Wed, November 07, 2018
This is what I know. On Saturday, October 27, people attended services at Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill suburb of Pittsburgh. Of the nearly 100 attendees, 11 people would not witness that night’s sunset, the symbol of the end of the Jewish Sabbath. In the ensuing days, I turned on the news and stared at pictures of the people who lost their lives. When David and Cecil Rosenthal, two brothers who attended Shabbat services weekly, appeared on the screen, I paused. Cecil, 59, and...
Tue, March 27, 2018
Sexuality refers to the total expression of who you are as a human being. Our sexuality begins in the womb and ends at death. (Freud, 1986) Everyone is a sexual being, babies, children, teens, adults and the elderly. Sexuality is therefore experienced throughout the developmental lifespan. So why is social-sexual education for people on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities (DD), still taboo? The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “Sexual development is a...
Tue, July 05, 2016
It didn't take long for Jennifer Segreti, Assistant Supervisor at YAI's Woodycrest IRA, to realize she had to make this happen. Mary Lou Odell, a person Jennifer supports at the home, is a huge fan of The Monkees, a rock'n'roll band from the 1960s who also had their own television sitcom. The Monkees were coming to New York City as part of their 50th anniversary tour.
Thu, June 02, 2016
Danielle Angiolillo kept it hidden under her bed at YAI’s Rye Brook Residence. Her artwork was private; she just did not think it was special. For years, she would share her drawings only with family. That is, until a YAI staff member took interest in Danielle’s talent. While seeking certification as a Person-Centered Planner, YAI’s Betsy Williams had a conversation with Danielle to develop a person-centered plan.
Fri, May 13, 2016
"After all the things I've been through, this is one of the most rewarding things I've done in my 25 years of practice." — Kurt Widmaier Widmaier, the court-appointed guardian for Johnathan Elias, had just assisted his move from a residential school in Yonkers to YAI's Deer Park Residence, which opened Monday, in Long Island.
Mon, April 02, 2012
When trees begin to blossom and warm weather rolls in I start to get really excited for summer. Not for the beach or extravagant vacations. This means that summer camp is near and for years and years that meant packing a trunk crammed with nalgene bottles, as many socks as it could hold, crazy costumes and lots of sunblock and heading to the woods. As a child, this was usually for 2 or 3 weeks at a time, as a teenager a month, and as a counselor and group leader for 10 glorious weeks during...
Tue, April 17, 2012
Person: “What do you do for a living?” Me: “I am an Occupational Therapist.” Person: “Oh … you help people get jobs?” or “That is basically a Physical Therapist right?” or “Can I get a massage?” This conversation plays out more frequently than I would prefer to admit. So, because April is Occupational Therapy Month, I am celebrating with a clarification of what OT is and what we do here at the Center for Specialty Therapy. I can think of no better way to explain OT than through the words of our...
Fri, April 13, 2012
Music, snacks and good company. That's all our residents from YAI's Mamaroneck and Wagner group homes need to have a good time. Why wait for the weekend to have a party? Our fun and energetic guys and gals have found a way to turn an ordinary Thursday night into a party for everyone to enjoy. Once a month, the Mamaroneck Residence is a house filled with laughter, dancing and the music of Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Sean Paul and songs from "Grease." One night last November staff from both homes...
Wed, August 22, 2012
Vacationing is not for the faint of heart. Under any circumstances. With YAI it's long hours, hard work, and requires creativity, empathy, organization and a whole long list of other things but it's also the best experiences of my life. But when YAI travels, I feel as if it's almost magical. This is ridiculous sounding, I know. But something unexplainable happens to staff and travelers alike. Sing a silly song in front of others knowing I have a terrible voice? Sure why not! Try something...
