Two Upcoming Events at Museum of disABILITY History

The Museum of disABILITY History and the Center for Disability Studies are pleased to host two upcoming events – both will be held at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. “Changing Paradigms from Accessibility to Universal Design” will be presented on Wednesday, February 1, from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The presentation will be led by Professor Edward Steinfeld, a faculty member at the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning and the Director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (the IDEA Center). The disability accessibility movement is globally adopting a new paradigm: universal design. This lecture will describe the history of the accessibility movement in addition to discussing the difference between universal design and accessibility. Professor Steinfeld will also offer observations and insight into the reasons why the change from accessibility to universal design is now underway. “A Sens-ible Home” will be held on Friday, March 2, from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Professor Beth Tauke, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning and director of University Educational Activities for the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (the IDEA Center), will present the discussion. She will discuss The LIFEhouse™, a universally designed concept house and model residence, developed by UB’s IDEA Center and a number of partners, which provides a model of a residence adapted to a person’s changing needs throughout the course of a lifetime.

Two-Bedroom Apartment Available at Academy Place Apartments

Are you, a family member or someone you assist in need of an affordable senior apartment in the Southern Tier? Academy Place Apartments in Gowanda, NY, managed by People Inc., are accepting applications for a two-bedroom apartment. Located at 1 School Street in Gowanda, the HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and NYS Tax Credit apartments are for independent, older adults age 62+ who meet income guidelines. Vouchers accepted for Tax Credit units.  Features include: Kitchen with appliances, 24-hour on-call emergency service provided, small pet-friendly, laundry facilities and storage available on each floor and community room. An apartment application is available online in English and Spanish to print and submit. Download a flyer to learn more. A waitlist is also available for one-bedroom apartment units. For more information, call 716.880.3890 . 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 .  

U.S. Paralympic Athlete Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on athlete's personal experiences, road to Paralympic success The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome U.S. Paralympic athlete, Adam Page, as the latest speaker in its Person First Forum Series. The event, entitled, "Living an Independent Life, Making Dreams a Reality," will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The presentation will focus on Page's personal experiences, highlighting his introduction to sled hockey and road to Paralympic success. A resident of Lancaster, NY, Page is a Paralympic athlete who has inspired many with his abilities on and off the ice. Born on March 10, 1992, with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Page found sled hockey at the age of 6 and has been playing for sixteen years. At 14, he was chosen for the USA Development Team and, not long after, joined the USA men's national team at the age of 15. Page has participated in the 2010 and 2014 Paralympics in Vancouver, British Colombia and Sochi, Russia, respectively. Additionally, he has taken part in four world championships, winning two gold medals, a silver and a bronze. Alongside his role as an athlete, Page currently volunteers with his father, Norman, starting new sled hockey programs across the country. The programs give youth, adults and veterans the chance to play the sport that has given Page, himself, so many opportunities. In his spare time, Page enjoys downhill skiing, golf and bowling. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Page’s childhood hockey sled, crafted by his father, is presently on display at the Museum of disABILITY History as part of the Sports and Disability exhibit. The Person First Forum with Adam Page is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, 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.  

University of Toledo Professor Kim E. Nielsen Joins Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series

Presentation to focus on the importance of disabilities throughout history   As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series , the Museum of disABILITY History will host author and professor, Kim E. Nielsen. The presentation, entitled “Disability History is Our History,” will take place on Friday, February 21, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo .   The event will focus on stories of historical figures with disabilities, as well as changing definitions of disability over the course of time. Additionally, Nielsen will emphasize disability in law, culture and why the history of people with disabilities is important to all.   Kim E. Nielsen, who earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Iowa, is professor of Disability Studies at the University of Toledo, where she also teaches courses in History and Women’s and Gender Studies. Dr. Nielsen’s newest book, A Disability History of the United States, is the first book to place the experiences of people with disabilities at the center of the American narrative. It covers U.S. history from pre-1492 to present. Other works from Nielsen include Beyond the Miracle Worker: The Remarkable Life of Anne Sullivan Macy and Her Extraordinary Friendship with Helen Keller (Beacon, 2009) and The Radical Lives of Helen Keller (NYUP, 2004).   This Dialogues on disABILITY event is cosponsored by the University at Buffalo Center for Disability Studies. It is  $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees. The event fee 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.   Contact: Nicole Forgione, People Inc. Public Affairs Manager Direct Line: 716-817-7490 nforgione@people-inc.org      

