Diverse Workforces Create Job Satisfaction

Celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities and their employers  With the unemployment rate among people with disabilities at three times the overall rate, ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities  secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment  is an important focus at People Inc.   Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a reminder to acknowledge the value and talent workers with disabilities add to workplaces and the economy. The national theme for NDEAM 2024, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” speaks to a commitment to expanding the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities.   People Inc. currently provides employment support to 500 people with developmental disabilities across 150 local businesses and organizations. People with disabilities gain so much more than just paid employment – they become part of a broader community.   People Inc. recently recognized two of these partners during the WNY Employment Consortium’s annual luncheon. Walgreens and Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus have created a welcoming work environment so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities.  Walgreens  Over the past 10 years, several local Walgreens stores have partnered with People Inc. to create meaningful training and employment opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities through the company’s REDI (Recruiting Employees with Disabilities Initiative) program. The REDI program provides externship opportunities in which people can learn a variety of work and social skills in a real-world working environment. Through this program, externs learn to operate a cash register, stock and organize shelves, price and tag items, perform receiving/warehouse work, and provide exemplary customer service, and work on other skills to help the person maintain long-term employment. Successful candidates are usually offered permanent paid positions at a Walgreens location.       “Our collaboration with People Inc. enables us to build a community of outstanding talent and promote innovation,” said Julie Oakley, Walgreens Area Field Disability Specialist. “People Inc.'s steadfast commitment to independence empowers REDI participants to achieve new levels of success and enriches our workplace with diverse perspectives and skills. I am genuinely thankful for the work we’ve done together and look forward to further success.”

Tom Golisano Pledges $5 Million Gift to People Inc.

People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey and Board Treasurer Dennis K. Schaeffer were in attendance at a special news conference in Rochester, NY on September 17, when Tom Golisano announced $360 million in donations across upstate New York, including People Inc. Golisano, the founder of Paychex, chair of the Golisano Foundation, and philanthropist, announced that his gifts will benefit 82 upstate New York non-profit organizations. People Inc. was notified that it would receive $1 million per year for five years totaling $5 million. Golisano’s gift represents the largest private donation in People Inc.’s history. People Inc. is one of only a handful of agencies in the Buffalo area who serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive a donation. McCaffrey said, "We are incredibly grateful for his generosity and for recognizing the impact our people and programs have on the lives of those we support. We will be formulating a thoughtful plan to maximize this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the thousands of people we serve." She added how incredibly moved she was by a letter from Golisano and his quote, “The only wealth you get to keep is that which you give away.”  People Inc. is grateful to Mr. Golisano, and all our donors who embrace this philosophy.

Direct Support Staff Celebrated

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week held this year from September 8 - 14, is a time to celebrate the vitally important efforts and dedication of our frontline staff, who are passionate about their roles and make a lasting impact on thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This year, we recognized the incredible DSPs across our agency with gift cards and other activities. Whether they are teaching valuable life skills, making a house feel like a home, supporting good health and safety - and much more - DSPs play a crucial role in empowering people to pursue their goals. Our direct support professionals are at the very core of People Inc.'s mission. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. The submissions told amazing stories of devotion and compassion! To excel in this role and rise to the level of being acknowledged by peers and families, it takes dedication, commitment and talent. The themes that came through in the nominations make that clear. Adjectives such as “motivating,” “passionate,” and “caring” were often repeated. Also, “Being a Team Player” and “Always compassionate.”   Congratulations to our 2024 Direct Support Professionals of the Year: JESSICA LAREN CARLESHA AMBER NICHOLAS CHRISTINE CAMREN RACHEAL WILLIE DEBORAH LISA PANDORA ROSA EMALEE NAKIA TAMARA MATTHEW DEBORAH MUBARAK KATHLEEN KENNETH JASON KASHIF DANIEL JOYCE LORI NOEL TIFFANY JAMES AINSWORTH BARNES BIVENS BOONE CACCIOTTI CHAMBERS CHENEY DICKERSON FAULKNER FERELLA GARRETT GIBSON GONZALEZ HOUSEMAN JONES KEEM KNOTT MCGINLEY MOHAMED MONZ MUNROE MYERS NEWBERN NOONAN REED RICKERT SCHMITT SIMMONS WILLIAMS

