People Inc. Offers Informational Session for Families on Monday, July 12

July 6, 2021: Thank you to families who participated in our earlier conference call updates from agency management.  We have scheduled the next information session for families of the people we support for Monday, July 12, at 6:30 p.m. During this call, agency management will provide families

June 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar for People with Developmental Disabilities

Join DDNY for a webinar about COVID-19 vaccines for people with Autism and other developmental disabilities. The event will take place on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom.  A Question and Answer session will be included. RSVP and submit questions  

People Inc. Offers Next Informational Session for Families May 26, 2021

Thank you to families who participated in our earlier conference call updates from agency management.  We have scheduled the next information session for families of the people we support for  Wednesday, May 26,  at 6:30 p.m. During this call, agency management will provide families operational updates, projected plans and answer questions. Questions may be sent in advance of, and during, the call to  COVIDconcern@people-inc.org , or texted to 716.868.9233. Given the anticipated volume of participants on the calls, this is the most effective way to have your question heard and answered.  RSVP to 716.817.7400 to receive the conference call number and access code. The meeting will also be accessible on May 26 via Microsoft Teams at people-inc.org/conferencecallmay26 . Please note: an RSVP is needed because even if the conference call phone number remains the same, a new unique access code is issued specific to each call.

Parent and Caregiver Group Virtual Meetings Every Month for 2021

Parent Network of Western New York is continuing to host virtual meetings for parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. These meetings will take place on the first Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This online event provides a welcoming environment for parents, family members and other caregivers to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support. More information can be found on the  Parent Network website . Please share this information and  flyer  with anyone who may be interested.

Family Alert: Updated Important Message to Families of Loved Ones Supported Through our Residential Program Updated 5.24.2021

As the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions continue to address the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, People Inc. is committed to keeping your loved one safe, as well as people living and working within our group homes. As a result of our commitment to everyone’s safety, the following guidelines and requirements have been established. Please know that we are continuously reevaluating the ever-changing recommendations by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). For further information, contact the supervisor of the group home where your loved one resides or submit questions to COVIDconcern@people-inc.org or 716.817.7445. As of May 17, 2021, we are still under Mask Protocols! Although there have been some recent announcements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York State, People Inc. is still restricted and observing the same Mask Protocols. The majority of our staff and program sites fall under the OPWDD regulations, so our Mask Protocols are still in place – There is NO change as of this time. We are closely monitoring this and will promptly announce any changes in policy. Thank you for your continued observation of the protocols that best keep the people we support and our staff as safe as possible. Effective Thursday, May 20, 2021 , the following policies were updated: Visitor Policy (families coming to the group home to visit)  Community Activities Policy (e.g., haircuts, shopping, and walks outside, etc.) Home Visit Policy (families taking their loved one home to the family home)  Please continue to read for important information for families. The chart of all programs and services has also been updated and is available here . Visitor Policy: visits are now permitted with prior notification. Family visitations inside or outside of the residence on the property are now permitted and are required to be scheduled with at least 24-hours’ notice to allow for adequate planning.   Family member should call the residence upon arrival, to let staff know they are there and ready to visit with their loved one. Family members will use hand sanitizer upon arrival and follow meticulous hand hygiene throughout the visit. Staff will complete COVID-19 symptom screening questions and take the family member’s temperature upon arrival. Please note: as of April 1, 2021 visitation will be denied if a family member has traveled internationally (including Canada) within the past 7-days and tested positive for COVID-19 or within the past 10-days and are quarantined. Staff will also review the visitor policy requirements with the family member. If, at any time, the residence has a person under investigation for COVID-19, and/or person or staff test positive, this policy will be suspended for that specific home until the positive case(s) are resolved and past the required quarantine period of 14-days. If, at any time, the residence is identified as being a micro-cluster/cluster zone all visitation will be suspended. Community Activities Policy: Some community activities are resuming on a limited basis (hair appointments, walks outside, visiting a convenience store, etc.), however, please note that these activities are only with a staff member from the residence and some may require approval from management. The agency must ensure that in order to prevent further community spread, or increased risk of infection, the following conditions are met: People receiving services shall not participate in community activities, if any person or staff member working in the home is suspected or confirmed positive for COVID-19; Any person who had close or proximate contact to a confirmed positive person receiving services within the last 14-days, or any person experiencing symptom(s) consistent with COVID-19, such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea may not participate in community activities. Home Visit Policy: As a result of positive COVID-19 rate increases in New York State, families are discouraged from taking their loved one home for home visits, if the household has a high-risk of exposure and/or will be hosting visitors from outside the immediate household. If your loved one has come to your home for a visit, there are a revised set of required questions which will be completed with the family by management of the home, prior to the person returning. The responses will be reviewed by the COVID-19 Emergency Management Task Force member prior to your loved one returning. There may be times, such as for an extended stay lasting more than 72 hours, where the management team will determine if COVID-19 testing of your loved one is required. Our Nursing staff will work with you to assist in scheduling testing and getting the results of the test should that determination be made. Update: as of April 1, 2021, if the person is fully-vaccinated and 14-days past the 2nd dose/shot for Moderna or Pfizer OR 14-days past the 1st dose/shot for the Johnson & Johnson AND within 90-days, COVID-19 testing is not required for extended stays. A home or family visit will not be possible if any member of the household has traveled internationally (including Canada) with the past 7-days and tested positive for COVID-19 or within the past 10-days and are quarantined. Resources: We will continue to post updates to this information, and as always, families are welcome to contact us with questions: The Coronavirus Phone Line established for families to call is 716.817.7445. The voicemail is checked and responded to directly.  An email address to address concerns from families is  COVIDconcern@people-inc.org. An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is now available for the people and families of people enrolled in our Day Habilitation Programs and Vocational Services to express questions and concerns. The number is 716.529.6505. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A Webinar Hosted by DDAWNY