Update: Missing Person Found -- Missing Person Alert as of 5.13.2022

Ms. Hill has been safely located. Thank you all for your assistance! People Inc. is seeking assistance for a missing person, Marilyn Hill, who lives in North Buffalo and receives agency services. An attempt to locate was made when Ms. Hill did not return from an outing in downtown Buffalo, which is atypical. Ms. Hill is a vulnerable person and is community independent. She is described as a black female, 57 years of age, approximately 5’6”, 200 lbs. She was last seen on the morning of May 12, 2022. She wears glasses and was last seen in jeans and a cream/brown/black sweatshirt. If you have information or have seen Ms. Hill, call 716-714-5384. A photo of Ms. Hill is pictured. People Inc. has been working quickly with law enforcement, staff and family members to diligently monitor the situation. Hospital emergency rooms and the NFTA have been contacted. Our hearts go out to Ms. Hill’s family. Staff members are providing support and will provide assistance in areas that may be needed. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of 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.

Updated Mission, Vision and Values Statements

Our mission statement is at the center of everything that we do at People Inc. – it is important to continuously evaluate our mission and vision statements with the goal of focusing on expert supports and quality care for each person receiving our services. Advocates who receive services met with members of our Senior Leadership Team to explain that the use of the term “individuals” in the mission statement was not person-centric and could have negative connotations, including sounding like a clinical description. The request to change the word “individuals” to “people” in the mission, vision, and value statements was brought to the Board of Directors and approved. The updated mission statement is as follows: People Inc. exists so that people with disabling conditions or other special needs have the supports they need to participate and succeed in an accepting society. Read the People Inc. Mission, Vision and Values

URGENT BUDGET UPDATE - Thank Legislators and seek the Governor's agreement

We have spoken. And due to your tremendous help and support, we have been heard! Unfortunately this is not the end of the process. We must act now! What has happened: The Senate and Assembly one-house budget bills recommend restoration of the $120 million (state share) cut in funding proposed in the Governor’s 30-day budget amendments (a massive $240 million hit on persons with developmental disabilities and the voluntary agencies providing supports and services to these individuals.)  But, the Governor is not there yet.  He sees this as mere belt tightening and not the devastation for individuals with disabilities and their families. What needs to happen: We need to continue to gather support from our state senators and legislators and apply pressure on the Governor. What you can do (Contact information and talking points below.) : 1. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR 2. CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND LEGISLATOR 3. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR’S REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT THE GOVERNOR The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State NYS Capitol Albany NY 12224 518-474-8390 · These moneys need to be restored and alternative resources should be used to close the budget gap. · Ask him to agree to close the budget gap using alternative resources available and not reduce spending for people with developmental disabilities · Over the past several years, reductions in supports and services of more than $350 million have already been made. · This cut will have a devastating impact on these individuals, their families and the 12,500 employees of Western New York and Finger Lake agencies who provide direct support and assistance and ensure their health and safety. CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND LEGISLATOR Assembly Switchboard is 518-455-4100 Senate Switchboard is 518-455-2800 Assembly Switchboard is 518-455-4100 Senate Switchboard is 518-455-2800   Don’t know who your senator or legislator are? Use these websites: · Thank the member for their efforts to fully restore the proposed $120 million cut. Tell them how much you appreciate that each one-house budget bill includes the full restoration.  · Ask them to continue to support the restoration during the budget deliberation process and to contact their colleagues on the Health and Mental Health budget subcommittee and the General Budget Conference committee and stress to them the importance of including this restoration in the final budget. · Ask the member to sign a letter to the Governor seeking his support for full restoration of the $120(stateshare) cut using resources already identified (the $200 million in additional revenues from the Consensus Revenue Forecast process) as well as other resources which will be identified in the ongoing budget deliberations. · Explain what these cuts will mean in terms of loss of services and jobs in the community.  Make it clear the level of these cuts is simply not manageable and for OPWDD to suggest otherwise is foolish and misinformed. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR’S REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Sam Hoyt Regional President Empire State Development Corporation 95 Perry Street - Suite 500 Buffalo, New York 114203-3030 716-846-8200 shoyt@esd.ny.gov · Ask Mr. Hoyt to work with the governor to close the budget gap using alternative resources available and not reduce spending for people with developmental disabilities. · Over the past several years, reductions in supports and services of more than $350 million have already been made. · This cut will have a devastating impact in Western New York - on these individuals, their families and the 12,500 employees of Western New York and Finger Lake agencies who provide direct support and assistance and ensure their health and safety. This is critically important and  TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE If you have any questions or would like more information, please call or email Kevin Horrigan, Director of Public Affairs at 716.817.7475.

