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 DONATE

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

YAI Partners With CVS Health to Advocate for Gainful Employment in Community

Shakar Hollins, like many, lost his job due to COVID-19 last year.

He is part of the often overlooked and underrepresented community of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) seeking meaningful employment in workplaces across the country.

Betsy Williams on Vaccine Equity for Those With I/DD

As COVID cases steadily rose in New York in early December, Betsy Williams, Director of Clinical Services, and the other members of YAI’s respiratory infection mitigation committee kept moving forward with the same detailed organization and determination that they had employed throughout the pandemic. Even before the vaccine was available, they had a plan in place. Even with meticulous planning, the team faced obstacles every step of the way.

YAI Uber Initiative in Manhattan Promotes Inclusivity, Boosts Morale for People With I/DD

Jimmy Else is a person with a disability who looks forward to his monthly Uber rides. The 36-year-old, who has lived in the Ames South Manhattan Supportive Apartments for 15 years, uses the ridesharing services to get to and from his medical appointments in the city.

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.