March 22, 2021: Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Check out the “COVID-19 Vaccine Q & A” webinar, presented by the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY), now available online . Learn directly from a medical professional, as well as the pers

Vaccine Resource Information

Updated 6.11.2021 People Inc. is dedicated to providing educational information to our staff, people we support, families and the community. We wanted to share some resource information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. Please find the following COVID-19 vaccine resource documents for your review: Janssen (Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson):   Janssen Fact Sheet  for Recipients And Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Of The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine To Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) In Individuals 18 Years Of Age and Older (Updated 4.23.2021) Pfizer:   Pfizer Fact Sheet  for Recipients And Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Of The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine To Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) In Individuals 16 Years Of Age And Older Moderna:   Moderna Fact Sheet  for Recipients And Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Of The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine To Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) In Individuals 18 Years Of Age and Older Please find the following COVID-19 resources for your review: National Institutes of Health – Communities Fighting COVID! U.S. Food & Drug Administration – COVID-19 Vaccines Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – COVID-19 Vaccines U.S. Department of Health & Human Services New York State COVID-19 Vaccine  and  Am I Eligible New York State Office of Mental Health NY Project Hope is New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline at 1.844.863.9314 Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Things you should know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special "Your Hometown Health Connection" - produced by Buffalo Healthy Living presents several shows regarding COVID-19 Ad Council  - Questions and answers about the COVID-19 Vaccines Looking for an easy way to find available COVID-19 vaccines near you? Text your zip code to 438829 (GETVAX) for where to get vaccinated and free transportation, as well as free childcare resources. Visit vaccines.gov for more information.  Support is also available to help you get your vaccine and receive vaccine incentives.  Check the website of your local county department of health for local clinics and other vaccine incentives. As a reminder, the People Inc. dedicated email address and phone line are available to share COVID-19 related concerns for yourself or a loved one at  COVIDconcern@people-inc.org  or 716.817.7445.

People Inc. Offers Next Informational Session for Families February 25, 2021

Thank you to families who participated in our earlier conference call updates from agency management.  We have scheduled the next information session for families of the people we support for  Thursday, February 25 , at 6:30 p.m. During this call, agency management will provide families operational updates, projected plans and answer questions. Questions may be sent in advance, and during the call, to  COVIDconcern@people-inc.org , or texted to 716.868.9233. Given the anticipated volume of participants on the calls, this is the most effective way to have your question heard and answered.  RSVP to 716.817.7400 to receive the conference call number and access code. Please note: an RSVP is needed because even if the conference call phone number remains the same, a new unique access code is issued specific to each call.

