Harvesting Hope

Fall is a season of change, leaves turning, cooler air arriving, and new possibilities unfolding. This season reminded me of the changes our children with disabilities and special healthcare needs face as they grow toward adulthood. In September, I had the privilege of attending ECAC’s (Exceptional Children's Assistance Center) first conference, focused on transition to adulthood, titled "When the Bus Stops Coming: Preparing Youth with Disabilities and Their Caregivers for the Road Ahead.

 

I’ll be honest, this subject has always felt overwhelming to me. As a mom of a daughter with disabilities and special healthcare needs, I often wonder: What opportunities will be out there for her? How will the world treat her? How can I prepare her for what’s ahead? Like many of you, I’m navigating this path as both a parent and an advocate.

 

The conference opened my eyes to so many resources right here in North Carolina:

The sessions were rich and varied, encompassing everything from rethinking guardianship and exploring less restrictive alternatives to self-advocacy and confidence-building. The best part? This conference was designed for youth to attend alongside their caregivers or independently in the workshops. I saw so many high school students learning and dreaming right beside their families.

The keynote speaker, Michael Wayne O’Neill, was truly inspiring. Michael, who has autism, is a 2023 graduate of Wingate University and now works as a reporter at The Enquirer-Journal in Monroe, NC. His journey from finding his voice as a child to pursuing a dream career in sports broadcasting reminded me that while not everyone’s path will look the same, every person has a story worth telling and a future worth building.

I walked away with new hope, new tools, and new confidence, not just for my own daughter (who is currently in 10th grade!) but for the families we serve here at FSNCC.

Here are a few resources that may be helpful to you, too:

If you’d like to ask questions about what I learned or just want to “pick my brain,” please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m not an expert, but like you, I’m walking this journey of love, advocacy, and discovery one step at a time.