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About the Yang-Tan Institute

For over 60 years, the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability in the Cornell University ILR School has conducted a unique combination of research and outreach. With a mission of advancing the inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities in the workplace and community, our research, training, and technical resources expand knowledge about disability inclusion, leading to meaningful change.

About the Institute

Our Work

Businessman in a wheelchair is using a digital tablet while having a discussion with a colleague in the corridor of a co-working space.

Our Areas of Focus

Benefits planning

School-to-work transition

Disability inclusion at work

Systems-based work & collaboration

Emerging work & innovation

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YTIOnline Learning

Learn from YTI’s experts to improve your knowledge and gain practical skills in benefits planning and employment services for people with disabilities. Earn professional credentials and certificates though a wide variety of courses and classes, both in-person and virtually.

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Our Impact

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Medicaid HR1 Work Rules Create Concerns for People with Disabilities

The new Medicaid HR1 work rules have created concerns for thousands of people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to work, live in the community and manage complex health needs.
Open laptop with someone typing and infographics appearing in the air, including scales of justice, exlcamation points, and documents with checkmarks.
Medicaid HR1 Work Rules Create Concerns for People with Disabilities

Disability Compounds Employment Woes for People with Criminal Records, and Vice Versa

Cornell Chronicle
Justice-impacted individuals with disabilities are considerably less likely to be employed than people with disabilities who have not interacted with the criminal justice system, according to Yang-Tan Institute research.
Image of a job application form that has been stamped as rejected
Disability Compounds Employment Woes for People with Criminal Records, and Vice Versa

NYS Can Protect Workers with Disabilities, Strobel Gower Tells State Senate

Cornell Chronicle
Wendy Strobel Gower, executive director of YTI, testified before the NY State Senate that individuals with disabilities face numerous challenges in the workplace and a growing threat from recent federal policy changes – but that New York state can mitigate these harms.
Wendy Strobel Gower testifies before the NY State Senate
NYS Can Protect Workers with Disabilities, Strobel Gower Tells State Senate

Our News & Events

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Building a Stronger Construction Industry: Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Stability

Free: Webinar from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN)
Three construction workers, wearing safety gear
Building a Stronger Construction Industry: Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Stability

Overview of Accessible Parking

Free: Webinar from the Northeast ADA Center
Two accessible parking spaces separated by an access aisle
Overview of Accessible Parking

Strengthening the Manufacturing Industry: Recruit, Re-Train, and Retain Valuable Workforce Talent

Free: Webinar from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN)
Two workers in a manufacturing plant. One is using a wheelchair.
Strengthening the Manufacturing Industry: Recruit, Re-Train, and Retain Valuable Workforce Talent

Ethical Use of AI in Vocational Rehabilitation: Balancing Human Connection and Technology

This training explores the effective and ethical use of AI in vocational rehabilitation. Participants will learn practical applications, limitations, and potential pitfalls of AI, while examining ethical considerations through the CRCC Code of Ethics to support responsible and effective service delivery. CRC Ethics and CVE credits available.
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    $50

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Register for Ethical Use of AI in Vocational Rehabilitation: Balancing Human Connection and Technology

Optimizing AI for Disability Employment: Strategies and Opportunities

This training equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving employment landscape and advocate for inclusive AI-driven workplaces.
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    $50

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Register for Optimizing AI for Disability Employment: Strategies and Opportunities

YTI Newsletter

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Our Team

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It’s not possible to determine what somebody can achieve based on some disability or diversity characteristic that they have. Everyone has a right to participate in society to the best of their ability.
– WENDY STROBEL GOWER, THOMAS P. GOLDEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Wendy Strobel Gower Outdoors

Get in Touch with YTI

Yang-Tan Institute
ILR School, Cornell University
201 Dolgen Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Phone: 607-255-7727
Email: ilr_yti@cornell.edu

YTI Newsletter

Bringing you disability-related research, policy, events, training, consultation, and more

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