Press Releases

  • Former Bay Ridge Convent Put To Good Use
    April 8, 2013
    A former convent in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, has taken on a new life as a group home for 16 aging borough residents with developmental disabilities.
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    Conference Empowers, Inspires and Changes Perceptions
    March 8, 2013
    YAI and Premier HealthCare's 9th Spanish-language conference for families of children with special needs and professionals who support them provided more than 300 attendees with the tools they need to access services.
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    Conferencia De La Salud Para Las Familias De Personas Con Discapacidades ¡Gratuita Y En Español
    February 26, 2013
    Novena conferencia de la salud, gratuita y en español – “Vivir•Amar•Trabajar ¡Juntos!” Esta conferencia es para las familias de personas con discapacidades incluyendo discapacidades intelectuales, el autismo, y el parálisis cerebral. Profesionales quienes apoyan a personas con necesidades especiales también deben de participar. Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, Dept. of Labor, and New York City Council Member Diana Reyna seran las oradorasprincipales.
  • Free Spanish Language Health Care Conference
    February 21, 2013
    To better support the Spanish-speaking community, YAI, Premier HealthCare and the Center for Latin American, Caribbean & Latino Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center will host its 9th free conference for parents of children with special needs and the professionals who work with them on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.
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    Sandy Damages Group Homes in Sheepshead Bay
    November 28, 2012
    Two YAI group homes for people with autism and other developmental disabilities in Sheepshead Bay were severely damaged during the recent superstorm Sandy.
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    John Catsimatidis To Receive YAI Humanitarian Award
    November 1, 2012
    John Catsimatidis, a New Yorker known as much for his business acumen as his commitment to bettering the city he arrived in as a child with no money or knowledge of English, has been named the honoree of this year's YAI gala on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 at The Pierre, Fifth Avenue at 61st St.
  • High Level Israeli Delegation Visits to Learn About New and Innovative Models
    October 29, 2012
    A high-level delegation from Israel visited YAI recently, where they heard from a New York State official about the future service delivery system, which YAI officials view as a major opportunity to empower people with developmental disabilities.
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    Bullying Focus of Nov. 28 Autism Conference
    September 19, 2012
    “Autism and Bullying” a one-day conference for families and professionals, on Wed., Nov. 28, 2012, at the McGraw-Hill Auditorium, 1221 Ave. of the Americas, will explore the root of the bullying, which has reached epidemic proportions, and potential solutions.
  • New York City Council to Honor Direct Support Professionals
    September 13, 2012
    On Friday, Sept. 14, on the steps of City Hall, New York City Council members and other elected officials will recognize a dedicated workforce, known as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who have a profound impact on the lives of nearly 100,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. The week of Sept. 9-15 has been designated National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.
  • YAI’s Central Park Challenge Raises Over $1.3 Million; Agency's New Brand Launched at Event
    June 14, 2012
    "Changing the World Is a Walk in the Park," was the theme of YAI's Central Park Challenge on June 2. The event, felt more like a rally than a fundraiser, drew 10,000 people for a 5K run, 3K walk and children's activities, and has raised more than $1.3 million and counting for programs which support people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the New York metropolitan area.
  • Don't Keep Sherri Shepherd Waiting!
    YAI Sending Important Message to Society on Saturday, June 2, 2012
    May 25, 2012
    "Changing the World is a Walk in the Park." YAI's Central Park Challenge is much more than a fundraiser; it is an opportunity to educate society that no one should be judged or labeled based on their deficits.
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    Sherri Shepherd Teams Up with Clorox; Hosting Comedy Show to Benefit YAI
    April 13, 2012
    Leave it to YAI National Spokesperson Sherri Shepherd. The actress, comedian, Dancing with the Stars contestant and Daytime Emmy Award Winning host of The View,is the master of ceremonies for a phenomenal night of comedy on Friday, April 27, in North Hollywood, Calif. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit individuals of all ages and their families who receive services from YAI. So by helping us spread the word to friends, families, colleagues, or acquaintances in California, you will be supporting YAI and its movement -- Seeing Beyond Disability.
