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October of 2020 . Her story is a rarity in the I / DD community . According to Disability Digest Data , 16 % of people with I / DD in the U . S . live in the community by themselves or with a roommate . Very few , however , transition from a supported residence to their own home with as much aplomb as Hunter , who moved from successive YAI programs , acquiring living skills with every move .
Hunter started her journey in 2008 at the 206th Street Individualized Residential Alternative ( IRA ) in the Bronx , where there is 24-hour staff for residents who need more support . In 2012 she moved to Rochambeau , one of YAI ’ s supportive apartments . Residents who live in supportive housing need less assistance than those living in IRAs . Hunter gradually learned the skills she needed to thrive there , with the help of dedicated staff and access to a diverse pool of YAI resources , proving she was capable enough to live on her own .
Because Hunter is also employed at the Bronx Zoo , where she has worked as a ticket taker and cashier for the past 10 years , her own home becomes a true sanctuary after work .
“ Latasha is a standout and living her life on her terms and in the way she wants ,” said Albit .
During her time at YAI , Hunter mastered her cooking and cleaning skills and learned how to use the computer . Her studio apartment in the Bronx has the added bonus of a location directly across the street from her boyfriend ’ s place .
The staff at YAI couldn ’ t be prouder .
“ I am so happy of the work we have done and what we have been able to achieve as team in Rochambeau with Latasha ,” said Lorraine Chance , Senior Supervisor of the Bronx region .
“ It makes us feel great to see her accomplish all that she has ,” said Chance . “ She exemplifies what YAI stands for and that includes being able to make her own decisions .” Hunter ’ s family is another component to her success .
“ It ’ s been amazing to see her grow and I know I couldn ’ t hold her back because I won ’ t be here forever ,” said Hunter ’ s mother , Martha . “ I knew she needed to be as independent as possible and her older sister and I just made sure we encouraged and supported her along the way .”
The individualized plans set in place for each person YAI supports is what facilitates the decision-making process . The person can grow because the services cater to their specific needs rather than taking a generalized approach to all cases .
“ People get frustrated with the service or bored with it when it ’ s something they don ’ t need or already have the skills for ,” said Albit .
Success is measured in a variety of ways for the 20,000 people who receive YAI services . While complete independence is one outcome , for others , achieving smaller goals set forth while in programs can be extremely gratifying .
“ Whether it ’ s learning to brush your teeth independently or even just choosing what to wear , success looks different for everyone , but it ’ s always so exciting to witness someone reaching their goal ,” said Albit .
Latasha Hunter hopes to keep up with her healthy lifestyle and continue to improve on her skills .
“ Moving to my apartment taught me how to be more responsible . It also made me feel good and that I accomplished my goal to be independent ,” said Hunter .