The Harsh Reality When Kids With Disabilities Become Adults | Jaimie Valentini

When children with intellectual or developmental disabilities become adults, many families face a difficult reality: the school-based services, daily routines, and social connections they depended on can come to an end. What happens next, and who helps families navigate it? In this episode of Behind the Fox, Josh and Katie sit down with Jaimie Valentini, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Lights Project in St. Charles, Illinois, to explore what happens when young adults with disabilities age out of school services. Jaimie explains the challenges families face, from isolation and the loss of support networks to the growing responsibilities placed on parents and caregivers. She also shares how Rising Lights creates opportunities for adults with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendships, community outings, wellness activities, and plans for vocational-skills programming. These challenges do not disappear at graduation. Share this episode to help more people understand what families face and why adults with disabilities deserve meaningful opportunities to connect, grow, and belong. KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00:00 — Introduction Josh and Katie introduce Jaimie Valentini and Rising Lights Project, a nonprofit supporting families impacted by disability. 00:04:26 — What Happens When School Support Ends? Jaimie explains how aging out of school can leave adults with disabilities without the structure, friendships, and services they previously relied on. 00:06:40 — Support Between Ages 18 and 22 Jaimie discusses transition programs and educational opportunities available through the school year in which eligible students turn 22. 00:08:24 — Why Adult Friendships Matter Jaimie explains why maintaining friendships can be difficult and why meaningful, age-appropriate social opportunities matter. 00:09:27 — Creating Opportunities Beyond School Jaimie describes Rising Lights' daytime programs and Social Club activities that help adults connect with their community. 00:12:22 — The Impact on Adults and Caregivers Jaimie explains how losing school routines, friendships, therapists, and caregiver respite can affect the entire family. 00:15:35 — Why Parents Need Support Too Jaimie discusses caregiver isolation and how Rising Moms helps mothers connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. 00:20:37 — The Challenge of Building a Support System Jaimie shares the difficulties of recruiting volunteers, securing financial support, and building a team to meet participants' needs. 00:30:51 — Demand Is Greater Than Available Space Jaimie explains how program waitlists reveal unmet needs among local adults with disabilities. 00:37:22 — How Many Adults Does Rising Lights Serve? Jaimie shares the organization's growth from seven participants in its first year to 117 adults involved in monthly programming. 00:44:33 — Learning Where to Focus Jaimie reflects on an unsuccessful program for younger children and how it helped clarify the organization's focus on adults and caregivers. 00:48:38 — What a Week at Rising Lights Looks Like Jaimie walks through community outings, wellness activities, gardening, and plans to introduce vocational-skills programming. 00:59:41 — Misconceptions About Adults With Disabilities Jaimie discusses how limited awareness can leave adults with disabilities overlooked and why community education matters. 01:03:21 — The Limits of Government Support Jaimie discusses how financial assistance, employment-related benefit concerns, and program costs can create challenges for families. 01:04:49 — The Moments That Make the Work Worthwhile Jaimie reflects on seeing adults thrive, building a capable team, and witnessing the community's generosity. CONNECT WITH JAIMIE VALENTINI & RISING LIGHTS PROJECT 🌐 Website: https://www.risinglightsproject.org/ 🔗 Jaimie Valentini LinkedIn:   / jaimie-valentini-a143a3223   🔗 Rising Lights Project LinkedIn:   / rising-lights-project   BEHIND THE FOX Behind the Fox is brought to you by Feagans Law Group, personal injury attorneys serving Geneva IL, St. Charles IL, Batavia, and Kane County, Illinois. If you have been hurt in an accident and do not know where to start, we will give you honest answers. No pressure. No obligation. 📞 630-JUSTICE 🌐 feaganslawgroup.com Feagans Law Group handles negligence cases including car accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Contact us to learn about your legal rights and options. #FoxValleyIllinois #StCharlesIllinois #GenevaIllinois #BataviaIllinois #KaneCountyIllinois #DisabilityInclusion