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

Family Reimbursement

Funds can be provided to families for services and goods that are not reimbursed through existing programs or funding streams.
Psychosocial Evaluation

YAI's psychosocial evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of a person's history from birth until the present time. The assessment information is gathered from the parent/guardian and previous...
Community Habilitation - NYC

Trained specialists provide individualized skills training in the home and the community. Focus is on a person's strengths and critical skills for development, including building skills and...
Endocrinology

Endocrinology focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine glands and hormones, including: Hypertension, Diabetes complications and management, Thyroid disorders, and more.
NYSTART (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...
Residential Services

Residential services are provided in NYC, Long Island, Weschester county, Rockland county and some parts of New Jersey. Options include 24 hour supervised residences and less than 24 hour supportive...
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.

News & Stories

MSA and iHOPE Debut Hybrid Learning Model Ahead of Fall Semester

Not even the pandemic can stop the back-to-school spirit from energizing YAI’s two affiliate schools. Though online learning took parents and students by surprise in March, a summer of preparation has brought focus to virtual learning platforms at the International Academy of Hope (iHOPE) and Manhattan Star Academy (MSA).

YAI Staff Learns ASL From Recent Deaf Graduates

“I don’t speak with words, and my friends don’t speak in sign, but they will stand by me and make contact, we gesture to make ourselves clear,” said Luis Mandato, resident at YAI’s Flatbush residence in Brooklyn and a former graduate of the American School for the Deaf (ASD).

Springtime Events Gain International Momentum Online

Because of the pandemic, YAI rethought its traditionally frenetic calendar of springtime events this year to reach the digital sphere. The results, which surprised many, helped deliver new perspectives on disabilities to international audiences.

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

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

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.