| Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This March, in recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. We encourage everyone to recognize ability, not disability, all month long and throughout the year! Here are some ways to learn more and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities:
1. View and sign the City of Buffalo Opportunity Pledge, which encourages businesses, organizations and residents to commit to building a culture of inclusion and equality.
2. Visit the Museum of disABILITY History, the only one of its kind in the U.S., dedicated to the collection of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. A project of People Inc., the Museum helps visitors experience a visual story that shares the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities. A 10 percent savings will be offered in the Museum’s store throughout March.
3. Encourage individuals with developmental disabilities to learn about their right to vote and to register. Find out if your polling place is accessible.
4. Show your support of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by adding a Twibbon to your social media profile photo. To get your #DDAware Twibbon, click here.
5. Sign the pledge to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech.
To learn more about our programs and services for a loved one with a developmental disability or for someone you assist, contact our Admissions and Referral Services Department at 716.880.3700.
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| Therapy Dog Program Provides Joy and Comfort
Extra smiles and laughter are being seen and heard at our day programs and residential locations all thanks to our Therapy Dog Program! Established last year, the program was started to continuously bring new and creative programing to individuals we serve. To learn more, click here.
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 | Participants from the People Inc. Lancaster Day Habilitation enjoyed their visit with Deuce! | |
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| DDAWNY Launches Change.org Minimum Wage Petition
The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York, a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities, has launched a campaign asking Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Legislature to fund the minimum wage increase in the state budget. To support this effort, click here. Follow the bFair2DirectCare campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
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| Free Training for Parents
People Inc. offers the Incredible Years Program for parents of children with disabilities to learn new skills and coping methods. The free training teaches parents how to help their children develop, including: improving self-esteem and self-concept and decreasing negative behaviors at home, as well as decreasing peer aggression and disruptive behaviors in school. The program provides tips on how to cope with stress, avoid power struggles, determine appropriate consequences and develop creative and imaginative play with your child. For more information or to enroll in our upcoming session for the spring or summer, contact Shannon Bianco at sbianco@people-inc.org or by calling 716.880.3826. The free training is made possible by a Family Support Services grant through the WNY DDSO.
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| iCan Shine Bike Camp Helps Kids with Disabilities Ride a Bike, Volunteers Needed
Learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle is a rite of passage, and with the help of the iCan Shine Bike Camp, individuals with disabilities can learn how! The camp is offered through the national iCan Shine Program, which provides learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. Adapted bicycles and a specialized instructional program are provided by trained staff during the 75-minute sessions. The camp is taught over five consecutive days, June 27 to July 1, at Buffalo Niagara Court Center, 425 Meyer Road, West Seneca. The program is now accepting participants to join this exciting opportunity and gain a sense of confidence! Volunteers are needed to assist the riders. For more information, click here or call 716.817.7204. The program is made possible by the Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York, Inc.; Heritage Centers; People Inc. and Univera Healthcare.
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Donate
Save the date for Buffalo Niagara’s 24-hour online give-a-thon, Spring It On, beginning at 8 a.m. on March 24, until 8 a.m. March 25. The one-day event is dedicated to supporting local charities like People Inc.; Agapé Parents’ Fellowship, Inc., Headway of WNY and Rivershore, our affiliates; and the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc. Your generosity makes it possible for People Inc. to keep growing as a community leader by helping families and individuals with disabilities, as well as seniors, lead more healthy, independent and productive lives. More information on how to participate will be available soon. Apply for a Job
Are you looking for a career that offers dependable schedules for a more balanced life? Learn more at our People Inc. Open Interview Day on Wednesday, March 16, from noon to 5 p.m., at 692 Millersport Highway, Amherst. We have full-time, part-time, plus seasonal jobs for many career opportunities in the health and human services field. Walk-ins welcome. For more information, click here or call 716.322.7050. Can’t attend? Apply online.
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Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives.
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Dining Out for Headway: A Nourishing Event in Support of Headway of WNY, Inc.
Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is having a dining out event on Wednesday, March 16. Select restaurants are participating for lunch and/or dinner.
>> Click here for a flyer to present to your server
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| OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS
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The Mighty: 4 Myths I Want to Discuss about People with Disabilities in the Workforce
“Sometimes I would have to ask my manager for more work because I was getting bored at work.”
Today Show: Tommy Hilfiger Launches ‘Inclusive’ Clothing Line for Kids with Disabilities
“The collection is the same as Tommy Hilfiger’s existing children’s collection, except that the pieces have been modified so they're easier for kids with disabilities to wear.” The Washington Post: Going on offense vs. Down syndrome
“But the Antonellis were athletes, and athletes don’t deal in can’t and won’t. They deal in can, and will.”
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