Book Signing Save the Date July 21: Meet Book Author and Parent Vickie Rubin 

Join us on Thursday, July 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Spruce on Main, 4446 Main Street, Snyder, NY, where Vickie Rubin will sign copies of Raising Jess: A Story of Hope. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., she will read from her book and answer your questions. Spruce on Main has generously agreed to donate a portion of the book sales during the event to benefit the People Inc. Foundation.

Brad Watts Receives IDEA Award

For the fourth year in a row, Buffalo Business First celebrated the people and companies who make inclusivity, diversity and equity pillars of the businesses through the IDEA Award. One of the honorees was People Inc. Associate Vice President, Bradford Watts. Brad is passionate about human rights, social service and making our community a better place for all. He is a relationship builder who champions the People Inc. mission of advocating for people of all abilities to have the supports they need to succeed in an accepting society. People Inc. is proud to have Brad as part of our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, where he has helped transform our agency culture to better reflect our community. 

Buffalo Chili Fest at the Statler Benefits People Inc.

Event Includes Awards for Chili, Entertainment and Buffalo Bills Game on Huge Screen Presented by WebArt Designs, the Buffalo Chili Fest will be held on Sunday, October 16, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., at Statler City, 107 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo . Chili samples will be featured from some of Western New York's finest restaurants. Proceeds from the event benefit People Inc., Western New York's largest human service agency. A variety of chili recipes can be tasted by attendees. Participating restaurants include: Bada Bing Sports Bar and Grill of Buffalo, Brodo of Amherst, Buffalo Chophouse of Buffalo, Darcy McGee's of Buffalo Laughlin's of Buffalo, Soho Burger and Bar of Buffalo, The Riverstone Grill of Grand Island, Bings Restaurant and Catering of Amherst, Irishman Pub and Eatery of Williamsville, The Roaming Buffalo of Buffalo, Potters Field Restaurant and Pub of Buffalo, R&R BBQ Food Truck of Buffalo, Sal's Famous Pizzeria of Tonawanda, Shadow Lounge and Restaurant of Buffalo and Statler City of Buffalo. Sponsors of the event include Solar Liberty and Wegmans. The event will include live music by the band November 11th and Buffalo Bills fans will have the chance to watch the away game on a huge screen. There will be a 50/50 split and raffle and a caricature artist by CReilly Art. The event is family friendly with special guest stars from two new TCT children's television shows Captain Chuckberry and the Super Silly Science Show. There will be an appearance by People Inc.'s Kids on the Block, an internationally acclaimed educational program promoting the awareness and acceptance of individual differences through the use of live puppet theater. Local celebrity judges will determine the first, second and third prize winners; and there will be a special Peoples' Choice award voted on by all the attendees/patrons. All attendees will be given a score card upon entering to select their favorite recipe. Admission is $5.00 per person. Kids age five and under are free. Tickets for chili samples will be sold for $1 each, along with special ticket packages. Event tickets may be purchased at Airport Plaza Jewelers, 4210 Union Road, Cheektowaga, or tickets may be purchased at the door. Walk-ins welcome. For more information, visit  www.buffalochilifest.com or call the People Inc. Foundation at 716.817.7269 or Jim Breidenstein, creative director and owner of WebArt Design, at 716.674.0870. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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.

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 . 

Buffalo Natives Featured in Kelly's Hollywood at Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series

