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.

Veterans Symposium Focuses on Alternative Therapeutic Approaches

Event registrations are due by June 5 The Third Annual Western New York in Support of Veterans symposium, co-sponsored by Headway of WNY, Catholic Charities and People Inc. will be held on Wednesday,  June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court, Buffalo. The  symposium titled, “Be There, Be Proud – Helping Current and Former Service Members and their Families Find Peace,” is a free event geared towards veterans and service providers. The symposium features a keynote speaker and four panelists covering a variety of holistic topics, including the benefits of art therapy and yoga. Stephen McCloskey of Project Emeritus and The Alpha & The Omega Retreat Inc. is the keynote speaker.  Panelists include: U.S. Army Colonel James Becker, Reintegration specialist, VA Western New York Healthcare System; Annette M. Romeo, certified EFT practitioner, Veteran’s Stress Project; Kimberly Warner, LMSW, EMDR Trained Tragedy Assistance Program Services for Veterans; and Wendy Guyker, PhD, University at Buffalo, Yogis in Service. The event will also include a holistic themed fair featuring a variety of Western New York practitioners of alternative therapeutic approaches. Registrations are due by June 5. For more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3100. Lunch will be provided. 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 of Entry 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. People Inc., a not-for-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, go to people-inc.org , follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews . 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, go to ccwny.org or call 716.877.8822.

Veterans Symposium Focuses on Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnoses and Treatment

June 1, 2017: Headway of WNY, People Inc. and Catholic Charities are co-sponsoring a presentation in support of veterans on Wednesday, June 14, from 8:15 a.m. to noon at the Center for Tomorrow, University at Buffalo North Campus, 101 Service Center Road, Amherst (Flint Road entrance off Maple Road). The symposium, titled “Signature Injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars: Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment Diagnoses and Treatment,” is free to attend and open to veterans and service providers. An interactive discussion will be held.  Featured speakers and topics include: Michael Santa Maria, PhD, board-certified neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN), who will focus on neuropsychological assessments; Elisabeth Mann, LCSWR, of the Erie County Medical Center, who will discuss counseling and treatment intervention; and Jonathan T. Marshal, DO, of the Erie County Medical Center Radiology, who will present use of imaging for diagnoses of blast injury. Although the event is free, two Continuing Education Units will cost $20, which are available for pre-registered licensed mental health counselors and social workers. Cash or checks payable to Catholic Charities on the day of the event. To register or for more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100. Breakfast is included. The symposium is co-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. For more information, call 716-408-3100. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 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. 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.

Veterans Symposium to Identify Various Resources to Better Link Veterans and their Families with Community Services

Updated, September 25, 2019: Headway of WNY, Catholic Charities and People Inc. are pleased to present the 4th Annual WNY in Support of Veterans Symposium. “Bridging the Gaps, Part II - A Discussion between Veterans and Community Providers” will be held on Wednesday, October 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pvt. Leonard Post, Jr. #6251 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2450 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY. The free symposium is geared towards military active duty, reservists and veterans, along with medical providers and others interested in the topic. The goals of the symposium are to: Help participants gain a better understanding of obtaining community services for veterans and their families, identify resources to better link veterans and their families with appropriate community services and recognize ways to improve access to these services.  Featured speakers and panelists include: Alyssa Vasquez, Veteran’s One Stop Center of WNY, Inc.; Bonnie Vest, PhD, University at Buffalo; Max Donatelli, MS, USAF 1968-1972 Sargent, Vietnam ‘70-‘71, Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition, Community Veterans Engagement Board and Family Advocate; Tracy Schmidt, LMSW, Horizon Village; and Delcey Pulvino, LMSW, Buffalo Vet Center.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be available for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). The cost is $20 for one CEU and $30 for two CEUs; checks are to be made payable to Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Lunch to be provided to attendees. Registration in advance for the symposium is encouraged. Walks-ins are welcome (space permitting). To register or for more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3110. 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 of Entry 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. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region. 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. 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, go to ccwny.org or call 716-877-8822.