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

Going the Distance: YAI Therapist Raises Funds and Awareness for I/DD Community

In the 17 years that Justin Parker has worked at YAI, he’s come to understand the value of services the nonprofit provides to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and how without them, many would be left to fend for themselves while grappling with their mental health.

Sex Ed Program Aims to Remove Stigma, Promote Healthy Discourse in I/DD Community

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) need to be able to make choices about all aspects of their lives – this includes choices about their sex lives and sexual health.

Silver Linings: Feeling Freer Throughout the Pandemic

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experienced familiar effects of the pandemic such as isolation and inactivity. They also suffered a COVID mortality rate three times higher than their neurotypical counterparts. But for a surprising number of people YAI supports, the pandemic provided a new sense of freedom and self-confidence.

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

Self-Direction 101

Self-Direction 101 Presenters: Caroline Dunn, LMSW, Director and Nicole Riccio, Supervisor, YAI LINK

Access-A-Ride Services in New York City

Access-A-Ride Services in New York City Presenter: Tashia Lerebours, Community Organizer for Access-A-Ride with CIDNY

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.