YAI

Meet the Keynote Speaker for YAI's 20th Latino Conference! Dr. Azaret is the clinical director of the Psychology Department at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and a faculty member of the Pediatric Residency Program, where she trains the next generation of doctors. She also has extensive media experience, having worked as a CNN presenter and as a medical contributor on "Vive la Salud con la Dra. Azaret" from 2011 to 2023. Don’t miss the chance to hear her inspiring insights! Register today for the conference on October 11 at www.yai.org/latino. We look forward to seeing you there! #LatinoConference#MentalHealth #IntellectualAndDevelopmentalDisabilities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! At YAI, we celebrate the contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workforce. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Let’s raise awareness and advocate for equal employment opportunities! 💪 #NDEAM #InclusionMatters

Finding Comfort in Familiar Faces: A Hospice Journey (3/3) For Rita, Bryan, and the staff at YAI, caring for Armando has been a profound honor. “Believe me when I say this, it’s an absolute privilege for me to take care of Armando,” Rita said. “When I am with him, I try to do everything I didn’t have a chance to do for my own family members in Haiti who all passed away in their fifties.” Surrounded by his peers and those who have cared for him for nearly 30 years, Armando passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 24, 2024. His journey has been one of love, comfort, and compassion, and one that his YAI family will never forget. Link in bio to read Armando’s full story and how his caregivers made his final days truly meaningful.

Finding Comfort in Familiar Faces: A Hospice Journey (2/3) Armando, who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, was diagnosed with acute renal failure in June. Knowing his time was limited, staff brought him home while he received hospice care. “We wanted to be the people who took care of him as long as we could,” said Bryan Dempsey, Assistant Program Director of the residence where Rojas lives. “We’re the ones who hold his story.” Armando, who grew up as an only child in a Peruvian family, has called his YAI residence in Queens his home for more than two decades. Link in bio to read Armando’s full story.

Finding Comfort in Familiar Faces: A Hospice Journey (1/3) Carlos Armando Rojas loves to laugh. Even on the hardest days, a simple tickle under his chin brings out that joy in him. Food is another source of comfort—especially his favorite: chicken noodle soup, made just the way he likes by Rita Poliard, his caregiver of 14 years. Recently, while listening to Julio Iglesias, Rita danced at the foot of his bed, tickling his feet. Armando’s smile turned to tears. "It’s ok, Mandito," she whispered. "You have us. We’re not going anywhere." Link in bio to read Armando’s full story.

¡Es hora de celebrar! Únase a YAI en nuestra vigésima Conferencia Latina y escuche historias inspiradoras, almuerce con otras familias, escuche buena música, cree un imán fotográfico para llevar a casa y mucho más. ¡Regístrese hoy! www.yai.org/latino. YAI’s 20th Latino Conference is on October 11th! Please share with Spanish-speaking people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents, caregivers, and service providers who are all invited to join us at this special celebration! More information and registration at www.yai.org/latino #YAI #ConferenciaLatina #InclusionMatters #IntellectualAndDevelopmentalDisabilities #HistoriasInspiradoras #Familia #MúsicaYComunidad

Proud to have our NJ Director, Amanda Duva, BCBA, sharing YAI's expertise on innovative housing models for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Rowan University's Steve Sweeney Center for Public Policy. Her insights on addressing unmet needs in the community are invaluable. #YAI #inclusion #disabilityrights #intellectualdisabilities #developmentaldisabilities #publicpolicy

YAI is thrilled to partner with Blue Man Group for a special sensory-friendly performance on October 6 at 2:00 PM at Astor Place Theatre! This is a fantastic opportunity for families with children who have sensory sensitivities to enjoy the high-energy show with modifications like reduced sound and light levels, limited audience interaction, and quiet areas for breaks. Read more at https://lnkd.in/e7T3MHAt. Don't miss out! Get your specially priced tickets now: https://lnkd.in/ech6RB_8. #sensoryfriendly #bluemangroup #YAI #inclusion #familyfun #NYC

"I love my job, and I love helping people. As a DSP you get to help people grow and be as independent as possible, and when you see them accomplish something, you get a sense of pride. You're here to encourage them to be the best versions of themselves." ✨ In just 11 months, Lashawn Richardson has become a valuable member of the Forest Hills IRA team at YAI. #DSPRecognitionWeek #DSPRW #support

"I like being around the people I support. They are all unique, and I love the uniqueness of each of them. I like to put a smile on their faces. It's not easy, it's not a walk in the park, but you have to make it work for the people you work with and for yourself." For Annita Cazena, a DSP 3 on 35th Street, this isn't just a job; it's a passion. With 12 years of experience, Annita's dedication to making a positive impact is evident in her interactions with the individuals she supports. Thank you, Annita, for your compassion and care. #DSPRW #DSPRecognitionWeek #Caregiver #Support