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A Self-Advocacy Series

Join YAI for a virtual conference series, featuring six workshops focused on self-advocacy and independent living. This series is geared toward students and adults with autism. Parents, caregivers, and service providers are also welcome to join.


 

The YAI NYC Autism Conference Series will be recorded, and presentations will be available for a limited time at the conclusion of the conference.

Free Event

You are invited to join all of the sessions or just the ones that interest you.

Questions? Email conferences@yai.org

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Travel Training 101

Wednesday April 23, 2025

12-1:15 pm ET

Presented by: Monica Kearse, Travel Training Graduate, Stephanie Rozanski and Lisa-Dawn Kornegay, YAI's Travel Training Team

Learning to travel independently can be an important part of independent living. At this session you will hear about the essential stages of travel training and what is needed to develop critical skills for independent travel.

Register now

The Art of Advocacy Storytelling: Techniques for Creating Your Moth Story

Thursday April 24, 2025

12-1:15 pm ET

Presented by: Kisha Haire and Robert Cardona, YAI Self-Advocates

Everyone has a story. Hear how sharing yours can be an integral part of disability advocacy. You will also gain tips on how to write your own Moth story. Learn more about mother stories by visiting themoth.org

Register now

10 Tips for Independent Living

Friday April 25, 2025

12-1:15 pm ET

Presented by: YAI's Independent Living Program Team

Decision making, problem solving, budgeting, internet safety, stress management oh my! Hear the tips you need to move forward with your independent living goals.

Register now

Disability Rights: Ableism & Advocacy

Tuesday April 29, 2025

12-1:15 pm ET

Presented by: Lisa Severino and Uly Ramos, Grassroots Field Assistants, Sandy Mislow, Regional Coordinator NYC-Westchester Region, Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS)

Learn from trailblazers in the disability rights movement how to recognize and fight ableism while also gaining skills to speak up for yourself.

Register now

Achieving Financial Independence (Part 1)

Wednesday April 30, 2025

12-1:15 pm ET

This webinar will focus on financial basics for everyday success. 

Presented by: Bank of America

Learn about financial basics for everyday success in part 1 of this financial independence focused webinar.

Register now

Achieving Financial Independence (Part 2) 

Thursday May 1, 2025

12-1:15 pm ET

This webinar will focus on enhancing economic mobility.  

Presented by: Bank of America

Hear how enhancing economic mobility can be important in part 2 of this financial independence focused webinar.

Register now

YAI respects that people choose to identify differently when it comes to their diagnosis. For our conference materials we have chosen to say, "people with autism" in order to provide consistent language throughout YAI. Some presenters may use identity-first language instead.

Supported in part by the NYC Council Autism Initiative