Blog Stories

The entire iHOPE community is getting excited for the school's first formal fundraiser, Art Speaks, on March 20, 2019. The aim of Art Speaks is not only to raise funds for the school, but to raise awareness about iHOPE's students and the various ways they can express themselves through art, technology, and adapted equipment.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to open a new residence at YAI? Check out what Hudson Valley Regional Director Kathy Schiavi wrote to the Waterview Team after they opened their region's first new home in 16 years.

(From left to right) Loretta, YAI Self Advocacy President Janice, Lee, Kevin, Kisha, and Jennifer in front of the Capitol Building On February 11, a group of 47 people including people we support, YAI self advocates, family members, and staff braved the cold weather and took the trip to Albany to join the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation in advocating for the needs of people with disabilities. Upon arriving in Albany, the group from YAI received a briefing from Queens Regional...

No one at YAI’s “You and I” program needs to be reminded that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. To celebrate, 25 people joined Connie Senior, and staff on Friday, February 8 for a night of socializing, sexuality, and speed dating.

Cooking, planning, and meditating. These are the three pillars of YAI’s Transition to Independence (TTI) program, a free group for young adults, ages 17-21, who are diagnosed with autism.

Many good things came to the world in 1994: Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa, The Beastie Boys were on fire with the release of “Sabotage,” The Lion King and Forest Gump were giants in the box office, the Sony PlayStation was born, and a wonderful woman named Janet Channer left her career in banking to begin working with people with disabilities at YAI’s Foothill Residence in Queens.

On June 1, this one-of-a-kind event will bring together people of all abilities to walk, run, have fun, and see beyond disabilities. Hosted at Central Park’s 72nd Street Bandshell, the event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Seven YAI employees with a combined 165 years of experience have been promoted to a newly created role of Regional Deputy Director (RDD). This new role will support our current Regional Directors in managing, enhancing, and developing their respective regions. The seven new RDDs are as follows: Melanie Alexopoulos from our Queens region Liz Annarella from our Long Island region Dawn Bacigalupo-Albit from our Bronx region Cameo Beramsingh from our Brooklyn region Lisa Cornall from our Hudson...

Going to Disney has been one dream that has consistently been brought up over the years by residents at YAI’s Glen Cove residence. As a team that is constantly looking for ways to spread the person-centered mindset within the program, it seemed obvious that when one of the Glen Cove family members generously made a donation to fund a vacation, Disney was the obvious choice. There were significant hesitations given the lack of experience with airplanes among the people we support. When the idea...

A few weeks ago, Project GROW Supervisor Elizabeth Asen shared Part One of behavior management techniques and activities that may help families create structure and routine during school breaks. Below you will find Part Two. Have you tried any of the tips? Feel free to comment on our Facebook page or email communications [at] yai.org , and we will feature your stories on our website. Break Management Tips for Families with I/DD: Continue communication with friends.  Provide opportunities for...