For people with developmental disabilities, turning 22 can feel like 'falling off a cliff'

Being in your early 20s can be an exciting time. For thousands of young people with developmental disabilities, however, the early 20s can feel more like "falling off of a cliff," as many families describe it.

When a young adult with a developmental disability in Massachusetts turns 22, they transition out of the special education programs they’re entitled to by their school district and into programs run by the state. Those programs aren't guaranteed and many have long wait lists. The consequences of not being in a program, or the right program, can be devastating for families.

WBUR's Radio Boston spoke to Janet Fennelly, whose son, Coleman, has a developmental disability. She described the difficulty navigating services in Massachusetts. We also spoke to Sarah Peterson, whose serves as the acting commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services.