FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Kamana Shrestha | kamana.shrestha@yai.org | 908.279.9626
Thousands Gather in Central Park for YAI’s 40th Annual Central Park Challenge Celebrating Inclusion and Community
NEW YORK, May 30, 2026 — More than 4,000 participants, families, supporters, and advocates filled Central Park on Saturday morning for YAI’s 40th Annual Central Park Challenge, a milestone celebration of inclusion, community, and progress for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Held at the Naumburg Bandshell, the event featured YAI’s signature 3K walk through Central Park, live performances, children’s races, and inclusive family activities, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan.
“The work happening here today—and the work YAI does every day—is helping to change the world,” said Bill Ritter, a WABC-TV news anchor who has emceed the event for nearly three decades. “Today, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are students, artists, employees, advocates, neighbors, and leaders in our communities. That progress happened because people spoke up, families demanded better, and organizations like YAI never stopped pushing for inclusion. I’m grateful to everyone who came out today to support this mission and help build a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.”
The annual event also highlighted the dramatic transformation in the lives of people with I/DD over the last four decades. When Central Park Challenge first began in 1986, many people with I/DD still lived in large state institutions, separated from their communities. Today, nearly 90% of people with I/DD receiving Medicaid-funded services live in community settings rather than institutions. However, significant gaps remain, with fewer than one in five people receiving the paid support they need and more than 700,000 individuals nationwide remaining on waiting lists for services.
“For 40 years, Central Park Challenge has brought people together to champion inclusion, opportunity, and dignity for people with disabilities,” said Gary Milchman, Acting CEO of YAI. “Seeing thousands of people standing together today sends a powerful message that our community belongs everywhere, fully included and fully valued.”
Among those participating was Howard Sturm, who attended every Central Park Challenge since the event began in 1986. Howard grew up in the former Wassaic State School before joining YAI in 1976. Over the years, he transitioned from group homes to supported living and now lives independently in Farmingdale.
“I could never have imagined the kind of life I have today,” said Sturm. “YAI has completely changed my life for the better.”
Howard welcomed attendees at the event’s information booth, embodying the profound progress represented by the Challenge’s 40-year history.
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.