A group of 12 people from YAI's pre-vocational program in Westbury visited Zebra Technologies in Holtsville, New York earlier this month to learn about the technology and products made by the software company.

The tour of Zebra's headquarters on March 14 included learning about everything from research and design to testing and prototyping products. The group also had a chance to see the finished products in the showroom. Some of the Zebra products include mobile computing hardware, printers, barcode scanners, and printing supplies.

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“As people progress through our employment services program, we want to expose them to different kinds of opportunities, or different types of businesses they might not have thought of as a potential employer partner,” said Bonnie Holtzman, Deputy Director of Long Island Day and Employment Services.

After the tour, Zebra staff had a chance to learn more about YAI through the company's diversity and inclusion program, Zebra of All Abilities. The program works to combat harmful stereotypes about people with disabilities through education, resources, and community-based initiatives.

“YAI came in and answered questions for families who may not know what lies ahead of them because their kids are little and they can’t comprehend what life looks like for an adult with a disability,” said Holtzman.

After a successful first visit, YAI was invited back on March 21 for a round of mock interviews with participants from the WAVE program in Brentwood.