Updates on Programs and Services due to COVID-19

Updated 8.19.2021 While many of our People Inc. services remained in full operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to date, others were suspended or significantly altered. Adjustment, as needed, will be made across the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions, based on geographic case prevalence. The People Inc. Emergency Preparedness Team is proactively engaged in monitoring any potential changes in our service areas and will adjust agency policies accordingly. The chart below will continue to be updated to reflect status changes of a program or service. As of Thursday, August 19, 2021 , People Inc. adjusted our masking protocols, based on revised  OPWDD guidance, throughout the agency effective immediately, as follows: ALL People Inc. employees, vendors and visitors are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.  During transportation, masks are still required for OPWDD programs, regardless of vaccine status.   Thank you for your continued observation of the protocols that best keep the people we support and our staff as safe as possible. Note: As of Monday, February 15, 2021, many of the People Inc. Day, CAPP, YALT and Respite programs began reopening, but not all. Please see the appropriate area in the chart below. Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for both the people we support and our employees. To be as transparent as possible, and allow for families and others to best plan, we are sharing the below information. We appreciate your support, as we continue to work together through this extremely challenging time. We will continue to post updates to this information online, and as always, families are welcome to call group homes or programs for specific questions or participate on our family conference calls. A Coronavirus Phone Line is available for families to call at 716.817.7445. An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is available for families and people enrolled in our Day Habilitation Programs and Vocational Services to share questions at 716.529.6505. Concerns may also be emailed to COVIDconcern@people-inc.org . Updated 8.19.2021 Program Type Details Residential Group Homes   Visitation at Group Homes As of July 8, 2021, there are no restrictions for visitation. Please Note: ALL People Inc. employees, vendors and visitors are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status inside the group home at all times.  Medical Appointments Family/Guardian may attend medical appointments and procedures as necessary. However, attendance is also based on the specific health care facilities' COVID-19 guidance and policies. Most health care facilities and providers are still requiring the use of face masks, regardless of vaccination status and still have some capacity limitations in place. Person Served Return to Group Home As of July 8, 2021, there are no restrictions for return to the group home. Community Activities As of July 8, 2021, there are no restrictions on community activities. Please note that unvaccinated people are still required by NYS & OPWDD to wear a mask. Senior Living Common Areas Community rooms (with kitchen) are open. Tenants and visitors who are unvaccinated are required to wear a mask in the common areas. Affordable Apartments (Mixed Income/Tax Credit Apartments) Common Areas Community rooms (with kitchen) are open. Tenants and visitors who are unvaccinated are required to wear a mask in the common areas. Day Habilitation, Community PreVoc, CAPP, DHWW, YALT General Operations Operations primarily open to persons who live at home with their families or reside in other agencies' residential programs due to continued restrictions on capacity in buildings (social distancing) and transportation (50 % occupancy on vans/buses). The Lancaster program remains closed. Information is provided on the  Day and Employment  Chart. Please note: An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is now available for the people, and families of people, enrolled in our Day Habilitation and Vocational Programs for questions at 716.529.6505. Employment Services General Operations Community-based employment supports have continued, following employer/placement’s status. Limited Contract Manufacturing is operational at 181 Lincoln location. Free-standing Respite General Operations Traditional respite services at Northtowns and Downing Respite Centers are operational. Site-Based Respite General Operations The following changes were made as of 2.9.2021, or after, for our respite sites:  Open: 1860 Buffalo Road Respite (Rochester) After the Belle Afternoon Respite (Buffalo)  After Work Respite (Depew/Lancaster) Del-Ton Weekend Opportunities (Tonawanda)  Iris Afternoon Respite (Hamburg)  Ken-Ton Afternoon Respite (Kenmore-Tonawanda)  Late Afternoon Respite (Buffalo)  Lockport Recreation Respite (Lockport in community programming) Northtowns Afternoon Respite (Lockport)  OMG (formerly known as On Main and Grove) Afternoon Respite (East Aurora)  Orchard Park Weekend Opportunities (Orchard Park)  Recreation Respite (Depew/Lancaster) Southtowns Afternoon Respite (Hamburg)  TLC K-5 Afternoon Respite (Amherst)  TLC (fomerly known as Themed Learning Club) (Amherst) Not opening at this time: Buffalo Afternoon Respite (Buffalo)  Rochester After School Respite  In-Home Behavioral General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Community Habilitation/  In-Home Respite General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Recreation Respite General Operations Program reopened Elmwood Health Center General Operations Continued operations, open for in-person and virtual visits. Home Health Care General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Headway of WNY General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Virtual support groups held the first and third Tuesday each month. Deaf Access Services General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center General Operations General operations resumed , with precautions in place. Ombudsman Services General Operations In-person support in line with operator’s visitor policies. Senior Companion Program General Operations Operating at clients’ homes and doing telephone wellness calls.   

Next Informational Session for Families by People Inc. on January 28, 2021

Families of the people supported through the agency are encouraged to join the next Family Conference Call on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. During this call for families, People Inc. management will provide operational updates, projected plans and answer questions. Questions may be sent in advance, and during the call, to  COVIDconcern@people-inc.org , or texted to 716.868.9233. Given the anticipated volume of participants on the calls, this is the most effective way to have your question heard and answered.  The conference call number is: 1.607.442.6488 with the access code 934 708 542#. RSVPs appreciated to 716.817.7400.

2020 Pandemic Survey of People Living with Disabilities Open Through February 15

The Partnership Coalition brings together a coalition of diverse voices advocating for collaboration, which promotes best practices and true inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Their members include self-advocates, family members, and staff from provider agencies in our area. They have issued a survey  to learn about how people living with disabilities are coping with, and managing through, the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses will be kept confidential.  At this time there is a world-wide COVID-19 pandemic and many people have been affected - some more than others. People have lost jobs, have been isolated from loved ones, and are experiencing increased anxiety and depression. The Partnership Coalition wants to learn about things going on in the community and needs feedback from people living with a disability. This will help them focus on what is the most important and to expand their scope to better address local issues.   Please take a moment to forward the survey link ( ) to anyone with a disability and encourage them to complete this brief survey by Friday, February 15, 2021 . If needed, friends or caregivers may provide assistance to complete the survey, however, the responses should be those of the person taking the survey.       .  

