Thousands Gathered in Central Park for NYC’s Largest Disability Community Celebration

New York, NY (Saturday, May 31) — Today, a beloved New York City tradition reached a historic milestone: YAI’s Central Park Challenge celebrated its 100,000th walker during a morning of inclusive festivities in Central Park. Held at the Naumburg Bandshell, the event brought together thousands of New Yorkers for the city’s largest celebration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—showcasing the power of inclusion, community, and the belief that everyone deserves to live a full and meaningful life.

A highlight of the day was a speech by Geraldo Rivera to kick off the 3K walk. Rivera’s groundbreaking 1972 exposé exposed the inhumane conditions at Willowbrook State School and helped ignite a national disability rights movement. The celebration also featured a junior race, live music, and a range of sensory-friendly activities, including switch-adapted carnival games, an inclusive music tent, and an assistive technology showcase. Powerful stories of advocacy, resilience, and community pride highlighted the collective commitment to supporting the I/DD community.   

“Welcoming our 100,000th walker to Central Park Challenge was more than a milestone—it was a celebration of the power of inclusion and the strength of our community,” said Kevin Carey, CEO of YAI. “This event shows what’s possible when people of all abilities come together, and we’re proud to keep building a world where everyone belongs.”

New this year, YAI presented its inaugural Bert and Pearl MacLeech Advocacy Awards, honoring an organization, a professional in the I/DD field, and a self advocate for exceptional contributions to the I/DD community.

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, received the organizational award for its groundbreaking inclusion of people and characters with disabilities. By understanding the crucial role of representation in the emotional development of children with disabilities, Sesame Workshop has been a content trailblazer for over 55 years. Their programming and free resources help support children and families through challenges big and small.

“We’re honored to receive this award from YAI,” said Maria del Rocio Galarza, VP of Educational Programs at Sesame Workshop. “From the very beginning in 1969, Sesame Street has always modeled inclusivity, teaching children how to celebrate the similarities and differences we all share. That’s how we empower the next generation to build a kinder world. This work has never been more important, and we’re proud to stand with YAI in celebrating community, dignity, and inclusion.”

Marianne Ardito, a recently retired YAI staff member, was recognized for over  40 years of tireless support and advocacy for the I/DD community. Her unwavering commitment continues to make a difference through her per diem work, fundraising efforts, and personal connections within the YAI community.

Janice McPhillips, a long-time member of YAI’s Self Advocacy program, was honored for her persistent work advancing housing and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. A passionate advocate and writer, she has spoken at the United Nations and the New York State Legislature and was even featured on Sesame Street as a child, educating viewers about life with Down syndrome.

Among this year’s sponsors was Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, which displayed one of its self-driving vehicles on site. For attendees interested in learning more, Waymo also offered a VR experience, allowing participants to immerse themselves in a self-driving ride and explore how this technology is designed to support accessibility and independence. 

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ABOUT YAI: Founded in 1957, YAI remains at the forefront of an extraordinary movement aimed at empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. YAI and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with (I/DD) a comprehensive range of services. YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability, providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. YAI’s 4,000 employees provide supportive housing, education, medical, dental, and mental health care, job training, community integration, and social enrichment for more than 20,000 people with I/DD, and their families, in New York, New Jersey, and California. Learn more at YAI.org.

About Sesame Workshop: Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kamana Shrestha: kamana.shrestha@yai.org | 646.780.9936