Press Releases
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Jul 28, 2023
Author with Autism Hopes Newest Book Will Help Others Connect to People Inc.
When Robert Kneitinger was a child, he was teased and bullied. Classmates made fun of his social awkwardness and communications challenges. Eventually, Kneitinger was diagnosed with a developmental disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Now, at age 58, Kneitinger has turned the pain of his childhood into lessons for children with disabilities, in the hopes that their lives will be easier. With some help from staff at People Inc., Kneitinger is now an author and illustrator of 15 children’s books – all with positive messages and an underlying theme of overcoming obstacles and the value of all people, no matter their abilities. Kneitinger said his hope is to inspire families like his. “My mission is to help children get their independence, like I did,” he said. “What I want is that someday, parents of children who read my books say to me, ‘Thank you for helping my child!’” The books are fictional, but many of them come from stories about Robert’s own experiences and include ways he navigated the world despite his disability. This includes his latest book soon to go on sale on Amazon, “My Journey with People Inc.,” about ways that connecting with the People Inc. staff who offer services such as a broker, a life coach and a self-directed assistant have changed his life forever, including helping him to find and nurture his writing and artistic talents. Kneitinger started as an artist after attending classes at Starlight Studios in Buffalo. Working with People Inc. Self-Directed Assistant Don Jackson, he found that he had the ability to create artwork that people admired, and to come up with stories that he hopes will make a difference in people’s lives. After just finishing his 17th book, Don said the benefits he has seen for Robert in this work go well beyond the creative. Running the business of trying to sell books and do readings and presentations at schools, community organizations and more have pushed Robert far beyond where he and others thought he could go, said Jackson, who has a background in art education and has worked side-by-side with Kneitinger through all of his book writing and illustrating. “He has come so far,” Jackson said. “All of this stretches his cognitive abilities. We have seen so much improvement socially, emotionally and in his self-confidence. He is now constantly interacting with people – it’s been an incredibly well-rounded experience.” Kneitinger will be selling his books at the upcoming Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day on August 1 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.
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Nov 15, 2023
Autism Services Programs & Services To Transition to People Inc., The Summit Center
Separate Agencies to Provide Programs Based on Specialties Two local nonprofits that support people with developmental disabilities are working together to ensure the continuation of educational, residential, and other services currently provided by Autism Services Inc. Autism Services supports approximately 175 people in day programs, group homes and other programs funded and regulated by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). It also operates two New York State Education Department-certified school age special education programs located in Buffalo and Amherst, serving about 100 students. As a result of insurmountable financial challenges, beginning Feb. 1, 2024, Autism Services’ OPWDD-funded programs will transfer to People Inc. The Summit Center will expand its school services on or about Feb. 1, 2024, providing school age educational programs to current students attending Autism Service’s schools. Autism Services faces significant operational and financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Autism Services approached People Inc. seeking an affiliation to provide assistance with administrative, back-office, and managerial support. As part of its strategic assessment of the agency, People Inc. hired an outside accounting firm to determine Autism Services’ financial viability. The findings revealed an operating deficit that threatened the continuation of Autism Services’ programs and services. Despite aggressive and deliberate efforts over the last several months to stabilize operations, Autism Services’ Board of Directors has determined the only way to preserve these vital services is to transition the operation of its programs to other agencies with the capacity and expertise to support them. “Since Autism Services came to us for assistance, the goal has been to ensure the continuation and consistency of high-quality services,” said Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO of People Inc. “After the results of our due diligence, we are grateful to have arrived at this best-case scenario, with The Summit Center taking on what they do best, and People Inc. doing what we do best. In the end, the people served and their families remain the focus.” People Inc., a leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and The Summit Center, well known for its expertise in educational programs for people with autism, are working together with Autism Services to ensure a smooth and seamless transition as Autism Services ceases operation. McCaffrey and Lisa Foti, CFO and incoming CEO of The Summit Center, said they are thoughtfully planning for little or no disruption to the day-to-day services currently provided, including affording employment opportunities to Autism Services employees and keeping the schools and programs in the same locations. “We know that change can be very disruptive for students with autism, so our initial focus is on the seamless continuation of educational services provided by staff members they know and trust,” said Foti. “On the financial side, when these additional students come under Summit’s umbrella, we will be able to take advantage of higher reimbursement rates while continuing to provide a high-quality educational program.” The OPWDD services moving under the auspice of People Inc. include 12 group homes with a total of 53 residents, two day programs serving 64 people, and other programs for neurodiverse adults and children. All Autism Services employees who work as direct support professionals in these programs will have employment opportunities at People Inc. ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides a diverse array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Founded more than 50 years ago and built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity, providing superior programs throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester regions. ABOUT THE SUMMIT CENTER: The Summit Center provides educational, clinical, adult, and community-based programs and services to more than 1000 Western New York children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its specialized school, Summit Academy, provides a 12-month educational program to 340 students from 38 WNY school districts at two locations in Amherst, 150 Stahl Road and 165 Creekside Drive.
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Feb 20, 2023
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.
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Oct 03, 2024
Bradford Watts Named to Powerful Business Leaders of Color List
Bradford Watts, People Inc. Associate Vice President - Community Relations & DEI, was named one of the top 100 Powerful Business Leaders of Color by Buffalo Business First..
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Mar 17, 2023
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 .
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Jul 16, 2024
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."
