YAI’s cover photo
YAI

YAI

Individual and Family Services

New York, New York 18,439 followers

Seeing beyond disability

About us

Founded in 1957 as the Young Adult Institute, YAI remains at the forefront of an extraordinary movement aimed at empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. 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 autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and all other intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout New York, northern New Jersey, and California. At YAI, we are driven by our mission of living, loving, working, and learning. This applies not only to the people we support but to our staff as well. Commitment and passion for the work continue to unite employees and drive the organization forward. Empowering the people we support to reach their goals remains at the heart of our organization. Members of the YAI Network include: - YAI - Premier HealthCare - Manhattan Star Academy - National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey (NIPD/NJ) - International Academy of Hope (iHOPE)

Website
https://linktr.ee/yaihope
Industry
Individual and Family Services
Company size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
New York, New York
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1957

Locations

Employees at YAI

Updates

  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    A truly special moment unfolded at the Hudson Valley Merit Service Awards this year. 🫶 Every single member of a team at the Tarrytown Day Hab was nominated by two peers for an award. While not all could be selected as winners, each nomination celebrated the unique contributions of the staff and the ways they’ve touched the lives of those they support. Madelyn Toledo, a DSP at Tarrytown shared, "We’re like one giant classroom. We cover for each other, support one another, and run specialized rooms like the art studio, computer lab, and gym. We work hard — together — for the people we support." 🥳 💙

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  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    Meet Team YAI! 🏃☀️ This year, an incredible group of runners is lacing up for the 2025 New York City Marathon—all going the distance to amplify YAI’s mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, love, work, and learn in their communities 💙 Stay tuned as we follow our runners through their training journeys and donate using the link below to show your support! yai.org/marathon #YAI #NYCMarathon #MarathonTraining #NYC #Fundraising

  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    In recent news from our California START programs, two programs — Harbor and Lanterman — have achieved certification under the National Center for START Services (NCSS). This marks a significant milestone, with 7 out of 9 California programs now certified. The START model provides crisis prevention and intervention services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have mental health needs. “So much hard work and dedication went into this accomplishment. Our teams have worked tirelessly to meet the rigorous standards required to faithfully implement the START model. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across California,” said Cheryl Karran, Senior Regional Services, YAI California. ✨ #YAICalifornia #STARTModel

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  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    Celebrating Dedication and Impact at YAI 💙 Yesterday, we were honored to host our Milestone Lunch, celebrating more than 70 incredible team members who have been with YAI for over 20 years—including some who have dedicated more than 40 years. Their commitment, compassion, and expertise continue to shape the lives of the people we support and reflect the very best of YAI. Thank you for making us stronger with every year of service — here’s to the difference you’ve made and continue to make! 🌟 #YAI #MilestoneCelebration #CareerMilestones #Dedication

    • People seated at tables during a formal event at a restaurant, with a speaker at the front. The setting features elegant decor including a chandelier.
    • Group of seven individuals smiling and holding bouquets inside a restaurant.
    • CEO, Gary Milchman, presenting to a group at a dinner table, engaging the audience with a gesture.
  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    Lights, smiles, and plenty of style! 📸✨ Our Tarrytown Day Hab participants had the spotlight at last week's fashion show, in partnership with Sleepy Coffee Too ☕—a local gem creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities. With designs by Fashion Night Out’s Juan Delgado, the event was filled with style, confidence, and joy. Here’s to building partnerships that not only uplift people with disabilities but also create spaces where everyone belongs. #YAI #InclusionMatters #Tarrytown #FashionForAll

    • Five people posing together at a Sleepy Coffee, Too event, smiling for the camera.
    • Individual posing on a red carpet with a backdrop featuring logo of Sleepy Coffee, Too, holding a small colorful bag.
    • Person in a trench coat and hat, posing with flexed arms at a "Sleepy Coffee, Too" event with a branded backdrop.
    • Person standing on a red carpet, smiling, in front of a backdrop with logos including "Sleepy Coffee, too" and "FNO Westchester." They are dressed in a tan and brown outfit with black tights, holding a small colorful handbag.
    • Person posing on a red carpet with a branded backdrop featuring logos of "FNO," and "Sleepy Coffee." They are smiling.
  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    YAI's Riverdale program partnered with Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to create an unforgettable experience for the people we support — giving them the chance to meet their favorite celebrities in wax form! 🌟 From floor to floor, the excitement was palpable. The Museum staff went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed and included, offering interactive moments and personalized attention that truly made the day special. Thanks to complimentary tickets, they also extended the invitation to other Bronx residences. 💜 “We appreciate establishments like the Wax Museum for giving us this opportunity to look back on days like this and say — this is why I love my job,” said Nehemiah Williams, Assistant Supervisor, Riverdale Program. #CommunityInclusion #MadameTussauds #BronxCommunity

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  • View organization page for YAI

    18,439 followers

    Anthony’s cooking up chicken wings using the Brava — and we’re here for it 🔥🍗 We're thrilled to collaborate with Brava, spotlighting how accessible tech can support everyday independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. #AccessibleTech #DisabilityInclusion

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