People Inc.

Amherst, New York, May 12, 2006: The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., in collaboration with the Developmental Disability Alliance of Western New York and its member agencies, will hold a free workshop for all human service agencies serving people with developmental and other disabilities throughout WNY. The workshop will include information on how to identify and preserve archival materials that document each agency’s unique history. It will be held on Wednesday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Volker Auditorium of Southeast Works, 181 Lincoln St., Depew.

This workshop has been funded by a grant from the Documentary Heritage Program of New York State and is open to all human service and mental health agencies in WNY. The workshop is free. Pre-registration is required.

The Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) is a statewide program designed to locate, organize, and make available the state’s historical records that are critical to ensuring the survival of New York's heritage. The DHP’s priorities are preserving historical records relating to underdocumented groups in 20th-century New York, especially projects related to mental health programs. Records from this period are in serious danger of being lost or neglected, yet they document major change in local communities, New York State, and the nation.

The goals of this workshop will create a document preservation plan that will help participants:

• -Develop methods of identifying types of non-confidential documents with historical value
• -Learn how to arrange, store, and preserve documents.
• -Develop policies for the future care and use of archival documents

DEADLINE for reservations: Friday, May 26, 2006 at 4:00 PM
WORKSHOP DATE and TIME: Wednesday, May 31, 2006; 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
PLACE: Southeast Works’ Volker Auditorium, 181 Lincoln Street, Depew, NY

For more information or to register, contact Elizabeth Marotta at emarotta@people-inc.org or (716) 817-7204 or Wendy McCarthy at ddawny@ddawny.org or (716) 877-7077.

This workshop, a pilot project that is unique in New York State, was enthusiastically supported by the DHP because of the priority they place on preserving records documenting the history of care for individuals with developmental and other disabilities in WNY.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., tells the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. Located at 1291 North Forest Road, Williamsville, the Museum of disABILITY History is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

People Inc. is a not for profit health and human service 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

DDAWNY agencies provide a variety of services to families and individuals with developmental disabilities.

Elizabeth Marotta
Research Assistant, Museum of disABILITY History
Phone Number: (716) 817-7204

Nicole Passantino
Marketing and Communications Manager
Direct Dial: (716) 817-7469
Cellular: (716) 440-5161