AWARENESS-of people with developmental and learning disabilities

ACCEPTANCE-of whom and what they are

ADVOCACY-for their needs and equal treatment

Dream Young Arts & Media (DYAM) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, that advocates for individuals who are developmental or learning disabled, intellectually different, or neurodiverse – the special needs community.

These individuals encounter many life challenges on a constant basis. DYAM does everything it can to make society aware of all the difficult issues that they face.

DYAM engages with this community, and disseminates vital information, through our extensive and dynamic platform of arts and media: our podcast (The Dream Young Effect)on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook (@dreamyoungmedia), with documentaries, music, videos, vlogs, emails, and phone contacts.

Through the power of education and information, DYAM helps this community locate the resources they need to build their Circle of Support.

We have received an enormous number of emails and phone calls asking for our guidance. They come from all over the country, from many people with disabled family members, and even some from the elderly. DYAM always manages to find a resource, a service, or someone who can help them. 

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to ensure equality for all, including those with a disability, a difference, or a diversity. Equality means inclusion for everyone in every aspect of life. This is beyond a birthright; it is a living right. We are determined to fight discrimination.  Our ammunition is education.

Dream Young Arts & Media is a valuable resource for connecting, engaging, and getting involved with our special needs communities. 

OUR VISION

By providing these individuals with life-enhancing resources, a lot of hopes can become reality – Independent living, rewarding career opportunities, fulfilling personal relationships, and a life well lived.

We start with the basics – helping them develop fundamental and social skills. Then we encourage them to dream, to have a goal. DYAM nurtures all aspirations while helping people co-exist in their communities.

Career Path Virtual Volunteer Program

We accomplish this through a culture of education, inspirational music, and informational videos, and helping them hone their interpersonal abilities.

Through our Podcast (@dreamyoungmedia on YouTube), we familiarize people with the elements of media creation. This gives them the modality to share their stories, and inspire and edify others.

Using our media, we want to build a virtual place where they will feel free to go and socialize. This will give them the space to develop their talents, learn to interact with others, and ultimately help them live independently in society. 

OUR HISTORY

It was the year 2007. We embarked on a career that would change us and enrich the lives of many others.

We had become Supported Living Coaches with At Your Request Plus in Tampa, FL. This agency was created to provide direct services through MEDICAID/MEDICARE to individuals with developmental and learning disabilities.

For several years, we operated a Not-for-Profit training center that assisted adult members to learn a variety of skills, from basic reading and math to computer skills, art, and music and media creation.

The agency provided a place where clients and their personal support coaches could come and connect with those from their community, learning and flourishing together. We were able to impact many people, but we wanted to do more.

Due to the COVID Pandemic, we began to focus our efforts on raising awareness for those with special needs virtually with our Career Path Program and through podcasts on social media platforms.  We were also compelled to reach more people and since becoming virtual, we are reaching individuals nationwide. Having a more extensive reach equates to changing more lives.

With our experience at the training center, a commitment to improving the lives of those with disabilities, and being empowered by the limitless reach of digital media, we began our mission. Dream Young Arts & Media was launched in 2010.

With the assistance of Technology, Community Resources, Family Support, Government Agencies, and Service Providers,

DYAM, a 501 (c) (3) organization, strives hard every day to improve the lives of the community we serve.