Who better to describe what YAI does than a person we support? Below is Howard S.’s story, which he recently shared at the BIP Conference in Albany.

Embracing Independence

I have been with YAI for 41 years. I have lived in four group homes in that time. In 2015, I was asked if I wanted to get my own apartment near where I worked in Farmingdale.

Unfortunately, it took quite a while for the apartment to be ready and in that time I lost my job. I needed to find a new job that both I enjoyed and that was still close to where I would be living. I worked hard with support from my staff and job coach, and after trying something that did not work out, I was offered the maintenance position at the YAI Day Hab in Farmingdale. This job is perfect for me because I enjoy it and it is close enough that I can walk there when the weather is nice.

The apartment I moved into is very nice, but also pricey. I do not make enough money to cover the monthly rent on my own, but thankfully the Self Direction Budget covers most of my rent. This allows me to afford to stay in my beautiful apartment and also helps me with my other bills and expenses.

Before moving out on my own, I never had any bills and I rarely did anything online besides playing games and using Google. But, in order to keep up with my new bills, I have been using online auto pay. This has been great, and I also recently learned how to deposit checks on my phone with my bank app. Technology has made things easier for me, I even book Uber rides to work when it rains with the Uber app on my phone. I originally had some trouble grocery shopping since I do not have a car to put my groceries in, but discovered I can have them delivered to me via Peapod. Now, I get my groceries and other household necessities delivered to me every two weeks.

I no longer have 24 hour staff now that I am on my own, but now I get Community Hab staff. They have helped me learn all of this new technology and assist me with my bills and medical appointments. They worked with my old staff to make the transition smooth and to prepare me for my ultimate goal of living independently and I am extremely happy with where I currently am in life. Even though I was nervous when I first decided I wanted to do this, I am enjoying myself and look forward to living in my new apartment for a long time.