A Message of Support Video Released

People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey and Associate Vice President for Community Relations and DEI Bradford Watts acknowledge the tragedy that happened on May 14, 2022, as well as resources available to the People Inc. family in a video released on May 3.

Affiliation with Lothlorien Ends

The affiliation between Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. (LTRC) and People Inc. ended effective April 30, 2023. Read the statement at lothlorientrc.org .

People Inc. Joins Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Niagara University

Playing sports offers countless benefits. From increased self-confidence and critical thinking skills to developing character and a sense of teamwork, athletics give people of all abilities the tools they need to thrive and increase their physical fitness. No one knows this better than Special Olympics, a nonprofit organization that offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in authentic, quality sports.  On April 22, 2023, the state chapter, Special Olympics New York, partnered with Niagara University to host its Western Regional Basketball Tournament. About 175 Special Olympians competed in this year’s event, including 20 athletes from People Inc. In addition to the days of practicing basketball on campus, People Inc. participants also worked with the coaches in a classroom setting at Niagara University, learning about and helping to plan every aspect of the tournament. Brandon Mazur, an athlete who is also enrolled in a number of People Inc. programs, appreciated the skills he gained from the experience. “I enjoy learning how to pass the ball, shooting and dribbling,” he explained. “I like working with the coaches because they spend time with me and teach me how to play basketball. I really enjoy going to the university and being part of the program.” Kyle Stern, another Special Olympian who takes part in People Inc. programs, was excited to join the tournament for a second year running. “I did this last year as well,” he expressed. “It's really a lot of fun and it's really enjoyable to see a lot of familiar faces. I like dribbling the ball and passing it to my teammates.” The event was a huge success and People Inc. was proud to be a part of it. “As an agency, we work hard every day to create a culture where people are accepted and valued for who they are,” shared Elizabeth Duncan, director for People Inc. Day Habilitation Programs. “We look forward to continuing this partnership with Special Olympics and Niagara University and working together to build a more inclusive future.”  

Buffalo iCan Bike Camp in Need of Riders and Volunteers

Learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle is an exciting milestone that brings fun experiences and independence. Yet, for many people with disabilities, this opportunity may never happen during their lifetime. iCan Shine is one organization working to defy those odds with their iCan Bike Program. Using adapted bicycle equipment, iCan Bike has developed instructional camps specially focused on the needs of people with disabilities—empowering thousands to ride a bike all on their own!  People Inc. is a proud supporter of iCan Bike. The Buffalo chapter is hosting a camp this summer, from Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30, at Niagara Frontier Sports (previously BNCC), 425 Meyer Road, West Seneca, NY 14224.  Sessions are 75 minutes each day for people with disabilities, ages eight and up. The cost to attend the five-day camp is $225, or $200 if you register before Monday, May 1, 2023. Session times vary. Check out full requirements and register online .  Volunteers are also needed to encourage riders and keep them safe as they learn to ride. Interested volunteers must be at least 15 years of age, able to walk/jog behind a rider for the duration of a session with short breaks, and available to attend the camp each day during the same time slot from June 26 through June 30. Learn more and apply to become a volunteer . 

Deaf Access Services, a Program of People Inc. to Host Be the Light Gala to Celebrate 40 Years of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Tickets to be purchased by April 8  Download event flyer To help support its offerings, Deaf Access Services , a program of People Inc. , will host the Be the Light event on Thursday, April 20, at Shea's Performing Arts Center, 650 Main Street in Buffalo, NY.  This event celebrates 40 years of Deaf and hard of hearing services being provided throughout the community. The event features a keynote speaker, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, drinks, entertainment, a basket raffle, an award recognition ceremony and more. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view the historic Shea’s theatre by enjoying dinner on stage.  Event proceeds allow Deaf Access Services to continue bridging gaps in services and communication among the Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. The keynote speaker is Angela Maria Nardolillo, founder of Off-The-Grid Missions, the only organization in the world dedicated to providing Deaf and hard of hearing people with access to life-saving resources in high-risk, remote and disaster-stricken regions around the world. The cost of the event is $100 per person or a table for eight people is $750. Tickets may be purchased online at wnydas.or g by Saturday, April 8. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If you have questions about this event, contact David Wantuck at dwantuck@wnydas.org or call 716-833-1637 (phone) or 716-335-9192 (videophone). Deaf Access Services responds to the interests of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing by promoting communication access, awareness and opportunities in the greater community. The program provides: In-person interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), ASL classes, community services navigation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, assistive technology supports, employment placement and specialized Deaf refugee services.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .  

