The YAI Network is proud of our history of distinction and longstanding commitment to providing outstanding services to people with developmental disabilities.

Since 1957, the YAI Network has been advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.  More than that, we have pioneered the concept of community inclusion, and helped lead a revolution in the field.

Long before the cruelty and inhumanity of institutions were exposed, the YAI Network provided people with disabilities outstanding care in community-based programs.

Our commitment extends beyond just people with disabilities, and includes the staff who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to meet this population’s unique needs.

Our tradition of excellence has been celebrated not just by those who receive and provide our services, but by many external organizations.  In recent years, the YAI Network has been presented with many awards that recognize our consistently outstanding organization.

The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) presented the YAI Network with its “Advocacy Award.” In the same year, the YAI Network also won ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) Capital Challenge.  We are also the recipients of Excellence Awards from the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA).

Crain’s New York Business named the YAI Network the #1 not-for-profit in its “Best Places to Work in New York City” awards. The YAI Network was listed alongside distinguished companies such as Microsoft and Goldman Sachs Group Inc, which were winners in the for-profit category.

Similarly, the YAI Network was presented the “#1 Best Companies to Work For” Award from the New York State Society for Human Resource Management.  The YAI Network has also been honored with the “National Psychologically Healthy Workplace” Award by the American Psychological Association.

The YAI Network has also been the recipient of the Ernest & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, and the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals “Outstanding Employer” Award.

In addition to these Network-wide honors, several of our member agencies have been recognized with individual awards for their unique contributions to the lives of people with disabilities.

Premier HealthCare has been designated a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance(NCQA). Both of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office and  the National Council on Disability (NCD) have cited Premier HealthCare as a national model in the provision of health care services to people with developmental disabilities.

Recognition of our good work can be measured not in just awards and honors, but by the significant media coverage of our efforts.

Our programs, leaders and experts have been featured in myriad publications and media outlets, including several the New York Times articles (including "Caring for a Special Needs Child Can Be Difficult for Business Travelers", "For People With Down Syndrome, Longer Life Has Complications" and "Neighbors Open Arms To New Group Home"), the Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, ABC News’s Nightline, as well as ABCTV’s The View.

But ultimately, our success is not measured in plaques or newspaper clippings, but in the lives of the more than 20,000 individuals we serve. 

Julia, whose son Jack receives services from YAI, said simply, “YAI gave Jack world-class services, so many things he needed.  They changed the course of his life.”

And that is all the recognition we need.