People Inc. receives grant to expand intensive behavior training, counseling program

Funds allow program to serve 20 additional individuals

People Inc., Western New York's largest health and human services agency, has received a grant from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) family support services program. The award, totaling $78,513, will allow People Inc. to expand the capacity of its intensive behavior training and counseling program.

The IBTC program provides individuals with developmental disabilities who reside with their families a variety of behavior support services, including functional assessment of problem behaviors, development of behavior intervention plans and psycho-educational coaching. Additional supports are also provided to address the needs of individuals with autism and those experiencing significant behavioral or psychiatric difficulties.

Currently, there is a waitlist for People Inc.'s program, but the grant will be used, in part, to hire a new, fulltime behavior specialist, who will serve an additional 20 families, annually. For more information on the IBTC Program, call 716-880-3700.

"We are so thankful to the OPWDD and its family support services council for their investment in a program that helps ensure families can continue to take care of their children at home," said Denise Bienko, vice president of People Inc.

People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals in achieving greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org.