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    NYC Council Member Mark Weprin Visits YAI
    April 10, 2012
    NYC Council Member Mark S. Weprin, who has advocated for people with special needs of all ages, visited individuals who receive services from YAI, the staff who support them and YAI officials on World Autism Awareness Day. Just a few days earlier, the Center for Disease Control reported that 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
  • 2012 International Conference
    YAI Network's 33rd Annual International Conference, April 30-May 3, 2012
    February 23, 2012
    The YAI Network’s 33rd Annual International Conference “Advancing Services Across the Life Span in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities” will be held on April 30 – May 3, at the Hilton New York Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas in mid-town Manhattan.
  • Free Health Care Conference for Spanish-Speaking Families of Children with Special Needs
    February 20, 2012
    YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities, Premier HealthCare and the Center for Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies of the City University of New York’s Graduate Center will present a free Spanish-language health care conference for families of children with special needs and professionals who support them.
  • Dream Comes True for People with Disabilities and Their Families
    February 3, 2012
    After nearly 10 years of talking about and planning a group home for adults with developmental disabilities, it will become a reality on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in Brooklyn.
  • FDNY and YAI Network Produce DVD on Fire Safety for People with Developmental Disabilities
    FDNY and YAI Network Produce DVD on Fire Safety for People with Developmental Disabilities
    October 18, 2011
    As part of Fire Prevention Week, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the YAI Network celebrated the debut of a new fire safety education DVD and CD-ROM workbook designed for people with developmental disabilities and the staff who work with them.
  • FDNY and YAI Network Raise Awareness About Fire Safety For People with Developmental Disabilities
    October 12, 2011
    As part of Fire Prevention Week, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the YAI Network will host a press conference on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at a YAI Network group home in Hollis Hills, N.Y., to raise public awareness about the importance of teaching people with developmental disabilities and the staff who work with them fire safety.
  • US open 2011
    Levy Restaurants Relies on People with Disabilities at US Open
    September 2, 2011
    Levy Restaurants is the largest seasonal employer of people with disabilities who receive job training, coaching and placement from the YAI Network, and the 2011 US Open marked the 13th season of this partnership.
  • Stephen Freeman Named CEO of YAI Network Upon Conclusion of Dr. Philip Levy's Contract
    July 28, 2011
    Dr. Philip H. Levy, a longtime leader in the field of developmental and learning disabilities, announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer and President of the YAI Network upon the conclusion of his contract on June 30, 2011. Stephen E. Freeman, L.C.S.W., Chief Operating Officer of the YAI Network, has assumed the position of CEO.
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    YAI Signs Agreement with Pakistan Agency to Provide Assistance to People with Disabilities
    May 9, 2011
    Seeking to enhance the services available to children with developmental disabilities, Inclusive Society Pakistan Chapter signed an agreement with the YAI Network on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, to provide technical, health care and rehabilitative assistance to the country where 10-15 percent of the population has disabilities.
  • Premier HealthCare Earns Higher Patient-Centered Medical Home Designation
    April 29, 2011
    Premier HealthCare, a medical practice with doctors, dentists and specialist trained to treat patients with developmental disabilities, has been designated a Level 2 Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Premier HealthCare is a member of the YAI Network. All of Premier HealthCare’s five practices – located in Manhattan, Brooklyn (2), Queens and the Bronx -- received this recognition.
  • Sherri Shepherd Joins YAI on Power 105.1
    April 22, 2011
    Catch YAI Network Spokesperson Sherri Shepherd, co-host of ABC-TV's "The View" and host of the Game Show Network's "The Newlywed Game," and Nicole Aubry, Manager of the YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge on Kim Kane's Power on the Block public affairs show at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2011, on Power 105.1 FM.
  • Jordan Journal
    April 19, 2011
    On the eve of the official opening of the first two group homes for 12 young men with developmental disabilities, YAI Network's Matt Aubry shares him impressions.
