Since 1997, YAP has been working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. We have worked with self-advocates and their families, as well as experts from various professional backgrounds, to develop a model for working with individuals with developmental disabilities and spectrum disorders that focuses on the importance of relationships, meaningful decision-making, self-determination and inclusion.
We serve individuals with developmental difference through relationships that foster inclusion by:
Acting and communicating based upon a belief in intellectual competence.
Accommodating and respecting variations in sensory sensitivities, communication, and movement and learning styles.
Promoting independence by fostering the skills, confidence and awareness that leads to a lifetime of success.