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People Inc. and D’Youville University: Building Advocacy Through Education

Feb 09, 2026


For the past four years, People Inc. has proudly partnered with D’Youville University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program to deliver a hands-on, advocacy-focused learning experience for first-year students.

Pictured (front): Shanell Davis, senior advocate; (left to right): Molly Zern-Hehir, associate vice president of rehabilitative services, Lynn Rivers, program director at D'Youville University, Catherine Burger, director of learning and development, and Jodie Chibi, director of language services

Through this ongoing collaboration, People Inc. ambassadors provide an educational presentation centered on disability advocacy, inclusion and real-world clinical practice. 

As part of the experience, students attend an advocacy and informational presentation led by People Inc. ambassadors, highlighting best practices in inclusive care, person-centered services and the lived experiences of people with disabilities.  

“Our partnership with D’Youville is important as it gives us a chance to educate students about a career path that they may have not known existed. Our goal is to educate about the opportunities and rewards of working with our patient population early in their careers so that they have the chance to consider this field of work,” said Becky Korosi, Vice President, Rehabilitative Services.  

The presentation is followed by a shadowing experience with People Inc.’s rehab clinicians at the Rehabilitative Services Clinic at 800 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo. People Inc.’s Rehabilitative Services provide a comprehensive team approach to address various needs, including specializing in evaluation and treatment plans for people with developmental disabilities. Students then reflect on what they observed, what People Inc. does well, areas for growth and the lessons they will carry into their future careers. 

“Working with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities is frequently overlooked in the rehabilitation field. We want to do our part to ensure future clinicians are prepared to serve a community that is often underserved,” said Korosi. 

Learn more about People Inc. Rehabilitative Services: Rehabilitative Services & Social Work - People Inc.