Around YAI

Spring means love is in the air. On April 8, members of YAI's Manhattan Recreation Services, a program created to support independent adults through recreational activities, celebrated a special 46th wedding anniversary. Stanley and Nattlie Brooks have been together for 48 years.

Phone calls are a constant in a residential program. Whether it’s the bus matron giving a heads up on an arrival time, a family member calling with a question, or a robocall offering an extended car warranty, the phone is always ringing. Recently, one phone call at YAI’s Foothill residence in Queens brought some heartwarming news.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year on March 31. A mixed bag for the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, the budget contains items which directly affect the lives of people with disabilities and direct support staff.

On April 5, Angela Chan, who volunteers through YAI’s Elmsford Day Hab, received Volunteer New York!’s first ever Transformation Award. The award was given at the 39th Volunteer Spirit Awards at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, New York to honor volunteers who have overcome personal challenges through their volunteer work.

YAI held its annual Autism Conference on April 2, 2019, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day to match a moment when the global community reflects on advances in care, treatment, and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

On March 21, a group of seven District 75 high school students came to YAI’s Central Office to learn about different career paths available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). YAI’s Employment Services Program supports people with I/DD through every stage of the employment process, from resume writing, to mock interviews, to ongoing job coaching.

Last week, to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, a group of YAI staff, self advocates, and family members attended a series of presentations at the United Nations Headquarters. The theme for the day was "Leave no one behind in education."

Everyone was a star at Manhattan Star Academy's Spring Concert last Friday. Every year the school throws an event to celebrate its students and show parents how MSA's curriculum incorporates music.

It was a night complete with art, live music, delicious food, and inclusivity. On Friday, March 1, dozens gathered for the opening of YAI Art’s new studio space. Everyone including art influencers, YAI artists, staff, and supporters were there to celebrate the new, inclusive art space. Music and dancing were in full force with the addition of live calypso. The YAI artists had prepared for the opening of their studio for over a month. The group was excited to not only show off their new space,...

A moment or two spent walking by YAI’s entrance on 34th Street and Tenth Avenue would be one of my best prescriptions for people who feel burnt out during the workday, feel stressed about their jobs, or lose sight of YAI’s mission.