Tips for Families who have Loved Ones with Developmental Disabilities

March is Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In recognition of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Kenmore resident Aimee Levesque, the mom of an individual People Inc. serves, shares why it is important for families to advocate for their loved ones. Aimee’s daughter, Jessica, is a participant of People Inc.’s Arts Experience Program, former participant of the agency’s Young Adult Life Transitions Program and currently involved with its Self-Advocacy Program. Both fans of the arts, Aimee is co-founder and managing director and Jessica is an actor of Unique Productions, a company of artists that aspires to promote community integration through the arts by providing individuals with disabilities a chance to be artists, actors and writers.   “Parents are the best advocates for their children. You are an expert on ‘all things your child,’ play an important role in their education, and get to reap the rewards of their love and affection. As a parent advocate, there are many things that you can do, including:   Learn about your child’s disability and teach them about their disability, too. How many times have you heard the saying, ‘knowledge is power?’ The more you and your child know about their disability, the better advocates you both will be. Use the Internet, books and brochures to teach your child; use anything you feel will help them understand. Be accurate, consistent and honest with them if they ask questions. Know your child’s abilities. We are often forced to focus on what our children cannot do to get the services that they need, in-and outside of school, but what about the great things they CAN do? Focus on the positives and on all of the terrific things that your child can do, has achieved and will continue to grow at. Keep records. Save copies of your child’s Individualized Education Plans, reports and samples of their school work. Take notes while on phone calls or in meetings. Put all of these items in a large binder. These materials may be helpful for showing where your child might have some difficulties or may highlight the areas where they have strengths. If you are not the best at keeping things organized or need help getting started, local parent groups and organizations may offer ‘Binder Trainings.’   Have goals for your child. Just like every other student, your child will have goals and aspirations, so encourage them to set them. Also, include your child in the goal and decision-making processes as often as you can. Self-determination is a key component in the progression toward independence. If your child is unable to articulate goals to you, then creating these goals may become your responsibility, so do your homework. Allow yourself to feel and display emotions. Repeat after me, ‘it is okay to cry, it is okay to get angry and it is okay to be happy.’ Believe it or not, it is very easy for parents of children with disabilities to repress emotions because they may feel that the emotions will get in the way of powerful advocacy. Not only is repressing emotions terrible for your health, but it can also be counterproductive to your advocacy efforts. You cannot be an effective advocate if you are stuck in a cycle of painful and destructive emotions. If you don’t think you can do it on your own, speak with a professional. Join parent groups. Parent groups – online or in person – serve many purposes. They provide the opportunity to meet families that are walking similar paths. You can share resources, discuss similar situations, laugh and cry together. In essence, parent groups are a place of help, love and support. Take care of yourself! Meetings, doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions – most days we find ourselves being pulled in what feels like a million different directions and the last thing we think about are ourselves. But what help can we be if we are sick or overstressed? It is important to make sure that our needs as parents are met, too. So keep those health-related appointments, get to the gym, act in a play or take a yoga class. The bottom line is: take care of YOU.”   Aimee Levesque is a parent advocate. She has worked in the disability field in Western New York for more than 15 years. She is co-founder and managing director of Unique Productions (UP!), a company of artists that aspires to promote community integration through the arts by providing individuals with disabilities a chance to be artists, actors and writers. A resident of Kenmore, NY, Levesque is currently enrolled at the University at Buffalo as a PhD candidate for the Curriculum Instruction and the Sciences of Learning Program. 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.

Total Solar Eclipse Arrives on April 8 - Impact on Agency Operations, Safety Information & Radio Interview

