YAI International
More than one billion people around the world live with some form of disability. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are often excluded from their local communities and are more likely than the rest of the population to suffer abuse and exploitation. Even within the disability community, people with I/DD are subject to discrimination.
Over the years, an immense range of supportive services have been developed that integrate people with disabilities into the community. YAI, one of the pioneers in the field, has more than 60 years of experience providing services that empower people with I/DD by creating opportunities for living, loving, working, and learning. YAI assists organizations and governments seeking to build, adapt, or improve programs and services for people living with I/DD. Recent projects include engagements in Chile, Jordan, and South Korea. YAI offers training programs on a broad range of topics in the I/DD field, and can customize content for specific audiences and needs.
LIVING – Creating community-inclusive housing and eliminating institutions
Children and Families
YAI assists in developing
- Community and family services
- Respite opportunities for families in crisis
Adults
YAI assists in developing community-inclusive
- Independent living skills training
- Residences with around-the-clock supervision
- Supportive housing opportunities
YAI: IRA Find out more about individualized residential alternatives (IRAs):
LOVING – Designing supports for social lives and sexual health
Intimate Relationships and Sexuality
YAI supports organizations in developing
- Policies and services on relationships and sexuality
- Trainings for individuals, groups, and facilitators on intimate relationships and sexuality
Social Skills
YAI provides trainings to develop expertise on
- Autism
- Building friendships
- Communication and social boundaries
- Crisis intervention
- Person-centered philosophy
- Recreation programs
- Self-advocacy
- Transitioning to independence
- Travel training
- Yoga and mindfulness
Find out more about YAI’s person-centered philosophy:
WORKING – Supporting vocational services and paid employment
Vocational Services
YAI assists in developing
- Community-based day habilitation programs
- Internship and volunteer programs
- Work skills development
Paid Employment
YAI creates opportunities for
- Job coaching programs
- Paid employment through outreach and advocacy with local businesses
Find out more about the services offered at a day hab:
LEARNING – Providing individualized education to students with special needs
Education
YAI has expertise in supporting students with special needs from 5-21 by
- Assisting in integrating technology in the classroom
- Training experts on in-school therapies
- Fostering a learning environment that suits each student’s unique needs and talents
Technology
YAI assists in integrating technology in the classroom to promote independence through
- Augmentative and alternative communication devices
- Smartboards
- Apps
- Adaptive equipment including 3D printing pens, enlarged keyboards, switches, and joysticks
Therapy
YAI can train experts on in-school therapies to support success in and out of the classroom, including
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech and language
- Art and music therapy
- Adaptive physical education
Find out more about YAI’s Manhattan Star Academy: