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Care Management for Children

Erie, Cattaraugus (Northern), Chautauqua (Northern), Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne

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At People Inc., we understand that caring for a child who is on Medicaid and has a chronic health condition can be challenging and complex. To help families in our community better manage their child’s health services, People Inc. now offers care management to families enrolled with our partner Health Home – Children’s Health Home of Upstate New York (CHHUNY).

A Children’s Health Home is not a physical building or home, but rather a virtual network of support that provides a care manager who is a compassionate key point of contact for the coordination of services.

Families enrolled in a Health Home can expect to receive comprehensive care management where all of a child’s providers communicate with one another to meet the needs of the child and their family. Your care manager will assist you in accessing necessary services for your child to stay healthy, out of the ER and out of the hospital.

For more information on People Inc. care management for children and to learn about eligibility, call for Western New York or for the Greater Rochester region.

Ages: 0 to 21

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Community Behavioral Health

People Inc. recognizes that children and adults with developmental disabilities want to keep strong connections with their families and their surrounding communities. When a family member has a developmental disability, sometimes the person will need help to learn and grow. Some may need education, counseling, behavioral assessment and support, or behavioral crisis intervention. The People Inc. Community Behavioral Health Department has a group of specialized services designed to help families and people with disabilities live and function in healthy ways.

Must be eligible to receive OPWDD Family Support Services.

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Community Habilitation

Erie, Monroe and Niagara

Allows people to work 1:1 with staff in their homes and in the community to develop skills that they have identified as necessary for them to become as independent as possible.

Age: 18+ 

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Educational Advocacy

Erie, Niagara

Created to help families, educational staff, care coordinators and various health care providers navigate challenging situations within the educational system. Educational Advocates work with the Special Education System, attend Committee on Special Education (CSE)/ Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) meetings and provide direct advocacy to ensure that educational needs are being met. Advocates act as liaisons between school district personnel and families with the goal of developing collaborative partnerships. Advocates consult with parents/ guardians regarding educational concerns. The goal of the program is to help parents/guardians strengthen their advocacy skills during CSE/CPSE meetings through education and training regarding the special education process.

Ages: 3 to 21

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Environmental Modifications & Adaptive Technologies

Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates

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If any of these situations apply, People Inc. is likely able to assist:

  • If you are living in a community-based environment that is limiting your ability to live as independently as possible.
  • If you are providing Care Coordination services to a person living in a community-based environment that is limiting their ability to live as independently as possible.
  • If you suspect a caregiver is at risk of injury from lifting/transferring.

People Inc. EMOD Project Management services can provide access to adaptations to the home environment through OPWDD waiver funding (currently HCBS). Care Coordinators/Care Managers -- to apply, fill out the People Inc. EMOD and Clinical Assessment Form. After receiving this packet, People Inc. will then arrange most clinical, professional design, and project management services.

Project Management services cover:

  • Environmental Modifications (EMODS) -- Changes to your home or apartment that will increase accessibility and safety – such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, lowered counter tops, barrier-free showers and ceiling tracks
  • Adaptive Technology (Ad. Tech) -- Devices that increase safety, accessibility and personal successes – such as hygiene seats, shaker beds, service animals and specialized seating
  • Vehicle Modifications (V. Tech) -- Enhancements 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

Excellence in Customer Service:

  • People Inc. offers excellent service for our customers and Care Coordinators. Our newly enhanced process benefits those seeking supports and service provider alike. Care Coordinators and Managers now simply fill in and digitally sign/submit the above hyperlinked form. A clinical team will complete an in-home consultation and recommend waiver and/or insurance funded modifications needed to create a safer and more accessible environment.
  • People Inc. has established a network of the industry’s foremost experts to assist people increase their independence and safety. People who have chosen People Inc. as their EMOD, Ad. Tech and V. Tech advocate have experienced substantial gains in safety, independence and personal success. 

Ask your Care Coordinator or Care Manager to call today for a personalized informational session and consultation.

For additional information, contact us at emods@people-inc.org or call the People Inc. EMODS program line for Western New York: 716.880.3815 or the Greater Rochester region: 585.719.3417.

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Dark blue background with People Inc. butterfly faces logo with content: Virtual Workshops

Ever wanted an easy, efficient, and entirely electronic EMOD experience? Connect with People Inc. Project Management! Every second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m., we present a workshop via Microsoft Teams. During this workshop, Care Coordinators will learn who is eligible for EMOD’s, how to enroll, and what to expect.

Join us for an educational discussion, and bring all of your questions about EMODs, VMODs, and Assistive Technology!

Family Advocacy

Ensuring that children receive appropriate services is important. People Inc. Family Advocacy Services is a program through NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Parent advocacy, educational advocacy and tutoring are available to support the needs of children and young adults with developmental disabilities, while providing necessary support to families.

Enrollees must reside with a family member to be eligible for this program and have NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) eligibility.

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Family Education and Training (FET) Series

Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates

Age: Up to 18

Created for families with children with developmental disabilities to enhance the decision-making capacity of the family unit, provide orientation regarding the nature and impact of developmental disabilities upon the person and their family and inform them about service alternatives. Additionally, FET will assist the family unit in understanding and nurturing their child with a developmental disability.

Funding & Enrollment: These programs are funded through the Home and Community-Based Waiver and require enrollment. Once enrolled, people can register for a class by downloading a 2024 FET Presentation Schedule and Registration Form.

These trainings continue to be available primarily through virtual communication, however, some instructors may be available for in-person one-on-one sessions. The current list presents all of the available programs. Please note, that the trainings will be arranged based on needs of the family/caregiver needs, as well as the ability of the instructors to provide the training based on their own schedules. The FET Coordinator will work with each family to arrange the best possible educational/informational experience. 

Contact us at FET@people-inc.org for additional information. The People Inc. Admissions Department is available to assist with all of your questions or concerns.

For Western New York: Fill out the form attached at the end of the PDF and return it via the mail to: FET Coordinator, 280 Spindrift Drive, Williamsville NY 14221, or by email to FET@people-inc.org. If you need more information, contact your Care Coordinator or FET by phone at 716.880.3867 or by email at FET@people-inc.org.

For Greater Rochester region: Fill out the form attached at the end of the PDF and return it via the mail to: FET Coordinator, 280 Spindrift Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221, or by email to FET@people-inc.org. If you need more information, contact your Care Coordinator or FET by phone at 585.441.9300 or by email at FET@people-inc.org

Family Support Services Training

The People Inc. Family Support Services (FSS) Training is available for families and advocates who are living with a person with a developmental disability over the age of 18. These training sessions support families through the important transitions for their loved one. These funds are also available to those not enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS). In order to participate in this training, please note that families will need to enroll in a Family Support Program through People Inc. For those receiving Self-Directed Services, the plan must incorporate the nominal cost. Care Coordinators need to submit a brief FSS application with demographic information to the People Inc. Admissions Department for new enrollees; contact Admissions for this application. View the 2024 presentation schedule and registration form.
 

Family Reimbursement

Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara and Orleans

A Family Support Services income-based program that assists families with providing various goods and services to their loved ones of all ages with a developmental disability currently living at home. People are eligible to participate if they have established OPWDD eligibility and live with one or more non-paid family members or caregiver, in the absence of biological, adoptive or extended family. A person living alone or in foster care is not eligible for Family Reimbursement.

Please note: As of November 1, 2022, the agency has exhausted our 2022 Family Reimbursement funds. Please send your application to a different agency. To assist, provided is a list of agencies that may be able to accept your application.

Effective for July 1, 2022: Based on OPWDD ADM #2022-02, funds are designated to assist expenses directly related to the disability which aims to enhance family stability and preserve the family unit.

To find out more about this program, contact our Admissions team at admissions@people-inc.org.

For your convenience, please find the Family Reimbursement application and the Respite Verification form.

Family Reimbursement Packets can be mailed or dropped-off to:

  • For Monroe County: People Inc., Attn: FRP Coordinator, 1860 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624. If you prefer, there is a no-contact drop off in the foyer Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 585.719.3424.
  • Western New York: People Inc., Attn: FRP Coordinator, 280 Spindrift Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 716.719.3424.

Guardianship

This program ensures that a person with a developmental disability is provided for when the current guardian is no longer able to act on the person’s behalf.

Age: 18+

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Mercy Doula

Life Transitions: The Mercy Doula Program provides support to a person, staff member and/or family during the transition into end of life.

Mercy doulas are trained support professionals working in the field of developmental disabilities who have a driving passion to assist, honor and support someone during a significant transition into end of life. While working with a person, a doula assists someone to resolve business or personal matters, identify their ultimate wishes, increase their overall quality of life, create a desirable atmosphere to the person’s liking and in some cases, develop a legacy project or vigil plan. The overall goal and purpose of this support is to ensure that lives are honored as such and become a personal event in time, as opposed to a medical emergency. At the time of death, doulas will also provide ongoing support to families and staff to ensure that the grieving process is initiated with understanding. A follow-up with family is initiated after passing up to eight weeks, with support lasting for the following thirteen months, as needed.

