ETTA—All grown up at 22

For many years, most of the special needs programs around Los Angeles have focused on children’s issues, and often stopped providing services when kids “aged out” of the special education system at age 22. But all children, with a little luck, grow up to be adults. This year ETTA, is celebrating its 22nd birthday, and like the young adults with developmental disabilities it serves, the nonprofit has grown up, and is now moving squarely into a leadership role in providing services for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Los Angeles County

Although it originated in the Jewish Orthodox community, ETTA has since branched out and is now serving the wider community, filling in the housing and day program/job placement gaps for adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. The theme of their inspiring gala this week, held at The Beverly Wilshire, was “Be Part of What Happens Next” and that’s exactly what parents of young adult children with special needs want to know too.

As our own son turns 21 (!) next week, this question of what will happen next becomes an increasingly urgent one. What will he do after high school? How long will he continue to live at home? Who else will be able to look out for his safety and overall care in the same way we have? Will he be included in the community?

As an affiliate of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services headquartered in New York, ETTA is looking to expand its supported living programs, along with its four existing group homes, and is also adding a new Transitions Program: Navigating a Pathway to Independence which will provide individualized solutions for young adults. In 2016, ETTA is also adding an Adult Day Program in the Conejo Valley while continuing to operate the current Isak Boruchin Adult Day Program in the City. There are also plans to create a Center-based Adult Day Program in 2016, sponsored by Looking Beyond.

These new and expanded programs are warmly welcomed to fill the huge void in young adult services and programs because our kids with special needs will be adults a lot longer than they will be children.