YAI International

Our Pillars

Impact

Impact YAI is committed to sharing our person-driven approach with governments, nonprofits, and organizations around the world. Our work builds community-inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) worldwide.

YAI International addresses the barriers children and adults with I/DD face all over the world.

No One Left Behind

Even among people with disabilities, those with I/DD, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, or complex support needs are often marginalized. With YAI’s expertise, you can ensure that all people, regardless of their needs or diagnosis, can become valued members of their community. YAI field experts work with global allies to end institutionalization, promote inclusion in local communities, and build person-driven support systems. Most recently, YAI International has worked in Chile, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.

Sustainable Development Goals

YAI has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and frequently contributes to the international conversation on the rights of people with I/DD at conferences, summits, and at the invitation of foreign governments. Following the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) and its underlying human rights standards, YAI International addresses the barriers children and adults with I/DD face all over the world. This includes presentations by people with I/DD at the UN Headquarters and participating in consultations for the NGO committees to the CRPD and UNICEF.

Capacity-Building Expertise

With more than 60 years of experience, YAI’s staff of 4,000 operate over 300 programs that support children and adults with I/DD at every facet of their lives. We can support accessible global development by drawing upon the entirety of our expertise, which includes:

Developing Inclusive Support Systems

Community-integrated living
Vocational training and paid employment
Accessible and inclusive healthcare
Family supports
Assessment and service eligibility
Person-driven support planning
Classroom education

Providing Education and Training

Advocacy and human rights awareness campaigns
Education for people with I/DD
Family education
Professional trainings
Providing accessible information, using “easy read” and social stories
Conference presentations and panel discussions

Implementing a Policy Framework—Roadmaps for Governments

Develop an assessment structure
Build a best practice service system
Include the whole lifespan, from early diagnosis, to achieving personal life goals, to end-of-life rights and supports

Promoting Inclusion and Accessibility

Deinstitutionalization is a key step in building inclusive communities. For children, this means strengthening family supports and access to education. For adults, it means creating flexible, community-integrated living, working, and socialization opportunities. YAI has experience implementing programs of all scopes and sizes, taking specific cultural needs into consideration.

Creating Inclusive Communities

Varied residential opportunities
Healthcare services with providers who understand I/DD needs
Employment opportunities
Family support programs
Classroom education for school-age children
Recreational and cultural opportunities

Removing Barriers to Human Rights-Based Inclusion

Changing minds—raising awareness for person-driven supports
Education on identity, relationships, sexuality, and life skills
Creating I/DD-accessible information
Providing training and access to technology

Joining Forces on Inclusive Employment Global Best Practices

View the recording of YAI's February 17th, 2022 side event. The presentations discuss the relationship between inclusive education, community supports, and employment efforts. They also focus on how to overcome a variety of barriers when creating individualized employment services while enabling companies to becoming successful inclusive employers.

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