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

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.
Psychiatry

Psychiatrists provide services representing the full range of psychiatric and developmental disorders. Patients usually come to Premier HealthCare for psychiatry for a diagnosis and/or medication...
Primary Care

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

News & Stories

Finding New Ways to Support Black People with Disabilities

The civil and political unrest that has galvanized many Americans against systemic racism has profound implications on the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Discrimination based on race and color adds another obstacle to a level playing field – one YAI is mobilizing to address. And while the organization and its base of more than 4,000 employees seek institutional change in the workplace, YAI must also bring the issue, and the need for sustainable solutions, into the lives of the people it supports.

Heart and Mind Both Needed to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19

For YAI, which operates more than 140 residences across the metropolitan area, containing the virus demanded not only decisive action but amplified support to compensate for upheaval in the lives of people who appreciate a routine. One resident of YAI’s Cobble Hill residence, where eight older adults have lived for more than 20 years, moved from illness back to health with the benefits of both.

Using Social Stories to Support People with I/DD During Civil Unrest

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. The goal of a social story is to illustrate and clarify expectations while building skills such as coping and emotional regulation.

Upcoming Trainings

EN VIVO Y EN LINEA: Navegando el Sistema para Personas con Discapacidades d

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

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

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.