FAQs

• What can I expect after submitting the form? Show Hide

  An Information Specialist will follow up with you and may ask for more information about yourself or the person you are reaching out about. You may be asked to share documentation, insurance information, and more. It is good to have any paperwork, diagnostic, and insurance information accessible when communicating so we can best assist you. Depending on the information needed, we may recommend communicating via phone.

• How else can I contact you? Show Hide

  If you would like to speak to someone over the phone please call YAI LINK at 212.273.6182.

  Languages: English and Spanish available  

  Please keep in mind that each case is unique, so specific information can most quickly be shared over the phone. 

• Who does YAI support? Show Hide

  YAI and its affiliates supports people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as their families.

• How can YAI help if someone is not eligible for services, or if a service is not available at YAI? Show Hide

  The LINK Department at YAI gathers information about services provided by other organizations throughout New York. If YAI does not have a service that can support you, we will endeavor to give you information on a program that can. LINK has also created a large resource library which can be useful in providing additional information about programs outside of YAI.

• How long does it take to access services? Show Hide

  The timeline to getting services varies due to factors like the availability of the service, eligibility requirements, required documentation, and more.

• What does eligibility mean? Show Hide

  Eligibility will vary depending on how a service is funded, for example, in New York the majority of services are funded by the state’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and they have specific guidelines and a route for someone to “get eligibility.” Other services might be funded by the city or by grants.

• I don’t live where YAI operates. Where can I find information about intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services in other states? Show Hide

  Currently YAI offers services in New York, New Jersey, and California. If you reside in another state, please check out the State-by-State guide for information on organizations operating in your area.

• So many letters! What do all these different acronyms mean? Show Hide

  There are a lot of terms that are shortened to acronyms (e.g. I/DD stands for intellectual and/or developmental disability). 

  If you want to find out more about different acronyms you will find at YAI and around the I/DD field, please check out our acronym cheat sheet to learn more.

• What is a developmental disability? Show Hide

  Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, familial dysautonomia, and other neurologically-based impairments.