Self Advocacy

On November 15, YAI hosted its third annual Hudson Valley Autism Conference, drawing more than 200 people from across the region who came to learn more about the challenges and opportunities that adults with autism encounter in their everyday lives.

Of all the collective knowledge held by experts and direct support staff at YAI, none surpasses the insight and experience of those who know, firsthand, what it’s like to live as a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). Because of this, YAI’s self advocates take their role seriously, dedicating much of their lives to giving a voice to the I/DD community through speaking engagements, community activism, and statewide political advocacy.

(From left to right) Loretta, YAI Self Advocacy President Janice, Lee, Kevin, Kisha, and Jennifer in front of the Capitol Building On February 11, a group of 47 people including people we support, YAI self advocates, family members, and staff braved the cold weather and took the trip to Albany to join the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation in advocating for the needs of people with disabilities. Upon arriving in Albany, the group from YAI received a briefing from Queens Regional...