About

Across the U.S., families of students with special needs face a daunting challenge known as the “special education cliff,” a term that describes the abrupt termination of educational and social services when these students age out of the public school system at 22. This transition often leaves young adults without meaningful support and parents scrambling to secure services that are fragmented, underfunded, or altogether unavailable.

The Social Chase “Free to Be Me” program directly addresses this service gap by offering neurodivergent late teens to young adults a structured calendar of inclusive educational and social experiences. This initiative not only fosters continued skill development and personal growth, but also builds a support system for families that otherwise may be left behind.
Through a diverse range of activities—from virtual Facebook communication and online bingo (bi-weekly) to local outings like paint classes and movie nights, and larger excursions such as NYC bus trips and overnight retreats—our program is designed to:
Promote independence and interpersonal skills
Foster emotional and social wellness
Help participants maintain community integration
Empower families through connection and shared resources