Latino Conference

For six years, the YAI Network's free annual Latino Health Care Conference has helped people with developmental and learning disabilities and their families identify services and resources to provide them with opportunities to succeed. Conducted entirely in Spanish, this conference has provided more than 300 attendees with information on addressing challenging behaviors and accessing health care and other services for people with disabilities.

In 2009, the keynote speaker was Telemundo News 47 anchor Patsi Arias who stressed the importance of education. "Attending the Latino Conference is the first step in making sure a child receives the necessary services in order to live the best life possible," she said. Also in attendance was Guillermo Linares, Commissioner at the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, who tailored his message to breaking down language and cultural barriers.

A Commitment to Families

According to the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, about 20 percent of New York State residents with disabilities are Latino/a. "The primary goal of this conference is to bring together families from throughout the Latino community to provide them with information and support that will help their loved ones with disabilities enjoy the highest quality of life," said Stephen E. Freeman, Chief Operating Officer of the YAI Network.

Over the years, attendees have reported that the conference has been vital to families who often find it difficult to access services due to the language barriers. "We are always looking for answers in our community, but most of the time no one is there to help. The YAI Network has always been there for our family," says Ejody, whose son Jeremy attends the Gramercy School of the New York League for Early Learning, a member of the YAI Network. "By having this conference, YAI helps other families like us find the right services." Ejody and her family know what a difference information and access to services can make. When Jeremy first arrived at Gramercy in 2007, he had a speech delay and challenging behaviors due to his frustration at being unable to express himself. With the determination and help of his teachers and therapists, Jeremy learned to communicate. Today, the outgoing 4-year-old is flourishing in an integrated classroom.

Information is Power

At this year’s conference, many parents came away with a new sense of hope for the future.
"Being a mother of a child with a developmental disability is unpredictable. This conference is a way for families to come together, to learn and support one another," said Linda, an attendee. "It provides us with a great deal of information, which many Latino families don’t have access to, and even more so, the encouragement we need."

For more information about the Latino Conference or other services available through the YAI Network, please contact LINK at 1-866-2-YAI-LINK.