The start of a new year is a time when many people make a list of resolutions, goals and hopes for the coming year. YAI is doing the same.

1.    A Place to Call Home: Whether you're still living with your family or desire to move out on your own with the support of staff – in a group home or a supported apartment – everyone should have a choice of where and with whom they want to live. As our field undergoes dramatic changes in the coming year, we hope that all people have the right to make these choices.

2.    A Good Job: Traditionally people with special needs have been placed in custodial and mailroom jobs. Just like anyone else, all people should be able to pursue a job of their choice and to utilize unique skill-sets. With proper training, as is needed for all people, there's no reason why people with disabilities can't work in information technology or other diverse occupations.

3.    Opportunities to Forge Strong Friendships: In the coming year, we hope that people with special needs are provided with opportunities where they can meet people of all different abilities. Why should anyone be confined to socialization programs with only certain type of people? It's all about choice and inclusion.

4.    A More Open-Minded Society: To achieve the first three resolutions, public perception has to change. People with disabilities should no longer be seen as victims or deprived, but rather be treated the same way you would like anyone else to treat you.

5.    A Focus on Need Rather than Cost: The fact of the matter is that federal and state budgets, which pay for the services to support people with special needs, are dwindling. It is no longer viable for agencies providing programs and services to rely on these funds. However, government, as well as other members of the public and private sector must recognize that these services are a lifeline and without them, the reality is that society will have to pay a higher price to house and care for these individuals.

6.    A Chance to Be Independent: This involves risks and for some parents and caregivers, it's too difficult to endure. People need to be able to take a chance – as long as it doesn't pose a health or security risk – to see just how independent they can possibly become.

7.    A Voice: Simply because an individual may not be verbal doesn’t mean that they have nothing to say. In fact, through advances in augmentative communication and other technologies, more people are finding new and unique ways to make their voice and opinions heard.

8.    A Life Filled with More Choice: No one likes to be told what to do. Why should an adult with special needs have to get up at the same time every day, go to a scheduled activity during the same hours each day, get home and follow the same routine in a group home for example, including eating meals at a specified time (whether your hungry or not) and have no say in what's served? Why should everyone have to turn off the lights for bed at the same time? Some of us are night owls, while others are early birds. Why can't there be less structure once in a while?

9.    A Bully-Free World: Bullying comes in all forms and sizes. No one should be subjected to bullying.

10.  A Chain of Kindness: Hold a door open, smile at a stranger, tell someone not to use the ‘R’ word, or come up with a unique way to do something nice each day for another person. If someone asks what they can do for you in return, tell them to pay it forward. A chain of kindness will spread through the community.