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.       .  

A Message from OPWDD - Help Keep the People We Support Safe During the COVID-19 Winter Surge

New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Acting Commissioner Kerri Neifeld shared this message encouraging everyone to “Get Vaccinated, Get Boosted and Wear a Mask!” We've come a long way since the COVID-19 pandemic began almost two years ago, and m

April 14, 2020 Immediate Action Needed - Urge Federal Reserve for Forgivable Loan for Nonprofits

Attention Families and Supporters, On Friday, April 10, the Treasury and Federal Reserve announced the Mid-Size Loan Program , for nonprofit and for-profits with 500-10,000 employees through the Main Street Business Lending Program, which would include organizations like People Inc. As it stands

April 15, 2020 Important Information from Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Director Arnold Ackerley

Self-Advocates and Parent Advocates had a recent victory advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to be allowed to have a support person with them if they are admitted into the hospital. Thank you to all the advocates who worked so hard on this, and to the New Y

April 16, 2020 Letter to Families (English and Español)

April 16, 2020: Another letter to families is available (in English and Español ). As always, People Inc. encourages you to stay in contact. Our dedicated email address and phone line is operational to help make it easier to share any concerns at COVIDconcern@people-inc.org or 716.817.744

April 20, 2020 Face Mask Donations Needed

Do you or does someone you know create cloth masks or have a supply of other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Help our direct support professionals continue to work safely with a donation . Anyone having leads or involvement with those making or donating masks for frontline workers, please emai

April 22, 2020 Family and Caregiver Group on April 24

Parent Network of Western New York is hosting another virtual meeting for parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. Rick Banner, director of Advocacy and Person-Centered Services at People Inc., will be the guest speaker, discussing use of technology and outreach during this

April 27, 2020 Parent and Caregiver Group Virtual Meeting on May 1

Parent Network of Western New York is hosting virtual meetings for parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. The meetings will take place on Fridays, May 1, 8 and 15, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. These online events provide a welcoming environment for parents, family members and othe

August 17, 2020 Family and Caregiver Group Meeting on August 21

Parent Network of Western New York is hosting virtual meetings for parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. The next meeting will take place on Friday, August 21, from 1 to 2:30 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.