Imagine having autism or some other type of disability and feeling the stigma of being different. Imagine going to a camp full of enthusiastic volunteers who greet you like family, carry your baggage to your cottage, make your bed, teach you about life, and bring fun while your parents attend sessions on the educational, legal, psychological, and social issues which come with disabilities. Imagine making friends with others who understand what you go through. Imagine singing karaoke if you have never performed in front of people in your life!

The Full Life Ahead Foundation recently held such a retreat at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin for families who have children with disabilities. Among the speakers were attorneys Jack Carney and Melanie Bradford and psychologist Bob Babcock.