Cheryl DesRoches of Shediac is the proud mother of twins, Ryan and Brandon, 28. She shared her story at an event we held in Moncton on March 20, 2025.

Being a single mother to twin boys was already a challenge. But when Ryan was diagnosed with a developmental disability at the age of three and later with autism at ten, my world changed. It wasn’t just about raising two boys—it became a battle to ensure Ryan had the same opportunities as everyone else.

I still remember the countless medical appointments and school meetings. One day, I received calls from his daycare, the school bus, and his school—all telling me that Ryan was no longer welcome until we “did something.” This was before his autism diagnosis. I had to take four months off work to figure out how to help him while juggling my other son’s hockey games, school, and daily life.

Then, I found Inclusion NB. Reaching out to them was one of the best decisions I ever made. They didn’t just give me information—they gave me hope. They became a guiding light during one of the most critical transitions in Ryan’s life: his path to adulthood.

For any parent of a child with disabilities, the biggest fear is, “What happens when they grow up?” The options are limited, and that uncertainty can be terrifying. But Inclusion NB helped us navigate that journey, especially through PATH training, which gave Ryan the tools and support to attend college and, most remarkably, to live independently.

Today, Ryan has his own apartment.

That’s a sentence I never imagined I’d be able to say. When I found the apartment, I thought it would take years for him to adapt. My plan was to take baby steps—spend time there together, show him how to live independently, and ease him into the transition.

But Ryan had other plans.

The first time I took him to see the apartment, I told him to bring snacks because I figured we’d start by spending short visits there. Up until that point, Ryan had never spent a night alone—ever. But that first night, he looked at me and said, “Mom, can I stay here alone?”

I panicked. I told him he didn’t even have a bed or furniture yet! But he just shrugged and said, “I don’t care, Mom. Just get me a blanket and a pillow. I’ll be fine.”

My heart was in knots, but I was only five minutes away, and he had a phone. The next morning, I called him immediately. His response? “Mom, I’m not coming back home. I love it. I’ll figure it out.”

That was seven years ago, and he’s been living on his own ever since.

Thanks to Inclusion NB, he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving. They walked us through every form, every process, and most importantly, they never left our side. Even now, they continue to check in, making sure both Ryan and I have the support we need.

Ryan’s story is proof of what’s possible when people believe in inclusion.

Without Inclusion NB, Ryan wouldn’t be where he is today—independent, employed, and living a life full of possibilities.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who supports Inclusion NB. Your kindness, dedication, and work change lives.

And Ryan is living proof of that.