July 2007 INDEPENDENCE ISSUE

Independence Day occurs every day at People Inc.

Since 1971, People Inc. has existed to assist individuals achieve their goals and pursue more independent and fulfilling lives. People Inc. provides services to over 10,000 Western New Yorkers. In this issue of the Emagine e–newsletter, we highlight just a few of the ways that People Inc. continues to promote independence and awareness in our community.
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Assembly Member Jim Hayes in front of the Mennonite Meeting House in Amherst, soon to be the Museum of disABILITY History’s new home.


Museum focuses on history of disabilities

After two years of working with the Town of Amherst and $40,000 secured by Assemblymember Jim Hayes, People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History is set to move and expand at the former Mennonite Meeting House at the corner of North Forest and Main Streets this August. The circa 1834 building which is on the list of historic places is currently used by the Town to store records. People Inc will lease the facility from the Town, rehabilitate this landmark – located on the highly traveled Main Street – and open it up to the public.

"This is a great opportunity," said People Inc President and CEO, Dr. James Boles. "An underused property that was becoming dilapidated will now be open and renovated. It is the only ’brick and mortar’ museum in the country dedicated to disability history and it will be right here in Williamsville, N.Y." said Boles. Read more.

Logo: Museum of disAbility

People Inc. President and CEO James M. Boles and Assembly Member Mark J.F. Schroeder

Disability History Week passed in State Legislature

The recently completed session of the state legislature saw New York State officially recognize the history of people with disabilities. By unanimous votes in both the Assembly and the Senate, New York State will designate the third week in October as New York State Disability History week. The legislation, introduced by Assembly Member Mark J.F. Schroeder at the request of People Inc’s Museum of disABILITY History states, "it is desirable that State post secondary institutions promote activities that provide education, awareness, and understanding regarding people with disabilities, and the disabilities rights movement, through school curriculum, school assemblies and other school activities." Read more.

Senior Crafts

Independence for Seniors: Group Home Model for the Elderly is a Creative Alternative

EDITORIAL

Well known for our development of group homes for the individuals with disabilities, we have explored and are now proposing a similar approach be used for seniors as an alternative to other more common forms of senior living. Known as the Greenhouse Concept, the elderly live together in smaller settings of ten people in residential areas and are part of the community, People Inc. feels that this is something that should be seriously considered in WNY and New York State.

"This model is being used in other parts of the country," said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. COO. "It diminishes the need for large facilities and creates an environment where our elderly live together and enjoy the remaining years of their lives."

By the year 2015, nearly a quarter of the people living in Western New York will be at least 60 years of age. Read more.

Transitional Services

 

Students with special needs attend UCLA

Students from across the country will be heading off to a college campus in a few short months. According to the Los Angeles Times what makes this semester notable is that this year 19 students will developmental disabilities will be attending UCLA in a new extension program. Read more

For the last ten years, People Inc. has proudly offered college–based programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Young Adult Life Transitions Program (YALT) is a community–based program offering young adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing functional skills. The program focuses on independence in the community, preparation for employment, continuation of the learning process, and establishing and maintaining friendships.

For more information on YALT programs

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