The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities’ (NACDD) theme for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in March 2018 is SEE ME FOR ME.  SEE ME FOR ME means looking beyond someone’s disability and seeing them as a person and not just a person with a disability. The goal for this month is to create awareness about developmental disabilities, teach the importance of inclusion within every aspect of life, and to share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that a successful life is possible. (source: NACDD)

SEE ME FOR ME is a perfect fit for YAP’s commitment to individualized (individual) and community based services. YAP’s programming emphasizes meeting people where they are and learning about the person’s hopes, dreams, and goals. YAP services are tailored to each person and individuals are encouraged to have a say in who they work with and a role in planning daily activities.  

Since its founding in 1975, YAP has been dedicated to community based services designed to provide the needed supports for people to remain living in their community, rather than segregated environments. YAP encourages respect and acceptance for all members of a society, regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, or gender.  YAP provides services across the lifespan; from babies and very young children in the Early Intervention program, school aged children through Behavioral Health Services, youth who may be involved with the criminal justice system, and individuals of all ages in the Developmental Disabilities program, which includes Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum.

YAP promotes a sense of safety and goodwill by enhancing community connections and providing services to meet specific needs such as mental health support and a mentoring relationship for youth in the criminal justice system.  YAP is newly involved in Supported Employment.  YAP provides job skill development services to support people with Developmental Disabilities in locating and securing employment in their community.

YAP continues to be invested in each individual they serve and is committed to enhancing the overall well-being of the community.  Celebrate the lives of people with Developmental Disabilities and their aspiration to be recognized for who they are and as thriving members of the community.