Advancing equal opportunities for all people with disabilities
For nearly 60 years, the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability has advanced knowledge, policies, and practice to support people with disabilities in workplaces, schools, and communities.
Our StoryOur Impact
PROMISE program delivers to students with disabilities
After participating in PROMISE, Capri is applying to college and planning a career.
Read Capri's Story
ILR grad and legislator makes disability a priority
A disability-related class taught by YTI faculty inspired Josh Lafazan to make accessibility improvements on Long Island.
Read Josh's Story
WIP-C™ credentialing program impacts thousands of lives
As a trained work incentive practitioner, Milton Johnson assists people with disabilities with managing benefits while returning to work and gaining financial independence.
Read Milton's Story
Our Work











New Workability Innovation Lab
The Workability Innovation Lab is re-engineering the workplace and workforce by focusing on inclusion of diverse ability through policy, practice, research and evaluation. The Innovation Grant Program at the Lab funds cutting edge solutions to advance the world of work.
Visit the Workability LabOur Team




Honoring the Life of Thomas P. Golden
July 5, 1963 - November 1, 2020
It is with deep sadness that the Yang-Tan Institute team shares that its long-standing Executive Director, Thomas Golden, died on November 1st at his home in Waverly, New York, from complications related to pancreatic cancer. Thomas is particularly beloved by the Yang-Tan Institute team, not only for his role in shaping disability policy at the state and federal levels, but also for his characteristic personal warmth and evident humanity, irreverent sense of humor, and multi-faceted personhood. Read the full tribute here.
We have collected stories for a memory book—both online and printed—to celebrate Thomas and his impactful professional career.
Visit the Memory Book