Film Illuminates "It's not who you are when you're born, but who you are when you live" The Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will feature a documentary this October with Buffalo roots. The featured film Kelly’s Hollywood will be held on Friday, October 17, with two showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dipson Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main Street, Buffalo. The movie is Brian Donovan’s tribute to his sister, Kelly, who was born with Down syndrome. A 1985 graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Brian moved to Hollywood and became a writer, actor, director and producer. The inspirational film is about a brother’s quest to help his sister fulfill her dream of becoming a Hollywood diva. When asked why he created this documentary, Brain explained, “When I picked up the camera 15 years ago, I didn’t have much of an agenda. I was capturing moments in Kelly’s life that inspired me, but when those moments started to affect me more directly, I got more serious.” The purpose of the Film Series event is to provide entertainment, educate, challenge stereotypes and explore issues faced by individuals with disabilities. The event goal mirrors Brian's reasoning for the film. Brian shared, “By documenting my sister, I hope the film illuminates that it’s not who you are when you’re born, but who you are when you live that’s important.” In between the movie showings, a reception with keynote speaker Brian Donovan will be held at 5 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo (half mile from theatre). Movie tickets are available in advance online and at the Museum of disABILITY History and also available during the event at the Amherst Dipson Theatre. Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 on the day of the event. The reception is free to all film screening patrons. For more information or tickets, go to disabilityfilmfest.org or call 716-629-3626. The 80-minute documentary is rated PG-13. Event proceeds benefit the Museum of disABILITY History, Bornhava and Cantalician Center. Sponsors include: Andruschat Law Firm, Buffalo Healthy Living, The Buffalo News and the New York State Council on the Arts. Brian Donovan has been a professional actor for more than 24 years in film, television and radio. He has worked on-screen with such top actors and actresses such as Jim Belushi, Jim Carrey and Angelina Jolie. He has been the voice of countless animated heroes; currently as Rock Lee from the juggernaut hit, Naruto. Early next year, he can be seen in the indie film, Secrets of an Unborn Child.
In addition, he has been the executive director of the Los Angeles Repertory Theatre since 1994, producing and directing more than 50 inner-city high school workshops and live shows. He is also the creator, writer and producer of the Mighty Me Training Camp, a top ranking children’s self-empowerment program streamed by Discovery Education for more than five years. A past resident of Kenmore, NY, Donovan now lives in Los Angeles, CA with his family.

Buffalo Resident David Garland Promoted to Senior Residential Supervisor at People Inc.

David Garland of Buffalo has been promoted to Senior Residential Supervisor at People Inc. He has taken supervisory studies with Cornell on interpersonal behavior. He began his career in the manufacturing sector as a manager. While searching for new prospects, he heard about People Inc. from another employee who was aware of his potential and directed Garland to apply. Garland interviewed and never looked back. He said, “As many say we do not work in the field for the money. But I can say a smile is worth a million bucks and that in itself is rewarding.” Garland’s new position will involve supervision of all staff, professional development and for the day-to-day operation of the site. Although Garland has only started with People Inc. a little over a year ago as an IRA specialist, he accepted the team leader position after two months of employment and the SRS position just under a year from that. Garland wants people to know that, “I would have to say the best story thus far is having an individual prefer me to spend his Birthday with and have a great dinner out…How many people can say they enjoy their job, can you?” Garland was born and raised in Niagara Falls, but now lives in Buffalo. He said in his spare time, “I enjoy camping mostly.” 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.  

Building a Bridge Through Communication

It’s hard to predict where in the Western New York or Rochester areas you’ll find American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters providing services contracted through People Inc. You may see these industry experts at press conferences, on local tours or awards ceremonies. Or, they may be offering more individual ASL services, such as assisting with medical appointments, court proceedings or trainings. Either way, People Inc. is providing a crucial bridge to communication and independence for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. One very busy ASL interpreter, Karen Gambino, turned her experience of being a child of a Deaf adult into a lasting career that she is passionate about. “Put yourself in the shoes of a person who is Deaf, who is reliant on others to provide information or a service,” Gambino said. “People just want to be understood, maintain their autonomy and be part of the communication process. That is the main point of engaging an interpreter.” ASL is a rich, complex language with its own grammar structure and cultural context. It is surprising to people that it is not equivalent to spoken English and therefore requires interpretation. When using ASL – attitudes, emotions, tone and meaning must be conveyed simultaneously as each person is communicating. Gambino feels her role is to paint a picture using her hands and her facial expressions. She also shared that life experience is an invaluable part of the interpreter’s skill set. In other words, Gambino says she needs to keep up with current events and sometimes learn new technical language, because you can’t interpret what you don’t understand. For instance, when interpreting at a legal closing for a property, she had to expand on the word “deed” – spelling out the word and showing in ASL: “The paper that shows you own the house.” There are several interpreting and translation services offered by People Inc. to make meetings, appointments, trainings and events accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing communities. By providing interpreters in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses, organizations and medical practices can ensure that all people benefit from their services and that reasonable accommodations are provided. Jodie Chibi, an interpreter and Director of Language Services at People Inc., said she believes confidentiality and ethics are at the core of providing interpreter services. The interpreter must always remain respectful and neutral to properly build the pathways of communication. The interpreters offered through People Inc. are evaluated by highly qualified staff and adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct, an industry standard. Gambino and Chibi agreed that the code of professional conduct is deeply ingrained and informs every interaction. Reflecting on her work, Gambino shared that it is fulfilling to know that she is helping not only to provide interpreting services, but to also bring awareness to the hearing community. She has often found herself educating people on what her role is and is not. Along with education, Chibi said that over her career the importance and acceptance of using interpreters has greatly expanded. “It’s all about seeing access being enabled for people, empowering them, and helping to break down barriers."

