BERT & PEARL MACLEECH
ADVOCACY AWARD
Introducing the Bert and Pearl MacLeech Advocacy Award.
YAI is proud to announce the inaugural Bert and Pearl MacLeech Advocacy Awards. Named in honor of our founders, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community.
This unique award honors one organization, one professional in the I/DD field, and one self advocate who have demonstrated exceptional support, awareness, and service to the I/DD community.
Congratulations to the
2025 Award Winners
Sesame Workshop
Maria del Rocio Galarza, Vice President of Educational Programs
YAI proudly acknowledges Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, received the organizational award for its groundbreaking inclusion of people and characters with disabilities. By understanding the crucial role of representation in the emotional development of children with disabilities, Sesame Workshop has been a content trailblazer for over 55 years. Their programming and free resources help support children and families through challenges big and small.
Marianne Ardito
Regional Director of Operations & Services & YAI
Marianne Ardito has been involved with YAI for over 40 years. She tirelessly supports and advocates for the intellectual and developmental disability community. Her unwavering commitment continues to make a difference through her per diem work, fundraising efforts, and personal connections within the YAI community.
Janice McPhillips
Self Advocate
A self advocate since childhood, Janice McPhillips has held multiple roles on YAI’s Self Advocacy Committee for many years. A strong supporter of the “Erase the R Word” movement, she has written extensively on issues affecting people with disabilities. Her advocacy has led her to speak at the United Nations and before legislators in Albany, New York. As a child she was a regular on Sesame Street, educating other children about life with Down syndrome.
Celebrate Our Winners
Each awardee will be recognized with a medal presented at YAI’s Central Park Challenge on May 31 at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. A gold plaque commemorating this achievement will be placed on a Central Park bench, serving as a lasting tribute to their contributions.