People Inc. Pride on Display Summer 2024 Wrap-Up

The summer of 2024 provided many opportunities for the members of the People Inc. family to show their pride in the agency through area cultural parades, flag raisings and community festivals. In addition to the events noted below, the agency also participated in the Rochester Deaf Festival, the Wellsville Rainbow Revolution Pride Festival, the Allegany County Fair, the Steuben County Fair, and the Amherst Family Health Fair. Thanks to all of the staff, friends, families and people we support for the great teamwork preparing for and participating! Disability Pride Month In Buffalo, People Inc. participated in the Disabilities Pride flag-raising ceremony and sponsored the Artists' Showcase during the Disability Pride Festival. JP Morgan Corporate Challenge People Inc. staff joined with other human service agencies for the annual JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Buffalo. Juneteenth Celebrations People Inc. sponsored the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, marching and staffing an agency table. The team brought home the first-place prize for Movement for our ASL interpretation of a song. People Inc. staff also volunteered their time to provide information to the community at a table at the Rochester Juneteenth Festival. LGBTQIA+ Pride Events People Inc. marched in the Buffalo Pride Parade and staffed a safe zone area midway on the parade route. In Rochester, staff spread awareness about the agency during the Rochester Rainbow Revolution Pride Festival and the ROC Pride Picnic. Puerto Rican and Hispanic Heritage People Inc. showed our celebration of this vibrant culture beginning with the flag-raising ceremony, marching in the parade, and volunteering at an information table. Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade The Self-Direction Department represents the agency at this annual parade.

Expansion of Therapy Services Underway with Grant Support

Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. recently welcomed U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy to the People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services location at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo to thank him for securing funds to purchase new or replace outdated physical, occupational and speech therapy equipment that will enable the agency to expand and elevate related services to people across Western New York and the Rochester area. Through the efforts of Congressman Kennedy during his previous tenure in the New York State Senate a grant of $131,758 will support the purchase of dozens of pieces of equipment, including but not limited to a new treadmill, a stander, E-Pacer electric lifts, an EasyStand standing frame, an Obi adaptive feeding device, Rifton Transfer and Mobility device, and activity chair. The Rehabilitative Health Services team provides physical (PT), occupational (OT) and speech interventions to approximately 4,700 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, as well as those diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, and Spina Bifida. Therapies are provided at the state-of-the-art clinic in Buffalo as well as 11 other locations. “This grant will support the purchase of equipment that is essential to promoting independence and helping people reach their full potential, which are at the core of People Inc.’s mission,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “The addition of these devices can significantly increase access to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, help them improve many skills, and positively impact their daily routines. Ultimately, this is about improving the quality of people’s lives.” “Western New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families rely on People Inc. to access the services they need to thrive,” Congressman Kennedy said. “This funding will provide the critical resources used to deliver world-class services to thousands of patients across the region. As an occupational therapist, I know first-hand how reliable and state-of-the-art equipment can boost patient outcomes and I was pleased to secure this funding during my time in the State Senate. I applaud People Inc. for always putting patients first and providing skills and support to patients and families that make everyday life easier.” Congressman Kennedy also offered his compliments to the staff of the Rehabilitative Health Services Department and their outstanding work. People Inc. Occupational Therapist Amanda Kujawinski demonstrated one of the new pieces of equipment purchased through the grant – the Obi. The Obi is designed for people with upper extremity mobility and strength limitations, who may otherwise be completely dependent on others for eating. This device utilizes customizable switch access, allowing people to select the food they want, when they want it, and bring it to their mouth independently. The robotic arm, which is structured like a human arm, moves over the plate to select food items, simulating natural mealtime patterns. Amanda remarked “The Obi embodies the values and vision that we strive to integrate into our roles as clinicians at People Inc. and as an agency. That is, we try to help people achieve the highest possible degree of independence.” People Inc. Occupational Therapist Kayla Conaway explained how another new piece of equipment – the pacer gait trainer – will be used daily to help patients ambulate where otherwise this would not be possible. It is unique because of the motorized function that allows the clinician to assist patients from a seated position into a standing position, even if they are unable to support themselves in standing on their own. She stated, “One of the most important attributes that the pacer has shown is the ability to bring hope and joy to patients who never believed walking would ever be a possibility. We often take walking for granted but when you see the pure joy on our patients’ faces when using this device, we are reminded of what a privilege it is.” Lynette Trudeau, a current Rehabilitative Health Services patient, during the press conference shared how the dedicated team of clinicians use the state-of-the-art equipment to make lasting impacts on her quest for greater independence.