URGENT REQUEST - Contact U.S. Senator Charles Schumer ASAP!

July 22, 2021 -- There is talk of slashing the $400 billion projected funding for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to only $150 billion. This is crucial funding that directly impacts the programs and services People Inc. provides. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer is in the key position to make sure that the $400 billion for HCBS remains at that level of funding. He is New York’s senior Senator and it’s important that we all - people we support, families and employees - reach out to his office immediately to advocate on behalf of the HCBS funding. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out to support this important effort. If you have not contacted Senator Schumer, fill out this easy-to-use form  that includes a message you can personalize. Senator Schumer also pays close attention to Twitter and we’re inviting everyone to make their voices heard on this social media platform as well. Here is a suggested Tweet: @SenSchumer Home & Community Based Services are key to ensuring ppl with disabilities are included in the community. #COVID19 exacerbated a long-standing crisis in recruiting/retaining direct care workers. Ensure all $400B proposed by Biden stay in the reconciliation package. Additionally, you can email the senator using this online form . Here is a suggested message: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are key to ensuring people with disabilities are included in the community, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a long-standing crisis in recruiting/retaining direct care workers. Senator Schumer, please ensure that all $400B proposed by President Biden is included in the reconciliation package. HCBS NEEDS ALL $400B and we need YOUR HELP to make it a reality. Thank you also for your efforts to TWEET, CALL and SEND personal Emails TODAY (or over the next few days)! Together, we can push for this vital funding!

Veterans and Service Providers to Identify Key Issues and Service Gaps

New York State Senator Robert Ortt Featured as Keynote Speaker June 20, 2016: “Bridging the Gaps: WNY in Support of Veterans,” a unique symposium identifying key issues and service gaps to address community needs for veterans, will be held on Wednesday, June 22, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Ramada Amherst/Getzville Hotel and Conference Center, 2402 North Forest Road, Getzville. The free event is geared towards service providers and veterans.   The keynote speaker is New York State Senator Robert Ortt, along with a distinguished panel, including: James Becker, MFA, GWOT outreach counselor, Buffalo Veteran Center; Joseph Chudoba, domestic violence advocate for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court team leader and co-founder of Re-Boot Camp, Inc.; Kerry Donnelly, PhD, ABPP, clinical neuropsychologist, VA WNY Healthcare System; and Maria Gordon, LMSW, military case management service coordinator, Catholic Charities Vision Military Program. Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) said: “Helping veterans has been one of my top priorities in Albany. Last year, I brought the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer-to-Peer Program to Niagara county, which connects veterans with other veterans coping with the effects of PTSD and TBI. I helped to pass the veterans buy back bill, which was finally signed into law earlier this month. I’ve hosted several veterans' forums that, like this symposium, bring dozens of key agencies together under one roof to help our servicemen and women obtain the resources they need. I will continue to work toward closing the gaps in services, so that we can ensure that none of our veterans are left behind.” The presentation is sponsored by Headway of WNY, People Inc. and Catholic Charities. Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is a non-profit support and advocacy agency whose mission is to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries, other disabilities and seniors have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible. Headway of WNY is committed to providing services for veterans and their families, particularly those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). For more information, call 716-408-3100. 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 in achieving greater degrees of independence and productivity. For more information, call 716-880-3700. Catholic Charities Vision Military program offers supports and services to veterans and military families through direct services and collaboration with local agencies throughout Western New York. Current or former military members, veterans and their families can present a need at any community-based office of Catholic Charities. For more information, call 716-877-8822.