Blog Stories

YAI’s blog is broken into two different sections. “Ask the Experts” offers advice on everything I/DD related from a diverse range of YAI staff, including social workers, doctors, and DSPs. “Around YAI” provides a small taste of some of the incredible things staff and people we support do on a daily basis. Thanks for reading! 

Woman stands with her arms behind her back, she is smiling

Program Gives Families in Crisis a Head START

Tue, August 06, 2019
Vanessa Alicea and her son are no strangers to the stress and frustration that comes with trying to communicate during a crisis. Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, Alicea’s son has often struggled to convey his emotions and needs in a way his mother could understand.
Resident introduces the Boy Scouts to his housemates at YAI’s Alan Butger residence.

YAI Resident Fulfills His Lifelong Dream

Tue, July 23, 2019
On June 26, a man at YAI’s Alan Butger residence in Queens got a special visit from some old friends. As a child, Heimowitz spent 8 years in the Boy Scouts. Ever since he left, he has longed to reconnect with the organization that played such an important role in his early life.
Bird of prey demonstrations are a part of YAI’s MAC camp experience.

YAI Campers Flourish in the Catskills

Tue, July 09, 2019
On June 30, the first wave of 20 campers arrived in the Catskills for their first day of YAI's Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) program.
YAI staff pose with Jason, a participant of YAI’s Transition to Independence program.

Celebrating the Transition to Independence

Tue, July 02, 2019
On June 27, YAI staff threw a summer-themed party to celebrate people we support who completed this spring’s Life Skills, a class provided by YAI’s Transition to Independence program.
iHOPE student before the school’s cosmic-themed prom.

iHOPE Students Enjoy a Cosmically Great Night

Tue, June 25, 2019
On June 20, YAI Network’s International Academy of Hope (iHOPE) hosted its fifth annual prom. The event, which was open to all iHOPE students over age 12, gave

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