Blog Stories

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.

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...