  • Partnerships Lead to Expanded Health Care Services for Bronx Residents With Developmental Disabilities
    November 5, 2010
    More than 100 local officials, area residents, caregivers, health care professionals and supporters gathered recently to celebrate the expansion of Premier HealthCare which can now provide more Bronx residents with developmental and learning disabilities with medical, dental and specialty services.
  • Expanded Health Care Services for Bronx Residents with Disabilities
    October 22, 2010
    Partnerships with Primary Care Development Corp. and Henry Schein, Inc. Enhance Medical Care in the Borough
  • Jordan Signs Pact With YAI Network To Develop Services for People With Disabilities
    September 1, 2010
    In a major step toward enhancing the lives of tens of thousands of Jordanians with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, His Royal Highness Prince Raad Bin Zaid signed an agreement with the YAI Network on Aug. 31, 2010, to develop Jordan’s first group residences for individuals with disabilities.
  • YAI Network To Partner With Jordan To Develop Programs For People With Developmental Disabilities
    August 30, 2010
    Impressed With Services, Prince of Jordan Turns to YAI Network for Expertise.
  • Premier HealthCare Earns Patient-Centered Medical Home National Certification
    Premier HealthCare Earns Patient-Centered Medical Home National Certification
    June 23, 2010
    Medical practice for people with developmental disabilities cited for outstanding coordinated care.
  • 2010 Central Park Challenge celebrities
    Thousands Gather To Support People With Disabilities At YAI And Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge
    June 9, 2010
    ore than 11,000 people participated in YAI and Broadview Networks 25th Annual Central Park Challenge, benefiting the YAI Network on Saturday, June 5.
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    Queens Child With Autism Taking The City By Storm As Face Of YAI And Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge
    June 3, 2010
    His face shines throughout New York City – on billboards, telephone kiosks, and television; in buses, subways, and newspapers. His curly hair and bright smile can also be found on thousands of posters and brochures.
  • Jaden rallies for autism services at City Hall
    Families, Children and Providers Rally in Support of City's $1.5 Million Autism Initiative
    May 25, 2010
    The YAI Network will join staff from more than 20 service providers, parents of children with autism, individuals of all ages and New York City Councilman Mark Weprin at a rally on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall urging the New York City Council to continue its $1.575 million city-wide autism initiative serving families not eligible for other public support.
  • Geraldo Rivera with people with disabilities
    Memories of a Tragic Past Continue to Fuel Social Revolution for People with Developmental Disabilities
    May 6, 2010
    Recalling his experience in exposing the horrific conditions at the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, N.Y, as a young reporter for WABC-TV nearly 40 years ago, Rivera emphasized the continued need to fight for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Family attends YAI's Latino Conference
    Hundreds Attend Free Spanish-Language Health Care Conference for Families of People with Developmental Disabilities
    March 19, 2010
    There was laughter, tears, handshakes and hugs as more than 300 Spanish-speaking professionals and people who have family members with developmental disabilities recently attended a free Latino Health Care Conference, sponsored by Premier HealthCare, YAI/NIPD and the Center for Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies at CUNY Graduate Center.
  • Mariela Dabbah
    Conferencia de Salud Para las Familias de Personas con Discapacidades: ¡Gratuita y en Español!
    March 5, 2010
    Sexta conferencia anual de la salud, gratuita y en español – “Cambiando su Destino: Paso por Paso”.
  • Staff and Patients
    ANCOR Announces Winner of 2009 DSP Capital Challenge
    February 9, 2010
    Today ANCOR announced that YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities, a member of the YAI Network, has won the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Capital Challenge and recipient of its annual ANCOR Advocacy Award!
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    Spanish-Language Conference Connects and Empowers Attendees
    More than 275 people attended a free Spanish-language health care conference, sponsored by YAI, Premier HealthCare and the Center for Latin American, Caribbean & Latino Studies at the City University of New York, on March 6, 2012, in midtown Manhattan. Attendees included family members of people with special needs, and professionals who support them.