Earlier this week, John and I spent an evening with the Special Needs Parents group here on Long Island. We were invited to share our story, but what stayed with us most was the chance to listen.

Parents talked about raising children with differing abilities, the joy, the pride, the laughter, and the challenges that come with advocating every single day. They spoke about the progress that has been made in healthcare and education, and how hard their children have worked to grow, learn, and thrive.

And then the conversation turned to a moment many families know too well.

Age 21.

The 21-Year-Old Cliff

Up until that point, the support system is right there in front of you: schools, services, teams of people helping to support young adults with differing abilities. It’s not perfect, but it exists.

Then school ends.

And for too many families, so does the support.

This sudden drop-off is often called the 21-year-old cliff. It’s the moment when a young person ages out of the school-based system, and families are left to navigate adulthood in a world that offers far fewer coordinated services and opportunities.

Parents find themselves asking hard questions:
What comes next?
Where are the jobs?
How will my child find purpose, independence, and community?

Too often, the answers are unclear—or unavailable.

Three Challenges We Can’t Ignore

Through our own experience, and through conversations like this one, we’ve come to believe that the challenges facing adults with differing abilities come down to three connected areas:

Jobs.
Meaningful work matters. It provides dignity, purpose, income, and connection. Yet too many capable people are excluded from employment, not because they can’t work, but because doors remain closed.

Housing.
Safe, affordable, and supportive housing options are limited. Independence is treated as an exception instead of an expectation.

Community.
Belonging doesn’t come from services alone. It comes from relationships, contribution, and being part of something bigger. Too many adults lose that sense of community once school ends.

If we want real inclusion, we have to address all three.

Why We Started John’s Crazy Socks

John’s Crazy Socks exists because we faced that cliff ourselves.

As John was finishing school, he wanted what everyone wants: a job, a sense of purpose, and a chance to contribute. We looked around, and the opportunities just weren’t there. One night, John said, “Dad, I want to go into business with you.”

That simple idea became John’s Crazy Socks.

We didn’t start with a business plan. We started with a belief: focus on what people can do. Build a place where work matters and people belong. Create something joyful and real.

Today, more than half of our colleagues have differing abilities. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when people are given opportunity instead of limits. Work changes lives—not just for the person doing the job, but for families, teams, and communities.

Sharing What We’ve Learned

During our conversation with parents, we talked about employment, entrepreneurship, and practical strategies for finding or creating work. We answered questions about starting a business, identifying strengths, and exploring options beyond traditional paths.

There is no single right answer. Every person’s journey is different. But opportunity should never end just because school does.

We were humbled by the response that evening.

“What an inspiring story.”
“Love this.”
“Hearing how our children can have employment opportunities while learning life skills and developing friendships too.”

Those words mean a lot—but what matters more is the shared commitment to keep pushing forward.

Our Mission Continues

At John’s Crazy Socks, our mission has always been simple: Spread Happiness and show what people with differing abilities can do.

That mission doesn’t stop at socks. It’s about work with dignity. It’s about belonging. It’s about making sure that when school ends, opportunity doesn’t.

If you’re a parent standing at the edge of that 21-year-old cliff, know this: you’re not alone. Better paths are possible. And when we believe in people and invest in their abilities, amazing things happen.