As my son edges closer to the finish of his public school experience, I am getting a better picture of our lives after graduation. I spent twenty years dealing with the issues right in front of me — advocacy for better reading programs and organizing social activities — and I find myself struggling to understand my future life. 

Parenting a special needs kid was a lot of work, sure, but he was gone most of the day. I could balance those responsibilities with a writing job. I wasn’t steering his ship, and I could lodge complaints when things were going well. 

After several months of research, I’ve come to accept that there are few programs or organizations that fully support people with mid-level abilities. In June, I’ll be the Captain of the Ian Cruise.

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