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Road to Independence : Latasha Hunter ’ s Story
Latasha Hunter ' s family and friends threw her a virtual housewarming party via Zoom late last year . In the days that followed , gifts started arriving to her new address : bedding , towels , a toaster , vacuum cleaner , and can opener , among other household items . The celebration marked a milestone in the Bronx resident ’ s life : living independently in her very first apartment – a dream she worked hard to achieve .
YAI recognizes that the road to independence and personal fulfillment looks different from person to person . Guided by a personcentered approach , the organization aims to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ( I / DD ) identify and achieve personal life goals .
“ If the person doesn ’ t know what they want to do , a big part of our job is helping them discover it ,” said
Dawn Albit , Bronx Regional Deputy Director . “ When you have never been given the opportunity or asked what it is that you want , often times people don ’ t have an answer , and that ’ s where we come in – we help them find it .”
Latasha Hunter is one of the people who YAI supported in her journey to independence . Hunter , 41 , received YAI services for 12 years before moving out to her own apartment in