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.

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Services

Browse all YAI Services

WOW Arts - YAI Arts Without Walls Day Habilitation

Without Walls (WOW) is an art program that provides opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York City to channel their creativity and become working artists....
CSIDD, a START-certified program*

Crisis Prevention and Response Providing crisis prevention and response for people (ages 6 and above) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who present with complex behavioral and...
Neurology

Neurology focuses on the treatment of diseases affecting the nervous and neuromuscular systems, including the brain and spinal cord.
Primary Care

Primary care providers focus on Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Pediatrics.
10 Pins Bowling

Offers the opportunity for participants to socialize and bowl in a non-competitive environment.
Family Reimbursement

Funds can be provided to families for services and goods that are not reimbursed through existing programs or funding streams.
Transition To Independence: Life Skills

For ages 17-21 on the autism spectrum. Develop and enhance life skills that focus on judgement, decision making, risk-taking, problem-solving and self-advocacy. Group topics include money management...

News & Stories

Recognition for Leading a Nonprofit Organization Through a Crisis

As of September 2020, 11,200 businesses in New York City alone had shut down because of COVID. At least 7,100 of those closures were permanent, according to Yelp’s Local Economic Impact Report. During a year filled with uncertainty and instability, even those institutions that kept the lights on faced unexpected challenges that put leaders at every branch of the org chart on alert.

Virtual Travel Nurtures Relationships, Sparks Curiosity Amongst People With Disabilities

Omari Cohen and Ashley Smith both love to travel. The former is an experienced world traveler, while the latter is just beginning to experience group travel. Both have a disability and belong to Leisure Trax, a unique YAI travel program that carefully crafts enriching experiences for participants seeking adventure and independence.

Augmentative Communication Serves as Gateway to Students With Brain-Based Disorders

Student body president, author, advice columnist–Amelia Sellman is an all-around superstar at iHOPE, YAI’s affiliate school for students ages 5-21 with traumatic brain injuries who cannot be served in their local school systems.

The 19-year-old, who doesn’t use words to communicate, is one of 80 iHOPE students, all of whom use some form of assisted communication technology. Recently, Sellman has even started to use her Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to advocate for herself in ways no one had previously imagined possible.

Upcoming Trainings

Navigating the System for People with Developmental Disabilities

Learn about eligibility & access to services through NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Workshops are open to all

Navegando el Sistema para Personas con Discapacidades del Desarrollo

Infórmese sobre elegibilidad y acceso a servicios a través de la Oficina para Personas con Discapacidades del Desarrollo

Strengthening Social Independence

Strengthening Social Independence Presenters: Caroline Dunn, LMSW, Coordinator and Emily Gabel, LMSW, Supervisor, YAI LINK

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Database

A searchable and growing database of resources around COVID-19, people with I/DD, caregivers, and staff.

Caregiver Tips

Navigating how to explain COVID-19 to someone with I/DD and the swift changes to everyday life can be overwhelming. At YAI, we believe that the people with I/DD should be treated with dignity, respect, and honesty. We recommend that caregivers take a calm and matter-of-fact approach to explain what COVID-19 is and how to prevent it.

Using Social Stories to Support People with I/DD During the COVID-19 Emergency

Social stories can be used with adults and children; they are a tool to help provide directions and examples of appropriate ways to respond to social situations. Learn more about them here and access social stories we have gathered about COVID-19 and working to try to stay healthy.