In early 2020, on a sunny winter day in Riverside Park, Linda Munguia noticed a group of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their support staff. Always one to make connections, Munguia was quick to strike up a conversation. Intrigued by how the group interacted as they strolled through the park, she asked where they were from.

“They said YAI, but I immediately forgot the name,” said Munguia. She then saw the group again a few weeks later waiting at the bus stop, and this time the name YAI stuck.