CLEVELAND — In the 1970s, the U.S. took a positive step forward in helping people with developmental disabilities by mandating that all children, regardless of ability, be accepted into public schools.
Fifty years later, schools across the country have developed robust programs to support students with developmental disabilities. But, when those students age out of secondary school, parents are left wondering what’s next?
“I worked with students who were between the ages of six and 12, and even at that point, we were having the conversation of, what does life look like post-high school?” said Megan Howie, the community living director at Hudson Community Living. “What is the options for leaving our house? What is going to happen when I can no longer care for my child?”…