Seeing beyond disability

YAI supports people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving the fullest life possible by creating new opportunities for living, loving, working, and learning. YAI is a network of agencies with programs that empower and enhance the lives of thousands of people we support and their families.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YAI

Services

Browse all YAI Services

Ballet-Yoga for Children on the Autism Spectrum

This group uses ballet and yoga to improve balance, coordination, and attention.
Family Reimbursement

Funds can be provided to families for services and goods that are not reimbursed through existing programs or funding streams.
Project Grown-Up

Project Grown-Up prepares a parent for dealing with issues around their child's physiological development. The group training sessions assist parents in addressing the interpersonal and autonomy...
Crisis Intervention

A team of behavioral intervention specialists and social workers provides information and referral, advocacy, short-term crisis counseling and/or in-home behavioral interventions for families in...
Social Skills Groups for Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum - Manhattan

Social skills groups for adolescents and young adults with Autism. Group topics include friendships, communication, social boundaries, awareness of others and assertion/choice making.
Good Vibrations

Saturday morning respite program for children on the autism spectrum, ages 7-14.
NY START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources & Treatment)

Crisis Prevention and Response - Providing crisis prevention and response for people (ages 6 and above) with intellectual/developmental disabilities who present with complex behavioral and mental...
Employment Services - Manhattan

Employment services provide job-skills training, resume development, interview preparation, application assistance, intensive job-coaching, and follow-along support.
Project Intervene

A short-term, in-home based training program dedicated to helping caregivers manage their child's/family member's challenging behaviors. The service is designed to help caregivers better understand...
Project GROW

Group training for parents/caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Focusing on teaching specific behavior techniques to promote positive family interactions and improve communication.
Primary Care

Primary care providers focus on Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Pediatrics.
Queens Adult Recreation Services

These programs offer recreation activities and socialization opportunities for people, ages 16 and up.

News & Stories

YAI Launches a Tech Revolution in the I/DD Field

When the latest car or meal delivery service is only an app away, it’s easy to take for granted how much technology streamlines and simplifies our lives.

Presentation Highlights the Importance of Desensitization Therapy in People with I/DD

Every spring, the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) brings together the world’s largest gathering of Occupational Therapy (OT) professionals to showcase the latest practices in the field.

YAI Staff Save the Day After Sprucewood Residence Fire

Thanks to quick thinking and seamless coordination among YAI’s Long Island staff, residents at YAI’s Sprucewood location are settling back into their routines after an electrical fire destroyed part of their home on March 25.

The bright spring day turned ominous when smoke alarms sounded throughout the rooms at Sprucewood. Although there was no immediate sign of fire, the home’s staff leapt into action to make sure everyone was safely evacuated.

Upcoming Trainings

Navigating the System for People with Developmental Disabilities

Learn about eligibility and access to services through NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Workshops are open to people with I/DD, families, caregivers, and professionals

Supporting the Social-Sexual Lives of Adults with I/DD

Historically, people with I/DD have been viewed as asexual and deviant. This viewpoint is not surprising given the societal exclusion and marginalization many in the community experience. For too...

Get Involved

Volunteer at YAI

Everyone has abilities and talents. Why not share yours with the people we support?

Make Your Voice Heard

It's advocacy season and we need to ensure that our city, state, and federal respresentatives hear us.

Your Amex Points at Work

Put your American Express Rewards Points to work by donating them to YAI.

Join YAI to celebrate people of all abilities

YAI Central Park Challenge, Saturday, June 1

"Don't complain. Be happy with what you have."

Find out how Jeffrey is living his best life.

Manhattan Star Academy

Now Accepting Applications

iHOPE Academy

Now Accepting Student Applications

Services