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.   Conners, M.Ed. was a middle school teacher for 33 years and helped found the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State in 1984. She has been president of the organization ever since. A resident of Snyder, NY, she served on the National Tourette Syndrome Association’s board of directors for 12 years and was also founder and chairperson of its educational committee. Conners recently had her first book published entitled The Tourette Syndrome and OCD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Educators. She has also consulted with and made appearances on numerous television programs, including ABC’s 20/20, the Emmy award-winning HBO documentary I Have Tourette’s But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me, and a BBC Discovery Channel Special on Tourette Syndrome, to name a few.   The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Susan Conners is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees, which 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.  

Symposium Focuses on Potential Medical Cannabis Benefits for People with Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Disorders

Headway of WNY hosts symposium as part of its community outreach and educational programs What: Educational Symposium presented by Headway of WNY: “Medical Cannabis: A Promising Therapy for TBI & Other Cognitive Disorders?” When: Wednesday, February 6, 2019, from 8 a.m. to noon Where: University at Buffalo Center for Tomorrow, 101 Service Center Road, Amherst, NY (North Campus, Flint Road entrance, off Maple Road) Who: The featured speaker is Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, medical director, Cannabis Clinic at DENT Neurologic Institute. Why: As part of its community outreach activities, Headway of WNY addresses current topics through its educational programs. 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. 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. 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 in Western New York 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.

Tenants of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living in Grand Island Celebrate 10 Years

What: People Inc. Marigold Senior Living 10 Year Anniversary Celebration When: Monday, July 9, 2012; noon Where:  People Inc. Marigold Senior Living              3026 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY 14072 It’s a birthday party for People Inc. Marigold Senior Living! Tenants and staff will share stories and celebrate 10 years. The event will include music, poetry and refreshments. Tenants will be awarded certificates.  Applications are currently being accepted for People Inc. Marigold Senior Living. For more information, call 716-773-0907. People Inc. manages 17 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. To learn more about other locations and eligibility requirements, call 716-817-9090. 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.

Tenants of People Inc. Pine Senior Living Host Lunch for Rapids Volunteer Fire Company

What: People Inc. Pine Senior Living Host Lunch for Rapids Volunteer Fire Company When: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: People Inc. Pine Senior Living, 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport As a token of their appreciation, the tenants of People Inc.'s Pine Senior Living will host a hot dog cookout for the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company. The tenants and staff want to thank the volunteer fire group for their kindness when assisting the residents in emergency situations. The tenants are making homemade salads and desserts. People Inc. manages 17 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information on eligibility requirements, call 817.9090. 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.

Tenants of People Inc. Pine Senior Living Host Lunch for Rapids Volunteer Fire Company

What: People Inc. Pine Senior Living Host Lunch for Rapids Volunteer Fire Company   When:  Tuesday, June 5, 2012, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.   Where:  People Inc. Pine Senior Living, 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport   As a token of their appreciation, the tenants of People Inc.’s Pine Senior Living will host a cookout for the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company. The tenants and staff wish to thank the volunteer fire group for their kindness when assisting the residents in emergency situations and for their community involvement.   People Inc. manages 17 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For an application or a tour of People Inc. Pine Senior Living, call 716-433-3381. To learn more about other locations and eligibility requirements, call 716-817-9090.

Test Drive a Lincoln MKC to Support People Inc.

You are cordially invited to the Lincoln MKC Launch Event to support People Inc. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 22, at 6 p.m., Towne Ford Lincoln 3535 Southwestern Boulevard, Orchard Park. Join us in the Lincoln showroom to test drive the Lincoln MKC. For each person who test drives the Lincoln MKC, Towne Lincoln will donate $50 to People Inc. RSVP by October 15, to Brittany Miller at Bmiller@towneauto.com or 716.662.6500, ext. 2560.

The 2nd Annual Assistive Technology (AT) Expo

Parent Network of Western New York, Early Childhood Direction Center and People Inc. present The 2 nd Annual Assistive Technology (AT) Expo   Wednesday, November 20, 2013 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Millennium Hotel 2040 Walden Ave. Cheektowaga, New York 14225   Six contact hours/CEUs available. For more details and to Register Online: www.parentnetworkwny.org   Why? Come learn about available technologies and how to incorporate it into all areas of life. Our conference also includes a Keynote presentation, panel discussions and vendor fair. New this year for professionals, we will offer CEU seminars in Communication and/or Mobility. We will be offering 3 distinct tracks: A combination of a panel discussion, presentation and vendor interaction on Funding and Navigation of the AT system for parents, caregivers, and professionals. 6 CEU contact hours in Power Wheelchair Mobility Options, Move with Power, presented by Steve Boucher, OT, clinical educator for Sunrise Medical.  This intermediate level seminar will provide the participants with the opportunity to investigate and understand current power mobility options consisting of the mobility base, seating systems, dynamic seating options, and electronics. Course Objectives: Directed towards OTs, PTs, COTAs PTAs, nurses Determine what power mobility products are required through the clinical assessment process Link clinical assessment results to proper seating options on power wheelchairs Define the difference between expandable and non-expandable electronic Understand the critical components of the evaluation process and documentation for funding a power mobility system 6 CEU contact hours covering conventional Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for  Adults, presented by Barbara Ann Neth, MS, CCC/SLP-L  and Apps, iPads, Use of the Cloud and More: Applications for Therapists, Parents and Teachers, presented by Tamara Roberts, CCC/SLP. Technology should enhance independence and functionality for each person while facilitating connections with the world around them and this beginner to intermediate seminar will cover the application and usage of conventional AAC options as well as explore the changes in technology including Apps and iPads.   Course Objectives: Directed towards OT, COTA, SLP, Special Educators, and Parents Understand various AAC applications/devices while focusing on maintaining language, literacy & communication Identify various low & high tech strategies and access methods (eye tracking, scanning, head tracking) Recognize funding streams and required documentation for AAC devices Utilizing the iPad and mobile technology to meet the needs of clients Explain the implementations and functions of current mobile technology as opposed to current therapeutic assistive technology.