Young Americans With Disabilities Association
Harnessing the power of community to increase achievement of young people with disabilities!
Welcome to the Y.A.D.A. homepage!
We are committed to uplifting and empowering young people to realize their dreams and reach their goals.
Our mission is to increase the social, functional & academic achievement of transition-age youth with disabilities.
Our vision is to empower young people with visible and invisible disabilities to become college, career, community, and ultimately life-ready to become productive, engaged citizens.
Join us as we empower young people to create their best lives!
Get to Know Us
At Young Americans with Disabilities Association (YADA), we believe every young person, no matter their ability, deserves the chance to dream big, achieve more, and live a life full of purpose and possibility.
We’re here to empower youth with both visible and invisible disabilities during one of life’s most exciting (and sometimes challenging) transitions: the journey from school to adulthood. Whether it’s preparing for college, stepping into a career, getting involved in the community, or building confidence and independence, we help young people build the skills they need to thrive.
Our Mission
To increase the social, functional, and academic success of transition-age youth with disabilities, so they can confidently step into the future they deserve.
Our Vision
We envision a world where young people with disabilities are college-ready, career-ready, community-ready, and ultimately, life-ready. Our goal is to support them in becoming empowered, productive, and engaged citizens who make their mark on the world.
Who We Support
We don’t do this alone. YADA is a community effort. We partner with:
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Young people with disabilities, guiding them through every milestone beyond graduation.
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Parents and families, offering support, resources, and peace of mind.
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Educators and advocates, working together to open doors and create opportunities.
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Employers, building inclusive workplaces that value diverse talent.
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Supporters and changemakers, who celebrate progress and uplift our mission through events like our annual Above & Beyond Awards.
At YADA, we know that with the right tools, support, and community, anything is possible.
Join us in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for the next generation of young Americans with disabilities.