Deaf Access Services Merges with People Inc.

Partnership to provide increased services and advocacy People Inc. is pleased to announce that Deaf Access Services , which previously became an affiliate in February 2019, has now merged with the organization. Now a program of People Inc., Deaf Access Services will continue to provide the same high quality services for the Deaf and hard of hearing community throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region, with potential to expand further. As natural partners sharing a common mission to serve the community, the merger was part of the long-term plan when Deaf Access Services affiliated with People Inc. “This partnership will allow our services and advocacy to grow and continue to strengthen over time, delivering results for Deaf people and businesses who utilize our supports,” said Jodie Chibi, director of Deaf Access Services, a program of People Inc.  In 2022, Deaf Access Services experienced substantial growth, including: three times more service requests compared to 2021, an addition of more than 250 new business accounts and an increase of remote interpreting services. The program also provided weekly American Sign Language (ASL) classes for approximately 108 first- and second-grade students, as well as Deaf Cultural Competency Training for agencies across Western New York, among other initiatives.  The merger with People Inc. has been seamless with no interruption of services. “Together, we look forward to achieving great things and even more advocacy for Deaf and hard of hearing people,” said David Wantuck, community engagement specialist and ASL coordinator. “We will continue providing services to you just as usual.” Office space has also expanded for Deaf Access Services. In addition to its main office, located in the Tri-Main Center at 2495 Main Street in Buffalo, there is shared office space at Heart Love & Soul, 924 Niagara Avenue in Niagara Falls, along with offices at the People Inc. Greater Rochester Region Headquarters, 1860 Buffalo Road in Rochester. This expansion will assist in supporting community needs and allow the team to continue growing the program’s interpreting services to help work towards the goal of creating communities that are fully accessible.  For more information about services or to make an appointment for any of the office locations, email communications@wnydas.org or call 716-833-1637 , videophone 716-335-9192 . Deaf Access Services responds to the interests of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing by promoting communication access, awareness and opportunities in the greater community. The program provides: In-person interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), ASL classes, community services navigation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, assistive technology supports, employment placement and specialized Deaf refugee services.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .  

Your New Apartment Awaits

Worry less about the stress and pressure of home ownership with our affordable and maintenance-free apartments! People Inc. provides a variety of affordable apartments for people who meet age and income eligibility with locations across Western New York. If you, a family member or someone you assist is in need, check out these options, all providing safety features:  People Inc. Senior Living: One-bedroom apartments for independent older adults age 62 and up who are income-eligible. Learn more: people-inc.org/seniorliving View video .  People Inc. Affordable Apartments: One- and two-bedroom apartments for people ages 18 and over OR ages 55 and over. Learn more: people-inc.org/affordableapartments For information or an apartment application, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890 . 

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. 

People Inc. Recognizes Performance Advantage Company as Business Partner of the Year

Since 2020, People Inc. has enjoyed a partnership with Performance Advantage Company , a privately-owned company that manufactures specialty mount tools for the fire industry, military and more. The People Inc. Contract Manufacturing team works with Performance Advantage to assemble handlelok kits. People Inc. recently presented the company with a 2022 Business Partner of the Year Award! “The partnership is one of great value to our employees,” shared Ken Levan, Business and Industrial Services Manager for People Inc. Contract Manufacturing. “It gives them a feeling of contributing to the community and a sense of belonging, with the added bonus of earning a paycheck.”