Where Your Donation Goes
Your donation to the YAI Network helps us to provide the extraordinary care that makes a real difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. Without the private support of donors, we would be unable to provide the level of service that gives people with disabilities the best possible opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.
Your generosity supports:
The Manhattan Star Academy – The YAI Network launched a new school, the Manhattan STAR Academy, for children ages five and older with a diverse range of special needs, such as global developmental delays, speech and language delays, and autism spectrum disorders, a severely underserved population in New York City.
Preschool Music and Art Therapy – Music and art are vital for children with special needs. For many children who cannot speak and do not communicate in other ways, music and art are the bridges that connect them to the world around them.
Adaptive Physical Education – Many children with special needs face physical as well as intellectual challenges. Specific curriculum and instruction provided in specially equipped gyms help children at YAI preschools develop critical skills such as running, jumping and climbing, which enhances their self-esteem and confidence.
School Nurses – Many children with learning delays also have complex medical needs. Skilled nurses in our preschools ensure a safe and comfortable environment that is critical to helping our students reach their full potential.
Group Homes – The YAI Network provides nearly 700 people with a beautiful home in their community, yet there are more than 2,400 people on our waiting list for residential placement. Donor support helps the YAI Network maintain its existing group homes and the comprehensive care they provide. In addition, many of our residents are growing older, and their homes must be physically renovated to accommodate their changing needs.
Premier HealthCare – Many people with intellectual disabilities have complex and challenging medical needs and few doctors and other health care practitioners are trained to work with them. As a result, a visit to the doctor is often upsetting and futile, and many people with disabilities do not receive the health care they need and deserve. Premier’s caring, specially trained medical staff ensures that patients receive the care they need in a sensitive and comfortable environment.
