“Since we last met, has anyone introduced themselves to someone new or gotten to know someone better?” 

Consuelo Senior, Director of YAI Knowledge, YAI’s training department, posed this question to participants during a recent You and I Zoom meeting in February. 

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Amanda Kauftheil’s face lit up with excitement as she jumped in to share her experience. 

“This past weekend, I hung out with someone I knew—but it was the first time we actually spent one-on-one time together,” she said.  

Kauftheil, 33, explained that she invited an acquaintance to meet up, taking a leap toward building a new friendship. 

“Sometimes I struggle with back-and-forth conversation,” she admitted. “It’s hard when you want to get to know someone better but aren’t sure what to say or how to say it.” 

To Kauftheil’s delight, the hangout was a success. Her new friend even texted her afterward to say she had a great time. 

“We had so much in common and I got to learn things about her I never knew before,” Kauftheil said. “We were able to deepen our friendship, and we just enjoyed each other’s company.” 

With a big grin, she added, “I will definitely be doing it again.” 

Kauftheil has been attending You and I, a social group run by YAI, for several years and credits it with helping her understand that people like her—those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—can build meaningful connections and communities of their own. 

The impact of social connection is well-documented. In his 2023 report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns that loneliness isn’t just an emotional struggle—it poses serious health risks, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, and even premature death. 

“The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and exceeds that of obesity and physical inactivity,” Murthy writes. 

Loneliness affects nearly half of all U.S. adults, but for people with disabilities, the risk is even higher—they are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience chronic isolation. 

That’s why programs like You and I matter. The social group, designed for adults with I/DD living in Manhattan, provides a structured and supportive space to build social and networking skills. Participants learn everything from making friends and setting boundaries to exploring dating and relationships—all essential skills for navigating the real world with confidence. 

The group meets twice a month, offering both in-person gatherings at YAI’s Manhattan headquarters and virtual sessions, ensuring access for all members. 

“Humans weren’t meant to live in isolation—we thrive in community,” said Senior, who leads the group. “It’s the same for people with I/DD. They’re looking for connection, for people who make them feel like they belong.” 

YAI operates the only You and I group in New York State, a program it has been running for well over a decade. The social skills taught in these sessions—whether through role-playing, educational videos, or open discussions—are essential for building self-esteem and empowering people with I/DD to navigate daily life with greater independence. Without these skills, people may face social, behavioral, and mental health challenges. 

"Relationships are the basis of life," said Senior. "When you help people build meaningful relationships, it gives them a reason to keep going. If they’re sick, they want to get better. They can dream bigger, push themselves further—it’s at the core of everything. Without relationships, there’s an emptiness, and everything else just becomes a treatment for a symptom rather than addressing the real need." 

For longtime members like Deborah Lee, 38, who has been part of You and I for nearly a decade, the skills she’s gained have extended far beyond the group—helping her thrive in other areas of her life, including as a Special Olympics athlete. 

“You and I feels like a big family, and it’s the same when I’m with my friends at the Special Olympics,” said Lee. “I can support other athletes who may be shy or struggle to voice their concerns. It’s given me the confidence to be there for others and help them feel comfortable in new situations.” 

 Despite its impact, securing funding for groups like You and I remains a challenge. Socialization programs are often considered non-essential compared to those focused on housing, employment, or medical care. 

Yet, their value extends far beyond what is often recognized. For participants like Kauftheil, You and I proves that belonging is within reach. 

“I’ve learned to communicate better, navigate difficult situations, and advocate for myself—realizing I’m not alone in my struggles,” said Kauftheil. 

“When I was younger, I thought I was the only one with a disability in this world,” she added. “Meeting others like me made me feel strong and reassured and showed me that I can also support others with disabilities.” 

Explore the You and I program and check your eligibility to attend.