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum

Guest Speakers: Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer, parents of Jamey Rodemeyer and advocates for LGBT youth and anti-bullying legislation.   What: Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum When: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Where: Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14226   Join the Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. for a panel discussion and forum about bullying. The topic of bullying is an emerging social concern that has been played out in headlines all across the world. Bullying is a topic that cuts across gender, age, ethnic and economic demographics. At the forum, attendees will learn more about the Museum of disABILITY History’s brand-new “kNOw bullying” program, which will premiere in school districts across Western New York in January of 2013. The Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum is held in conjunction with the disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series, which will be on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts. The featured movie is “Bully.”   Guest speakers will be Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer, parents of Jamey Rodemeyer and advocates for LGBT youth and anti-bullying legislation.   The panel will be made up of local experts on bullying awareness and prevention, including: Dr. Amanda Nickerson, an associate professor and director of the Dr. Jean M. Alberti Center for the Prevention of Bullying Abuse and School Violence at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on school crisis prevention and intervention, with a particular focus on violence and bullying.   Brie Kishel, education coordinator for the Museum of disABILITY History, has worked for People Inc. for 17 years in various roles. In addition to directing the Kids on the Block program, she also coordinates educational programs for kindergarten through high school. Kishel is developing the “kNOw bullying” program.   Community members are encouraged to attend, along with: parents and guardians; educators, principals and administrators; school counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and guidance counseling staff; special education staff; mental health professionals; and PTA members and academic trainers.   The forum cost is $5.00/person, which includes a free admission voucher to the disABILITIES Film Festival on October 4. To RSVP for the forum, call 716-629-3615.   The Museum of disABILITY History 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. Located in Buffalo and at www.museumofdisability.org, the Museum of disABILITY History offers educational exhibits and programs that expand community awareness.   People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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.

Business Leaders Recognized by the WNY Employment Consortium and ACCES-VR

On Thursday, October 6, the Western New York Employment Consortium & Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) held its annual luncheon to honor inclusive companies employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Among the business leaders recognized were Dr. Christian Duquin of Duquin Family Chiropractic, LCC. and Kevin and Cassandra Sheedy of Chick-Fil-A in Cheektowaga, who were nominated by People Inc. Duquin Family Chiropractic, LCC Dr. Duquin stated, “I am grateful for the partnership that we’ve established over the years with People Inc. When Jess [Jessica Broughton, Senior Employment Supervisor] asked me about helping out [the SEMP program], I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.” Dr. Duquin is thrilled with the work being done at his office and commented on the professionalism and friendliness of the program participants and staff. Dr. Duquin founded Duquin Family Chiropractic, PLLC in 2015 and has been committed to serve the community. Dr. Duquin has worked with People Inc. Supported Employment program since 2019. During that time, Dr. Duquin has provided young adults and students an opportunity to work in a safe, friendly and supportive work environment. By doing so, the participants are able to gain and utilize important work skills needed to be successful in their future employment. Dr. Duquin is always willing to assist our program in order to promote integration and awareness. The students and young adults who have completed internships, assessments and work experiences there have been especially grateful for the calming and accepting atmosphere that the Duquin Family Chiropractic office has provided. Cassandra and Kevin Sheedy of Chick-Fil-A in Cheektowaga Rosemary Young is employed at Chick-fil-A on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. She’s a friendly woman with a kind smile who also goes by Rosie. She’s been working at Chick-fil-A for two years this past July. The manager Will Potts stated that Rosie is a great addition to the Chick-fil-A family, “She does a wonderful job and brings sincere friendliness to the dining room.” Rosie was very excited to give a tour of her work space and her duties. Rosemary shared about her employer, “They are nice people who they treat me nice.” “Sometimes they give me rides to company events or home from work if the weather is bad.” Rosie said that her workplace treats her like a family. She is invited to all of the company events. Many of her coworkers and supervisors know that she relies on public transportation and will often give her rides to and from the events. Rosie’s favorite meal at work is the chicken nuggets with a strawberry milkshake. The owners Kevin and Cassie always speak with Rosie when she is working. They said they cannot wait for Tuesday to come because they are happy to see Rosie and miss her the other days. Rosie’s job coach Robert Barlow indicated that Rosie is doing a great job. “Rosie is a pleasure to work with and never has a bad day.” “She is a hard worker, always has a smile and makes me feel good about the work I do.” 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 .