YAI

Breon Williams is a 23-year-old with an intellectual disability who has beaten the odds every step of the way. Born at 27 weeks alongside his fraternal twin, Breon spent five months in the NICU, followed by years of early intervention services. Today, he is a Project SHINE youth ambassador, advocating for sexual health education for fellow young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Project SHINE fights myths surrounding sexuality and youth with I/DD and advocates for full access to information and care about sex and health for this group. With the launch of its toolkit in May 2024, it aims to help people talk about sex with youth with I/DD. This comes after research by the Project SHINE network showed parents, caregivers, and even professionals weren't sure how to have these important conversations. The research also found that youth with I/DD are at an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections or have unplanned pregnancies if they don’t learn about safe sex. Developmentally appropriate sexual health resources help reinforce rights and how to make informed choices. Check out the sexual health toolkit at https://lnkd.in/eSFE7FRU and the online interactive game at www.ourstoriesgame.org. #sexualhealth #sexualityandidd #developmentaldisabilities

This #DisabilityPrideMonth, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and joy of the people we support at YAI! Everyone deserves to be included, empowered, and celebrated. #YAI #Inclusion #DisabilityRights

This #PrideMonth, meet Jesse McDade, an Assistant BIS at the Flatbush IRA who's shattering stereotypes for people with developmental disabilities in Brooklyn! Jesse, who identifies as non-binary and gay, is passionate about creating a space where people with I/DD feel like they belong. "People with disabilities deserve to find their community and embrace themselves with pride," Jesse says. "That's why I'm here to show them they're not alone in celebrating who they are." ✨ After taking YAI's Double Outsiders training, Jesse learned more about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people with I/DD. The program uses the ALLISIT model to help caregivers support residents without judgment. "Sexuality isn't taboo for people with disabilities," Jesse says. "They deserve to own their identity just like everyone else." ✊ The biggest hurdle? Breaking down the shame. Residents often ask Jesse if it's okay to be gay, lesbian, or wear a dress. That's where the ALLISIT model comes in. Jesse uses it to guide residents through questions, find accurate information, and make informed choices. "I'm just a tool in their toolbox," Jesse says. "YAI's social-sexual curriculum empowers people with I/DD. They deserve to be liberated, and everyone has a right to celebrate Pride Month authentically!" #LGBTQ #IDD #Inclusion #celebratingallabilities #PrideMonth

Missed our live event on June 10th? No worries! You can catch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/dsG9v-gx. Don't miss out on the insights shared!

Shh... They're Coming!, a zombie movie created by YAI's Tarrytown Dab Hab by Studio 305, screened at the Bedford Playhouse last night and it was a HUGE success! Congratulations to the amazing team for this brilliant and bloody masterpiece. This film, created by and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, takes a unique spin on the zombie apocalypse. Ready for a plot twist? Instead of a virus, imagine a world post-COVID where a new threat emerges! Where can see the movie? The movie will be up on YouTube this week but until then check out the making-of trailer here: https://lnkd.in/eNGnWMVY. #ZombieMovie #Inclusion #YAI #BedfordPlayhouse #SupportLocalFilm

YAI se complace en anunciar que organizaremos nuestra 20th conferencia latina este octubre. Tambien lo invitamos a visitar yai.org/latino y ver la variedad de seminarios web e información que compartimos a medida que nos acercamos a esta ocasión trascendental. Nuestro primer seminario web La tutela y la toma de decisiones con apoyo es este miércoles, ¡esperamos verte allí! YAI is excited to announce that we will host our 20th Latino Conference this October. As we lead up to this momentous occasion, we invite you to visit yai.org/latino and check out the variety of webinars and information we are sharing as we lead up to Latino. Our first webinar Guardianship and Supported Decision Making is this Wednesday, hope to see you there! #YAILatino

D'Andre McClain, Assistant Supervisor at Cobble Hill IRA in Brooklyn, talks about what keeps him at YAI and the best part about working with people we support! #whyyai #workculture #yaicareers

On June 10th, YAI presents "Informed And Included: Strategies To Overcome Information Barriers" - a virtual side-event at COSP17! This event tackles how to break down information barriers for people with disabilities. Join us for a crucial discussion on disability rights! https://lnkd.in/d3n5S2EE #CRPD #COSP17 #DisabilityRights

UPDATE: DWAYNE ROSE HAS BEEN FOUND! He's with a staff member, healthy and in good spirits. We can't thank everyone enough for your incredible support in sharing and searching. #ThankYou #MissingAndFound

We're still buzzing from the incredible Central Park Challenge! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it a success. Together, we're making a difference for the I/DD community.  #CelebratingAllAbilities