Being a single mother of children with disabilities and having disabilities herself creates many other challenges.

"I feel limited as to what I can do with them," Sherri said tearfully. "I'd love to be able to take a walk down the road with them, but I can't do things like normal parents can do. I don't feel safe without being able to hear or see."

Nighttime is also difficult.

"I wouldn't be able to hear Jeremy when we are sleeping because I take my hearing aids out. If I wake up during the night, I do feel better because I can check on him, and I sleep better the rest of the night."

Over the years, many people have entered Jeremy's life, but one of the most influential has been his Sunmount Developmental Disability Services Office case manager, Cathy Downs.

"She taught me a lot about how to advocate for Jeremy," Sherri fondly remembered. "She's been the difference between Jeremy not receiving services and getting everything that he needs to help him get to where he is now."

She also spoke highly of Jeremy's CVES teacher, Carol Burleigh.

"She is a wonderful teacher, and she was great with Jeremy, and very supportive of the both of us."

Proud of his accomplishments, Sherri believes that Jeremy can still broaden his horizons.

"The Path Center gives Jeremy the opportunity to get out five days a week. He comes here, and they do all kinds of activities. We have him set up to go with a group in the community that offers their volunteer skills, like shredding paper."

Sherri sometimes finds herself frustrated -- not with her two sons but with people who don't understand what she goes through.

"I can't take the ignorance of people around me."

She urged parents of disabled children to get involved in early development and early education.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid to say if a doctor is wrong."

She added with a smile, "As a mother, you know better than anybody else what is going on with your child."