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 .

Training Psychology Doctoral Students to Support People with Disabilities

Faced with a dire need for clinicians and a nationwide lack of those trained to help answer the unique behavioral health needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the agency’s Behavioral Health Department got creative. Dr. Elizabeth Randall, PsyD, LMHC, a Behavioral Management Specialist at People Inc., sought membership with the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers to create a training program . The national organization pairs psychology doctoral students with organizations and training programs. People Inc. has the only program in Western New York specializing in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Joining People Inc. in late summer, doctoral students Robia Robert Vedhanayakam and Michael Retallick each bring a wealth of experience to the agency and have quickly become an integral part of the clinical team. They are joined by Tara D. Howard, PsyD, NCSP, a Post-Doctoral Fellow, who is gaining experience toward her licensure, while offering her expertise to the clinical staff as well. Retallick has relocated for the year from the state of Washington, while Robert Vedhanayakam and Howard are from Western New York. The program’s primary purpose is to develop skilled practitioners competent in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, with specific skills that include providing evidence-based services, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate support and treatment planning. The fellows work within a treatment team to provide clinical support that promotes independence and person-centered care. The fellows bring original ideas and creative problem-solving to the clinical team. Robert Vedhanayakam has introduced using the Uno card game to encourage conversations related to emotions and feelings assigned to colors on the cards. She said that in her time at People Inc., she has tried to unlearn her own biases in working with people with developmental disabilities. Robert Vedhanayakam said she tries to get to know people and their life experiences and is focused on helping them reach their full potential and building meaningful relationships. “My experience here has taught me that being heard and seen is the therapeutic change,” she said. People with developmental disabilities experience many barriers to accessing clinical services, including insurance limitations and limited access to providers who are competent in providing clinical support to this population, Randall said. The fellows assist with complex evaluations and assessments, bridging the accessibility gap for counseling services by providing in-house counseling to those who have experienced barriers in connecting with a community provider. They provide clinical supervision of practicum students, develop training programs for agency staff, and try to bolster utilization of the agency’s Social Skill Program. The group is already helping to meet the clinical needs of people applying for and/or receiving services from People Inc., creating a win-win for the students and the agency. Retallick brought to the team the use of tabletop role-playing games in social skill training. As a certified therapeutic game master, he uses the collaborative storytelling experience within the framework of the game to encourage relating to the characters, discovering how the characters relate to each other and how the players learn to relate to each other. He shared that the internship program is helping expand and develop his abilities as a clinician. “I have been learning many new assessments and aspects of capacity that I had never been shown in my doctoral studies,” he said. In addition to all the clinical responsibilities, the fellows will undertake at People Inc., Dr. Randall is enthusiastic about the opportunity to build relationships and collaborations within the health-care field, and to create advocates who will take the experience of their fellowship to other health-related entities. She hoped that doors can be opened to educate community providers, helping to remove barriers and increase health outcomes.

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 .

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.