Mission and Culture

Mission

The mission of the YAI Network is to create hope and opportunity for people with developmental and learning disabilities and their families.

We believe that every person, at every age and level of ability, has the potential for growth. We also believe that each individual is entitled to the same dignity, respect and opportunities as all other members of society.

To that end, we provide one of the nation's most comprehensive networks of programs and services to assist people with disabilities in maximizing their potential. We pledge to maintain the highest level of excellence and sensitivity in all that we do. The YAI Network is committed to the pursuit of excellence.

We are firmly committed to helping the people we serve to achieve their potential for independence, individuality, productivity and inclusion in their communities.

Individualization.

People with disabilities and their families give voice to hopes, dreams and preferences. They understand that options are available and theirs to choose.

Independence.

A consequence of choice, independence means acquiring greater skills and doing more on one's own.

Inclusion.

As members of their communities, people with disabilities may spend free time attending a concert, shopping at the grocery store or enjoying a ballgame. They also strive to work at jobs where their skills and contributions are valued by their supervisors and co-workers.

Productivity.

Armed with the necessary tools and skills, people with disabilities go about their day with purpose – taking a class, volunteering or going to work.

Culture

We believe that our staff is our most important resource. We are committed to promoting the involvement and participation of our staff in the management of the agency and to facilitating the growth of our staff through education, training, and supervision.

We believe that great accomplishments are achieved through teamwork and encourage our staff to join us in creating an environment that is characterized by respect, kindness, effective communication, and a positive approach.

Our management philosophy is "participatory management." All staff members are encouraged to express their views directly, constructively, and positively to their supervisor and all other managers, as they deem necessary, without any fear of retribution.