Program and Service Status Update Chart

People Inc. continues to monitor community experience with COVID-19. We have been operating in a proactive manner with a range of precautionary measures since the beginning of the pandemic. Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for both the people we support and our employees.  Adjustment, as needed, to our programs and services will be made across the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions, based on the work of the People Inc. Emergency Preparedness Team, who is proactively engaged in monitoring any potential changes in our service areas and will adjust agency policies accordingly. The chart below will continue to be updated to reflect status changes of a program or service. Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for both the people we support and our employees. We appreciate your support, as we continue to work together through this extremely challenging time. Updated: 2.16.2021 Program Type Details Residential Group Homes   Visitation at Group Homes As of Monday, February 1, 2021 visitation by family is permitted with prior authorization. Families may also arrange window and virtual visits. Medical Appointments Family/Guardian can attend emergency medical appointments and procedures in accordance with any precautions established by the medical provider. Person Served Return to Group Home Prior to returning to the residential site, safeguards outlined in operational policy, will be reviewed in detail with family/person supported as part of the process. COVID-19 testing may be required. Community Outings As of Monday, February 1, 2021, limited community outings are permitted, with some requiring approval from management. Senior Living Common Areas Supports continue. Community rooms reopened 2.16.2021 with restrictions. Visitors permitted. Affordable Apartments (Mixed Income/Tax Credit Apartments) Common Areas Supports continue. Community rooms reopened 2.15.2021 with restrictions.  Visitors permitted. Day Habilitation, Community PreVoc, CAPP, DHWW, YALT General Operations Operations at these programs are changing as of 2.15.2021. With the exception of Lancaster and Main Day Programs - the other programs are reopened on 2.15.2021  ONLY  for people who live at home with their families. Information is provided on the  Day and Employment  Chart. Please note: An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is now available for the people, and families of people, enrolled in our Day Habilitation and Vocational Programs for questions at 716.529.6505.  Employment Services General Operations Community-based Employment supports have continued, following employer/placement’s status. Limited Contract Manufacturing is operational at 181 Lincoln location. Free-standing Respite General Operations Traditional respite services at Northtowns and Downing Respite Centers are suspended. Temporary Respite is available at the Northtowns and Downing Respite Centers as a regional resource to care for people with disabilities who are COVID-19 positive or recovering. Temporary Respite Center General Operations Temporary Respite is available at the Northtowns and Downing Respite Centers as a regional resource to care for people with disabilities who are COVID-19 positive or recovering. Site-Based Respite General Operations The following changes are effective as of 2.9.2021 for our respite sites:  1860 Buffalo Road Respite (Rochester)  - not opening at this time After the Belle Afternoon Respite (Buffalo) - reopened 2.15.2021 After Work Respite (Depew/Lancaster)  - reopened 2.15.2021 Buffalo Afternoon Respite (Buffalo) - not opening at this time Del-Ton Weekend Opportunities (Tonawanda)  - opening 3.5.2021 Iris Afternoon Respite (Hamburg)  - reopened 2.15.2021 Ken-Ton Afternoon Respite (Kenmore-Tonawanda)  - opening 2.22.2021 Late Afternoon Respite (Buffalo)  - reopened 2.15.2021 Lockport Recreation Respite (Lockport in community programming)  - reopened 2.15.2021 Northtowns Afternoon Respite (Lockport) - not opening at this time On Main and Grove Afternoon Respite (East Aurora)  - opening 2.22.2021 Orchard Park Weekend Opportunities (Orchard Park)  - opening 3.5.2021 Recreation Respite (Depew/Lancaster) - reopened 2.15.2021 Rochester After School Respite - not opening at this time Southtowns Afternoon Respite (Hamburg)  - reopened 2.16.2021 TLC K-5 Afternoon Respite (Amherst)  - reopened 2.16.2021 Themed Learning Club (Amherst)  - reopened 2.16.2021 In-Home Behavioral General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Community Habilitation/  In-Home Respite General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Recreation Respite General Operations Program will reopen 2.15.2021 Elmwood Health Center General Operations Continued operations, open for in-person and virtual visits. Home Health Care General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Headway of WNY General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Virtual support groups held the first and third Tuesday each month. Deaf Access Services General Operations Continued uninterrupted operations, with precautions in place. Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center General Operations Limited schedule for winter. 2021 Season Registration for riding lessons now open. Taking calls about program info, tours and volunteer orientations that will be scheduled in the spring. Ombudsman Services General Operations Remote support, in line with operator’s visitor policies. Senior Companion Program General Operations Operating at clients’ homes and doing telephone wellness calls.