Information: mercydoula@people-inc.org

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Parent Advocacy

Erie, Niagara

The Parent Advocacy Program offers support to children and young adults with developmental disabilities at medical appointments. Parent Advocates provide assistance, transportation (if Medicaid transportation is not appropriate), translation (Spanish) and coordinate/schedule medical appointments. Parent Advocates may also coordinate and assist in scheduling of Medicaid transportation.

Ages: All

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Parent Aide Program

Designed to help families navigate the often confusing service system. Parent aides provide advocacy, translation services and support to families in need.

Age: all, must live with family

Information: 716.880.3700

Personal Development Mentoring

Erie and Niagara

A Personal Development Mentor (PDM) guides a person age 18+ towards identifying their strengths, uncovering authentic talents and applying their unique abilities in pursuit of their goals. The PDM helps to bridge the gap between where a person is and where they want to be by assisting with problem solving, decision making and goal attainment in daily life. This is a transitional, three to six month program that focuses on skill-building with an emphasis on community integration. Funded by Family Support Services (FSS) or Community Habilitation.

How it Works
The program uses one-on-one coaching to achieve personalized goals. It is built on a system of mutual accountability between the PDM and the participant as they develop a contract with expected outcomes and goals, as well as respective roles in moving toward achieving that goal.

All goals are broken down into smaller achievable actions, and participants are guided through the steps necessary to complete their goal. The idea is for each person to have gained the confidence and tools needed to move forward with the goal on their own.

For more information on PDM, call 716.880.3700. Want to join the program? Ask your care coordinator to make a referral.

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Pooled Trust

The WNY Coalition Pooled Trust is a collaboration between People Inc., Center for Elder Law & Justice and KeyBank. It has been in existence since 2004, serving hundreds of beneficiaries. A pooled trust is a type of Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) intended to help people with disabilities maintain Medicaid eligibility or Social Security by depositing their income or a lump sum into the trust. The money deposited can be used to pay bills and expenses (with some limitations); all while not jeopardizing Medicaid or other Social Security Benefits.

Let us show you how OUR Pooled Trust can protect the financial future of your loved one with special needs and you. 

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Respite

Erie, Monroe and Niagara

Respite care is an essential part of the overall support that families may need to keep their family member with a disability at home. The word "respite" means to take a break from the daily challenges of caring for a loved one of any age with special needs. It can be planned for a few hours or for as long as a weekend. Respite can take place in your home or temporarily in another setting, such as a day center or in the community. Respite can take place regularly or intermittently, as you need it; however, it does need to be planned in advance.

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Self-Directed Services

Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates

Provides the opportunity for anyone age 4 and up to choose which supports and services work best for you, how and when the they are provided and who will provide the support. Through Self-Directed Services, the person (or a designee) acts as the manager of their services. The person has a team, consisting of their Fiscal Intermediary, Support Broker, Care Manager, and whomever else they would like to include. The team supports the person to make decisions about the budget for their services, what goals they would like to work on, and even who they want to hire! This gives the person increased flexibility and more control over their services. If you would like to learn more about Self-Directed Services, please contact us for guidance on how to attend an informational session provided by OPWDD.

Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Services

A Fiscal Intermediary, or FI, is required to Self-Direct your services. Your FI will assist you to hire staff, process reimbursements from your budget, monitor your expenses, and ensure all of the required documentation is in place for billing and compliance. To request People Inc. as your FI, your Care Manager must first complete a referral form and return it to us with the requested documentation. Contact us at selfdirection@people-inc.org if you have questions.
 

Support Brokerage

A Support Broker will help you build your Self-Directed budget, based on the supports and services you want and need. Once your initial budget is approved, they will assist you to make changes as needed. People Inc. does not currently have Agency Support Brokers available, however we can provide you with a list of Support Brokers that are available in your area. As your FI, we will work closely with your Support Broker as they develop and update your budget and we will also issue the payments for their services.

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Tutoring

Erie

Specially trained educators provide 1:1 tutoring in the home or in the community. Goals of the Tutoring Program are established in collaboration with the person receiving services and their parents/guardians. Assistance can be provided with homework, study skills and other tasks.

Ages: 3 to 21

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