People Inc. Launches New Afternoon Program for Students with Developmental Disabilities

After-School Respite Now Available in Orchard Park People Inc. is now accepting students to attend a new after-school respite program in Orchard Park. Opening September 3, 2024, “OP Afternoon Respite” is for students with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities who are in middle school or high school. The program runs from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Orchard Park High School, 4040 Baker Road, Orchard Park. It offers group and individualized social activities, including arts, sports, outings in the community, homework assistance, and more. There is no fee for students who qualify for New York State OPWDD Home and Community-Based Services waiver, and People Inc. can assist with eligibility applications. “Respite services are essential in our efforts to support families of children with developmental disabilities, providing expert supervision for students and a break for families and caregivers,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “We’re proud to answer a need in the community and support these important services in Orchard Park.” Including Orchard Park, People Inc. currently operates 11 afternoon respite programs  for school-age children in Western New York and two in Rochester. The nonprofit agency also offers site-based afternoon respite programs for people 18 and up, as well as in-home respite and respite programs for those who receive self-directed services. People Inc. is the only Western New York provider of overnight respite for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   For more information, contact People Inc.’s Admissions Department toll free at 833.404.0032 or admissions@people-inc.org .

Increasing Independence & Safety is at the Heart of People Inc. Program

A person with a disability sometimes faces challenges in their home that make it hard to navigate everyday living safely, or that limit their ability to be independent. This can include anything from showers to hard-to-reach countertops to doorways, cars, beds, seating or more. That is where People Inc.’s Environmental Modifications (EMODS) Department can help. The EMOD Department is the only program serving both the Western New York and Rochester areas offering project management and oversight services that help eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities work through safety and other issues in their living area. The People Inc. EMODS team makes accessing modifications easy by guiding people and their care coordinators through a complicated approval process with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). A key component to approval is that the modification must link directly to an eligible diagnosis and solve a safety concern or barrier to independence. People Inc. secures funding so that pre-screened architects may design modifications and contractors can complete the work. Project management services in the home can include changes such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, lowered countertops, barrier-free showers, widened doorways, grab bars, automatic or manual door openers, ceiling tracks, and fences. Assistive Technology devices can help increase safety, accessibility, and personal successes, such as hygiene seats, shaker beds, service animals, and specialized seating. And vehicle modifications can be made to a car, truck, van, or SUV that allow access to the community – such as modified driver controls, ramps, lift assist seating, and securement systems. The Lee family of Buffalo has gone through this process twice with People Inc. as the needs of their now 14-year-old daughter Yuna have changed. Jae Lee said most homes are not built to be accessible to people who use a wheelchair and lifts. When they first moved in, the Lee family was using a ramp into the front door that they felt was unsafe. People Inc. assisted the Lees with a comprehensive assessment of their home environment and in requesting a platform lift and an accessible landing in the garage, a ceiling lift system, door widening, and solid floor surfaces for rolling accessibility.

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."

Drive Fore People Inc. Golf Tournament a Success

The People Inc. Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament, The Drive Fore People Inc., on July 15 at Park Country Club in Williamsville for a sold-out roster of supporters.  Although storms forced players inside early in the round, guests returned for a wonderful night of dinner, entertainment, silent auction, and a brief program featuring, People Inc. President and CEO, Anne McCaffrey. The day brought together corporate sponsors and donors to People Inc. in support of the agency’s mission to provide programs and services that enhance the lives with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors, the Deaf and hard of hearing, and those seeking affordable housing. The event raised nearly $70,000. Special thanks are extended to all of People Inc.’s sponsors who made the event so successful, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Parkview Health Services, and the Hole-in-One Sponsors, including Long Associates Architects, Uniland Development Corporation and USI Insurance Services LLC.  Erica Sammarco, Senior Vice President for Advancement, who oversees the Foundation, reflected on the event saying, “We are overwhelmed by the consistent outpouring of support and the generosity of all our sponsors. Year after year, they make People Inc. a priority and recognize the critical role the agency plays in enriching the quality of life for Western New Yorkers through our programs and services.”