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a Total Solar Eclipse will be observable in the Western New York and Rochester areas. This is one of the few places in the country where the eclipse can be observed. This rare event will draw close to a million people to the Western New York area and approximately half a million to the greater Rochester area. This influx of people will put a significant strain on infrastructure and services we rely on typically without delay. Agency Operations:  Because of this influx of people, there are several areas of agency operations that will be closed on April 8, they are as follows: Administrative locations in Buffalo and Rochester - Staff that work out of these buildings have several options regarding their hours from working from home, to making up the hours, to taking paid time off.        Day Services, Respite and Rehabilitative Health Services - Staff will report to their sister Residential site to assist with covering persons served that will now be home during daytime hours.    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 and how the eclipse is changing operations at the agency for April 8. Learn more   Eclipse Viewing Safety:  It is unsafe to view the eclipse without special glasses designed for such an event.  Note: Sunglasses DO NOT offer the appropriate level of protection. Eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed to staff and persons served at certain locations in the coming weeks. For staff, there will also be a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses available on a first come first served basis at administrative locations beginning the week of March 25. Additionally, appropriate eclipse viewing glasses may be found at locations in the community, including public libraries. Solar eclipse viewing safety reference guides are available in English and Spanish .  Additional information is available from  NASA  and  New York State .  

Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders Workshop at Museum of disABILITY History

On Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Museum of disABILITY History will host a unique Dialogues on disABILITY Workshop called “Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom.” It will be presented by Susan Conners, M.Ed., president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State.  The workshop will focus on a number of topics, including criteria for diagnosing Tourette Syndrome, associated disorders and their behaviors, impact on performance and behavior, as well as classroom strategies. The workshop is recommended for parents, educators and human service professionals. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for occupational, physical and speech therapists will be provided, along with certificates of attendance.  The workshop is $40 for adults and $10 for students. There is an additional $20 fee for those interested in earning CEUs. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Those who wish to register are advised to do so early, as the workshop will be limited to the first 80 participants. To reserve your spot, complete the registration form available online at museumofdisability.org or call 716-629-3626 with payment information.  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.

Tourette Syndrome Workshop Focuses on Methods Parents and Educators can Help Young People Manage Behavior

The Museum of disABILITY History will host its 2017 workshop session of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Associated Disorders in the Classroom on Saturday, January 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The workshop will be presented by Susan Conners, MEd, president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The workshop is held in association with Learning Partners. Focusing on ways in which parents and educators can help young people with TS and associated disorders manage their behavior, the workshop is ideal for parents, educators, and health and human service professionals. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for those interested. The cost is $40 for professionals and parents and $10 for students. There is an additional fee of $40 for those pursuing CEUs. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Wi-Fi available. Registration and payment is due by January 20. Registration forms are available online at museumofdisability.org or call 716-629-3626 with payment information.  Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

Training Available to Become a Volunteer Ombudsman to Advocate for Seniors

People Inc. is seeking volunteers with a passion for assisting seniors to support the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Volunteers, called ombudsmen, play an important part by advocating and promoting the rights of residents who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.  Ombudsmen bring compassion and problem-solving skills as they visit long-term care facilities to empower residents. Phone screenings are now available to review eligibility to join the program’s upcoming training sessions. Ombudsmen volunteers explore, resolve and/or refer complaints. Opportunities are available for those who work in professional fields, such as paralegals, human service staff, social workers and business professionals. Many volunteers are also retirees, ranging from those who have worked within education systems, administration to engineering fields. Hours are flexible with a minimum of two hours per week.    Inspired by his father’s move into a skilled nursing facility, Joe Cal, a retiree and resident of Orchard Park, NY, has been an Ombudsman for the past eight and a half years.    “We are not there to be adversaries, we are advocates, mediators and partners who appreciate the backgrounds and experiences of residents and want them to know that we have their backs,” said Cal. Another part of the volunteerism that Cal enjoys is the schedule and giving back. “For me, I consider it a regular job, but the good news is you can pick your own hours. As an ombudsman, I’m able to make an impact on seniors, especially for the residents who do not have family living in town; you are there to be an intermediary.”    People Inc. provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for ombudsmen. The next training begins in mid-June with late afternoon/evening hours. Another training will be held in September.  To learn more, call 716.817.9222. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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 .

Transition Services Virtual Expos – May 24-26

People Inc. is proud to be one of the agencies presenting at three upcoming “Transition Services Virtual Expo 2022” sessions sponsored by Person Centered Services from May 24 to 26.

Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor and Author Ryan Young to Present about Determination and Not Giving Up

As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host a free presentation called, “Ryan Young: Determine Not to Give Up” on Wednesday, March 27, from 11:30 to 12:30, at its location 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Young will discuss his life of living with a traumatic brain injury and about his book, “Thankful, Blessed Individual: Never Stop Believing in Miracles.” Young’s story is one of initial tragedy, growing strength and perseverance. Life has its ups and downs and Young’s life has been no different. However, it is Young’s belief in himself and his faith which allows him to be a source of motivation and inspiration. The event will also feature a presentation from Ronald Fernández, RRDS, CRC, LMHC, director, Headway of WNY, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc. He will focus on what a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is and its causes, history of services in New York State and treatment options. The free presentation is ideal for people with traumatic brain injuries and their families, teachers and educational staff, nurses, students, medical and human services agencies and child care providers.  Registration encouraged. To RSVP or for more information, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716-629-3626. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery. 

Twenty People Inc. Employees Earn WNY AmeriCorps ABLE Scholarship

Twenty employees of People Inc., Western New York's leading human services agency, were recently honored with the Western New York AmeriCorps 2011 ABLE Scholarship Award. The scholarship is a partnership between People Inc. and WNY AmeriCorps through AmeriCorps's America Builds Lives through Education (ABLE) Program. This is the second year that People Inc. was chosen to participate and offer employees financial assistance toward their education. Employees must be employed in a program providing direct service to individuals with disabilities and meet specific income requirements. The award can be used to pay educational expenses such as tuition, related fees and student loans. "This is such a great program for employees, who, by their work everyday, further the mission of People Inc.," said People Inc. Retention Director Kimberly Kadziolka. "This scholarship program assists with the employees' educational advancement, which may further their careers with People Inc." The following employees earned the scholarship: Deborah Brown, IRA Specialist, resides in Buffalo Tia Carter, IRA Specialist, resides in Amherst Ariel Collins, ICF Specialist, resides in Buffalo Laura Conti, IRA Specialist, resides in Lockport  Ronald Cummings, IRA Specialist, resides in Buffalo  Mary Kate Duff, Primary Instructor, resides in Grand Island Victoire Dushime, IRA Specialist, resides in Buffalo Christopher Etterle, IRA Specialist, resides in Lackawanna  Megan Gorski, Behavior Technician, resides in Akron Beth Huffnagle, IRA Specialist, resided in Grand Island  Tashana Johnson, IRA Specialist, resides in Buffalo  Kristin Kemnitzer, ICF Specialist, resides in Hamburg Valeria Keys, IRA Specialist, resides in Buffalo Gwendoline Lander, IRA Specialist, resides in Buffalo  Kelly Matthews, Community Based Instructor, resides in West Seneca Nicholas Mekus, IRA Specialist, resides in Dunkirk Katherine Needham, PCA, resides in Depew Sierrha O' Neal, IRA specialist, resides in North Tonawanda Jessica Sparks, PCA, resides in Lancaster Veronica Ubiles-Ginty, IRA Specialist, resides in Alden

Two People Inc. Senior Living Locations Hosts Yard Sale Events and Apartment Tours in Wheatfield and Hamburg

Applications Accepted for Affordable Senior Apartments If your parent is looking for affordable housing or if you are a senior looking to move, consider People Inc. Senior Living. Two locations are hosting yard sale events, with an opportunity to tour apartments. Both events will also include information about income eligibility for those who may be interested in downsizing or removing the burden of household maintenance. People Inc. Willow Senior Living will host a multi-family yard sale on Friday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3990 Forest Parkway, Wheatfield (between Shawnee and Townline Road, off Niagara Falls Boulevard). For information call, 716.694.1486.
 The second multi-family yard sale will be held a People Inc. Iris Senior Living on Thursday, June 16 and Friday, June 17, both days from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4150 Sowles Road, Hamburg. For information, call 716.648.3255. People Inc. Senior living provides apartments for independent seniors age 62 and up. Monthly rent is based on income; some utilities included. Apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances, accessible bathroom and safety features. A furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24-hour on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores are included. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide referrals and connections to services as needed to tenants at no extra charge. For those who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year.  People Inc. manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For more information about other locations, call 716.817.9090. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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 .