It's an inevitable part of life that kids will grow up and take flight, as Traci Downey knows better than most. A mother of five, she has watched her first two children graduate from college and begin new chapters in their lives. And as Traci also knows, this natural progression can sometimes be a bit more difficult for some young adults ... requiring not only parental support, but also the support of the surrounding community.
 
Traci's 18-year-old son, Thomas, has cerebral palsy and cognitive disabilities, including autism. While Thomas will be in school until he turns 21, Traci and her husband, Dennis, are already planning for his future. After graduation, Thomas will be faced with the same life decisions that his peers confront, like finding a job and home. But in Thomas's case, the decisions are a little more complicated.
 
"After school, we'll have to create things he can do and [find] places he can go that make him happy," Traci says. "It's our biggest challenge."
 
That said, Traci is not afraid to pursue dreams that are as big as the challenge before them. She is investigating job possibilities that may work for Thomas's abilities, and she envisions a community living situation in Lancaster where people with disabilities can find stability and support by living alongside people who can provide assistance. She explains that this family-like housing arrangement - modeled after an international community concept called L'Arche - has already found success across the globe. It addresses the essential need that most of us have for a sense of home, security and togetherness.
 
"Thomas exposed us to the need for community," Traci explains. "We would like to see him integrated more. We're not reinventing this idea. It happens and it works."
 
Traci advocates for people with disabilities through her church and by personally reaching out to local congressional representatives and Mental Health/Mental Retardation program administrators. On this day, she has a meeting with state Sen. Lloyd Smucker to discuss the proposed slashing of funds for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania's Senate Bill 850. (Although Sen. Smucker was ill, she did meet with his Chief of Staff.) While this budget proposal is no longer on the table, having been voted down by the House Appropriations Committee, she still fears that cuts in services are looming. For people like Thomas, lack of services will make taking the next step in life all that more challenging. 
 
"A little bit of support in the long run is fiscally responsible and part of what society should do," Traci emphasizes when speaking of the budget. After all, she continues, disability is universal.
 
"We live in a society that denies the vulnerability that comes with the life process. Eventually, disability comes to us all."
 
 
Family: Husband Dennis, married 25 years; Bernie, 24, Maggie, 22, Kara, 20, Thomas, 18, and Anna, 14.
 
Employment: I'm volunteering in a deaf/hard-of-hearing preschool program two mornings a week, and slowly learning sign language. Just recently, I became part of a Disabilities Advocacy program within the Diocese of Harrisburg.  It's a privilege to do "just a little something" with individuals who work so diligently to make a difference in our community.
 
Advice for parents planning the future for children with disabilities: Seek out the best you can for your son or daughter. Don't be afraid to create something that's not already out there. Keep looking and asking.

How I met my husband: At Millersville University. He was my history professor. But we obeyed the rules and waited to date until after I graduated. I knew right away [he was the one]. I fell in love with his mind as well as him.
 
Our favorite family activity: The yearly reunion in Chicago.  Lots of cousins and wild Downey fun.
 
My family's favorite meal: My Christmas Eve beef stew. 
 
Books currently on my nightstand: A biography of Andrew Wyeth and "War Against the Weak ... Eugenics and America's Campaign to Create a Master Race," by Edwin Black. It's a part of our history that should inform our present policies. 
 
Biggest pet peeve: Attitudes and policies that hurt people with disabilities.
 
Music of choice: Eclectic. Right now the new Diana Krall CD, "Quiet Nights" ... maybe that's a subliminal wish!
 
My favorite TV show: When I can stay awake, "Frontline." And I love reruns of "Frasier." It's the best when I need a laugh! 
 
My favorite place in Lancaster County is: The city.
 
Exercise of choice: The treadmill and yoga. 
 
What people may not know about me: I'm an introvert.
 
My best shortcut: For dinner, Costco's spinach ravioli and a Parisian salad.
 
How I indulge: An 8-ounce latte with a double shot of espresso. (It has to be from Coffee Company, or it's not worth it.)
 
I'm passionate about: My husband, Dennis. He is, along with our children, a dream come true. 
 
I always tell my kids: That I love them.
 
Toughest part of being a mom: Not enough sleep.
 
My ideal weekend is: Sunny days at the ocean with a comfortable