About the YANA Nation Foundation
Over 54 million Americans live with a disability, making it the nation’s largest minority group — and that number is growing. Yet children with disabilities continue to face barriers to safe, accessible outdoor play.
At Yana Nation Foundation, we believe every child deserves the joy of hearing, “Go outside and play.” Our mission is to build inclusive outdoor play spaces that serve children of all abilities — especially in rural areas, urban neighborhoods, and on military installations.
Outdoor play nurtures creativity, social connection, and health, but too many children with disabilities are left on the sidelines. We are committed to changing that by educating, advocating, and creating play environments where every child belongs.
Because the sun, the air, and the laughter of childhood should be free — and shared by all.
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Educational Programs
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Play Areas
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Knowledge Classes
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F.R.E.E. Initiative (First Responders Effective Edge)
People with disabilities represent the largest minority group in the world, yet they are disproportionately:
Buddie Promise
Listen to the Phibo Buddy Song
Our Mission
Approximately 54 million Americans have at least one disability making it the largest minority group in the nation. As the baby boomer population ages and more veterans return from war, it is estimated that this number will double in the next twenty years.
During the 2021-2022 school year 7.3 million disabled students made up 15% of the national public school enrollment, and that does not include the home school or unreported population.
Access to safe outdoor play spaces has been directly correlated to developing children, but research suggest that children with disabilities do not share equal opportunities for accessing and engaging safe outdoor play spaces as their peers without disabilities and continue to face exclusion from public play spaces.
The benefits of simply being able to go outside and play are greatly beneficial, and enjoying nature, it is a fact that children play harder outdoors than indoors, and they need daily opportunities to do so.
Research shows that children that play outside develop better social skills, have less anger and aggression, promotes curiosity, creativity and promotes overall health against diseases such as diabetes,
The air is free, the sun is free, the breeze on a childs face cost nothing, and THE YANA NATION FOUNDATION is committed to raising funds and building safe outdoor play spaces focused on rural areas, urban areas and military installations.
THE YANA NATION FOUNDATION is a duly formed 501(c)3 corporation committed to the idea that the phrase GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY should include ALL children and our mission is to make sure that all children with disabilities has a safe outdoor play space to enjoy. Our voice is a voice of inclusion, a voice that will educate, advocate, elevate and celebrate the disability community.
When you hear the phrase GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY, what visions of your childhood are conjured up, what fond memories reach up and tap you on the shoulder.
According to the National Parks and Recreation Association nearly 9 in 10 Americans say communities should offer all inclusive play options at playgrounds across the country. This includes playground equipment that is suitable for children of all physical and cognitive abilities.
The Solution: Phibo Buddies
Enter Phibo Buddies — soft, comforting sensory tools designed exclusively for individuals with disabilities. These plush companions feature a calming chew ring and are instantly recognizable by trained first responders.
Carrying a Phibo Buddy signals that a child or adult may be non-verbal, neurodiverse, or in need of special care during a crisis — ensuring faster, safer, and more informed response.
Community Impact
- Distributed through libraries, schools, and public programs
- Proceeds help fund inclusive playgrounds
- Designed to protect, identify, and empower people with disabilities in emergencies
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What Our Clients Say About Our Services.
Emma Markson
Amy Adams
Alice Bohm
