The recent article by WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, ” ‘Disability cliff’ awaits many young adults after high school,” poignantly highlights a crisis that too often goes unnoticed: the systemic abandonment of young adults with disabilities as they age out of the education system. For families like mine, this issue is deeply personal.
My own experience as a parent of an individual with developmental disabilities has shown me firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with this transition. While schools provide structured programs and critical supports, young adults suddenly find themselves falling off a “cliff” once these services abruptly end at age 22. Families are left scrambling to find resources, while young people, eager to contribute to society, are sidelined due to a lack of opportunities and assistance.
This is unacceptable. Young adults with disabilities deserve a clear path to independence, employment, and inclusion in their communities. Instead, they face overwhelming barriers — long waitlists for services, a scarcity of vocational programs and insufficient funding for housing and caregiving. These obstacles not only limit their potential but also place an enormous strain on families.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Illinois, and the nation at large, must prioritize long-term investment in services for individuals with disabilities. We need better-funded day programs, expanded employment training and workplace inclusion initiatives that empower people with disabilities to build fulfilling lives. Policies must also address housing shortages and caregiving support to ease the burden on families.
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We have the tools to change this trajectory. The Americans with Disabilities Act laid the groundwork for equality and inclusion, but our systems have failed to extend that promise to adulthood. It is time to fulfill our obligation to every individual with a disability by ensuring lifelong support, dignity and opportunity.
I urge policymakers to take bold steps to address this crisis and prevent any young person with disabilities from being left behind. As a society, we are stronger when we embrace the talents and potential of all our members. Let’s build a future where the “cliff” becomes a bridge to independence and inclusion for every young adult with a disability.
Charlie Reilly, Palos Park
Immigrants have always helped make America great
In an edition of the Sun-Times this week, there were two stories about immigrants. The first was about the arrest operations of “criminal” immigrants, and the second was about an immigrant World War II fighter pilot hero. These are two sides of the same coin.
Everyone needs to understand that immigration itself is not the problem. The problem is that it is not a fair and equitable system. The system must not be based on misconceptions, prejudice or financial reasons. It must reflect the best traditions that have made the United States a world leader. As the last line of the Pledge of Allegiance says, “With liberty and justice for all.” There is no simple solution, but it must be a just one if the U.S. is to continue to grow, prosper and lead.
Charles Carlson, Belmont Cragin
All about the money with Trump
President Donald Trump wants Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal. If anyone is wondering why Trump is after these, the answer is simple. It is all about the money. Greenland has precious minerals, the Panama Canal is a major shipping way and, while America is net exporter of oil, 52% of the oil we do import comes from Canada.
If Trump imposes tariffs on Canada, what happens to the price of gasoline? I still remember the woman who voted for Trump because the price of eggs was too high. His voters deserve everything they are getting in the next four years.
Regina Gomory, Crystal Lake
Unfit for a king
Now I get it. Donald Trump has always wanted to be president, so he can be on TV any time he wants. But I don’t understand why he’s not wearing his crown. Is it too heavy?
Lauretta Hart, West Ridge