People Inc. Sharing Virtual Rally Against OPWDD Rate Cuts TOMORROW - June 24

Join us on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 10 a.m., as we livestream a virtual rally hosted by New York State Senator David Carlucci and New York Disability Advocates (NYDA). T he purpose of the rally is to oppose unnecessary cuts by New York State to residential services for people with disabilities. Almost $250 million in cuts have been proposed for certified IRA and ICF residential programs. These cuts would severely damage services for people with disabilities, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more from some of the people who will be affected the most by these vacancy-rate cuts. The rally will last about 15 minutes and will include remarks from: David Carlucci, New York State Senator Susan Constantino, CP State CEO and NYDA Spokesperson Carmine Marchionda, Rockland Arc Executive Director Tom McAlvanah, NYDA President and Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc. (IAC) Executive Director Marilyn Morris, self-advocate from Jawonio Bobbi Lewis residence  Yvette Watts New York Association of Emerging & Multicultural Providers, Inc. (NYAEMP) Executive Director and NYDA Spokesperson The rally will be posted for viewing later, along with a call to action to contact the Governor and OPWDD through the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State advocacy portal . You can make a difference now with just one click to tell Governor Cuomo that New Yorkers with disabilities deserve better!

Phased Reopening Update - Phase B

Please refer to the  Coronavirus section  for the most up to date communications. While many of our People Inc. services remained in full operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to date, others were suspended or significantly altered. A planned and gradual reopening of our program

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.   

RESCHEDULED: People Inc. Offers Informational Session for Families on Tuesday, September 14

September 9, 2021: Thank you to families who participated in our earlier conference call updates from agency management. We have rescheduled the next information session for families of the people we support for Tuesday, September 14  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 September 14 via Microsoft Teams . 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.

Resources

Updated April 3, 2020: Please consult the following resources for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention New York State Department of Health Other Resources: For concerns regarding COVID-19:  email COVIDconce

September 2, 2020 Family and Caregiver Group Meeting Set for September 18

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, September 18, 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 with anyone who may be interested.

September 4, 2020 Notice Regarding Phases of Program Openings and Protocols

People Inc. continues to monitor community experience with COVID19 exposure and our region’s numbers of positive cases and hospitalizations. We have been operating in a proactive manner with a range of precautionary measures since early Spring. As there have been recent spikes in positive cas

Temporary Suspension of Some Programs and Services

Please refer to the  Coronavirus section  for the most up to date communications. While many of our People Inc. services remained in full operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to date, others were suspended or significantly altered. Now, the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions are experiencing a serious and significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases, some of the highest in the state. New York State has released information regarding COVID-19 “cluster zones,” which are focus areas designated based on geographic case prevalence. The People Inc. Emergency Preparedness Team is proactively engaged in monitoring any potential changes in our service areas (from Yellow to Orange or to Red) and will adjust agency policies accordingly. For more information, this chart includes greater details.  A planned suspension of some of our programs is in progress, based on a variety of factors to support our primary goal - maintaining 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 work together through this extremely challenging time. As of Monday, November 16, 2020, we suspended programming at several site-based Day and Respite programs. Thursday, November 19, 2020 was the last day of attendance at our certified Day Programs for all attendees. At this time, our day programs will continue to offer people virtual programming from their family homes. As of Wednesday, December 2, 2020, operations are suspended for the remaining day services and respite sites (please see related areas below). As of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, we closed several of our site-based and recreation Respite programs, with the others being suspended as of Wednesday, December 2 (please see related areas below). 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 also posted on our website  ( next one  on Thursday, January 28, 2021 ).   Information for families is included in the most recent family letter ( English  and Spanish ). A special Coronavirus Phone Line has been established for families to call, 716.817.7445, and is checked and responded to directly.  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.  A special email address has been established as well, so that concerns can be addressed at COVIDconcern@people-inc.org . Our Advocacy Phone Line is also available for people we support to ask non-emergency questions by calling 716.322.7070. Effective November 13, 2020 (Updated 11.20.2020) Program Type Details Residential Group Homes   Visitation at Group Homes A No Visitors Policy will be in effect as of Friday, November 20. Families can 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, people we support will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result within four days of returning.  Additional safeguards outlined in operational policy, will be reviewed in detail with family/person supported as part of the process.   Community Outings All community outings for People Inc. Day, Respite and certified Residential Programs were suspended as of Monday, November 16, 2020, until further notice. Senior Living Common Areas Supports continue. Community rooms will be closed until further notice. Essential visiting only. Affordable Apartments (Mixed Income/Tax Credit Apartments) Common Areas Supports continue. Community rooms will be closed until further notice. Essential visiting only.   Day Habilitation, Community PreVoc, CAPP, DHWW, YALT General Operations Operations at these programs are suspended as of Wednesday, December 2. Information is provided on the Day and Employment Classification Cluster Chart .* * At this time, our day programs will continue to offer people virtual programming from their family homes. 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. Information is provided on the  Day and Employment Classification Cluster Chart . 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 respite sites will be closed as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2020: After the Belle Afternoon Respite (Buffalo) After Work Respite (Depew/Lancaster) Buffalo Afternoon Respite (Buffalo) 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) 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) Themed Learning Club (Amherst) The following programs are suspended effective Wednesday, December 2, 2020: 1860 Buffalo Road Respite (Rochester) Northtowns Afternoon Respite (Lockport) 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 close as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, until further notice. 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. 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. 

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.