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Apr 05, 2024
Celebrating Autism Acceptance Each Day at People Inc.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to Autism, and that is clear in the approach to the People Inc. day program on Hertel Ave. in Buffalo, where all participants fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Whether it’s creating art, gardening, reading, volunteering, or learning daily living skills, each program attendee has a daily choice of activities and varied experiences. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3, impacting development of the brain in areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. April is known as Autism Acceptance Month and a time to draw attention to accepting all people with Autism. To Katie Radecki, director of the Hertel Avenue program, that means meeting people where they are. “When you’re meeting or supporting someone with autism, be aware that just because they may communicate in a unique way doesn’t mean they can’t,” said Katie Radecki, program director. “Don’t make assumptions. If you’ve met someone with autism, you’ve only met one person with autism! Step away from the stereotypes.” The key to the program's success is the individualized attention provided to each participant – each person has their own schedule, routine, and needs. There is a shared sensory room, and each activity room has a customized sensory space to meet the unique needs of the people who attend. Michael Egloff, for example, describes being creative as one of his favorite ways to spend his day. “I like all of the art projects and drawing the most,” he said. “I’m happy here.” Autism Awareness Month was first officially recognized in 1988. Many advocates today, however, prefer the name Autism Acceptance Month, as it recognizes Autism as a natural condition, along with an ongoing need to end discrimination. Autism can still be heavily stigmatized by the public, preventing those with Autism from living comfortably and being accepted for who they are. Both Tony Rivera, senior day supervisor, and Radecki, agreed that some of their most important responsibilities are to advocate for those who attend the program, assist each person in finding their own way to communicate and be heard, and to help people in the community see beyond “disabilities.” Although art is an important part of the programming here, attendees are also involved with making music, creative movement and yoga, gardening, computers, working on daily living skills, reading, money management, and volunteering with community organizations—such as providing home-delivered meals and sorting/hanging clothes for Friends of Night People. Seasonal experiences can include visits to area farms for apple and pumpkin picking, as well as a very active participation with the Miracle League Baseball team. Through this wide range of activities, those enrolled in the program can be their authentic selves in an environment that nurtures growth and encourages a fulfilling experience every day. People Inc. employees Abby Setlur, behavior coordinator, and Sue Abramowshi, direct support professional - residential, were invited to discuss the meaning and impact of World Autism Awareness Day during a segment of WGRZ's Most Buffalo Show on April 2. Learn mor e
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Sep 15, 2023
Celebrating Our Direct Support Staff
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week held this year from September 11–15, is a time to celebrate the efforts and dedication of our frontline staff, who make a lasting impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Whether they are teaching life skills, assisting with transportation, responding to medical needs, or supporting people in a myriad of other ways, People Inc.’s DSPs play a vital role in encouraging people to explore their talents, overcome obstacles, connect with their communities, and achieve goals. This year, we recognized the incredible DSPs across our agency with gift cards and other activities. If you would like to express appreciation for our frontline direct support staff, you are welcome to submit a note . Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. More than 100 submissions told amazing stories of devotion and compassion! Congratulations to our 2023 Direct Support Professionals of the Year: Robert Barlow Oona Belton Ashley Brown Lee Byrd Ciera Calhoun Janelle Cannon Cameron Fitch Bailey Fleischauer Andrea Harden James Jowsey Amanda Kiripolsky Ismaila Mane Melie Mell Gamalah Mohamed Deborah Moreland Warda Mosed Natalie Mullen Dan Noonan Terrence Owens Kate Powell Chris Spychaj Jessica Stein Steven Struble Robin Tate Jaida Tolbert Linda Tran Ashley Wilson Curious about the role of a direct support professional, how to get started in this career and the impact these vital staff members make? Take a few minutes to view this video produced by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Career Pathways initiative. We are very appreciative of their efforts to assist the agency in attracting new talent.
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Apr 24, 2024
Celebration Honors 100-Year-Old Volunteer
‘Mr. Prince’ Still Visits Seniors 4 Days a Week, 4 Hours a Day When Prince Whitstone decided in 2000 to fill his time in retirement by volunteering, his goal was to stay active while giving back. As he turns 100 years old this week, it seems this remarkable volunteer has found a secret to longevity we all may be looking for. For 24 years, he has been a stellar and well-loved volunteer with People Inc. Four days a week, Whitstone, who lives alone, takes a bus to his volunteer “job” on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. Day in and day out, he arrives well before his 9:00 a.m. start time and works until 1:00 p.m. providing companionship and support to seniors as part of People Inc.’s Senior Companion program. He provides socialization and conversation for seniors, does some housekeeping and keeps people and facilities in order. Why does he do it? “I have to keep moving,” Whitstone said. “And it keeps me out of trouble.” Volunteers and staff from People Inc.’s Senior Companion program honored “Mr. Prince,” as he is known there, with a surprise “celebration of aging” for his 100th Birthday. A soft-spoken and private man who was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., Whitstone worked at Acme Steel in Buffalo for 29 years and then at National Gypsum for 10 years. While he was employed full time, he also worked as a barber. Alissa Yax, Senior Companion Program Coordinator, describes Whitstone as “very independent.” “He is a great volunteer, and he is full of energy,” she said. “If someone asks if he needs help, he politely declines. He often serves as a role model for other volunteers. Everyone here really appreciates him.” “We are grateful for ‘Mr. Prince’ and his incredible dedication to People Inc.,” said Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. president and CEO. “He is an example of the strides people can make at any age when they have a purpose and others around them who care. That is true for both our volunteers and the people supported through the Senior Companion program. We are so pleased to celebrate with Mr. Prince and wish him a very Happy 100th Birthday!”