My son turned 15 years old in January. Along with the concerns/crisis that we go through each and every day, I am always wondering about the future. What will happen to him? What will he do, where will he live, how will he spend his time, etc.

Time seems to creep by, and now adulthood is just around the corner……

Recently, I was lucky enough to attend the “Successful School Transition” training in Lake City. This training focused on the very fulfilling and successful lives of some young adults/teens with developmental disabilities.

With the help of Community Living Supports and the focus on self-determination, these young adults have very rewarding and exciting lives!!  I had not even heard of self-determination. I honestly believed my son would spend his life working in a sheltered workshop or something similar.

Instead, self-determination helps us to “think outside the box” when it comes to making $. The “jobs” these people had ranged from shredding paper to talk show host. I was thrilled!  My son is an avid fisherman and absolutely loves to collect worms. I immediately envisioned him with his own “worm business.” Granted, these incomes are not making these people millionaires; however, they are helping them to create a supplemental income and promoting self-confidence, etc.

I walked away from that conference without so much concern/dread/hopelessness over my son’s future.  I have learned that he may live a very fulfilling life doing what he likes to do with support.

It has changed my way of thinking and I am so glad I attended.

Signed,
A parent of 15-year-old son with serious emotional problems and disabilities