In November, Adam Howland turned 50 — the same age as modern special education in the United States.

Born just before Congress passed the landmark Education for All Handicapped Children Act, Adam’s life has grown alongside the evolution of special education services.

Adam lives in a Dartmouth apartment with longtime roommate Michael Wnek. Both men have Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities, and are supported around the clock by three shifts of residential and community staff through the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative, which is headquartered in town.

“More than 50 years ago, before special education, the only option for someone with Adam's needs would likely have been institutionalization,” said SMEC Executive Director Catherine Cooper. “Today, with SMEC’s resident support services, we have the ability to assist Adam with all his individual living skills, allowing him to live out on his own as an adult in his 50s.”

That support includes help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, employment, social outings and a daily program that Adam attends.

Sitting beside his older sister Heather Hooley during a recent interview at SMEC, Adam appeared calm and engaged. He curled his fingers into tight puppets — a habit he’s had since childhood. Born with Down syndrome, he was later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is legally blind. He communicates using tone, gestures, and expressive body language.

“He lets you know what he’s thinking,” said Hooley. “He’ll wind up like he’s throwing a javelin. Or you’ll see the joy on his face.”

While his family plays a central role in his life, the services Adam has received from SMEC for more than 35 years have been key to his independence. Until age 15, Adam attended New Bedford Public Schools, educated in a resource room-style classroom. 

His late mother, Elaine Howland, a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, was a passionate advocate for inclusive education, who pushed for classroom integration and formed a support group for parents of children with similar diagnoses.

“She saw the struggles of kids who were in similar situations to Adam,” said Hooley. “And she always said, ‘That’s not going to be Adam’s life.’”

Before federal protections like those introduced in 1975, special education was often reserved for families who could afford private support, while others faced limited, institutional options. 

Programs like SMEC helped change that landscape in southeastern Massachusetts.

The collaborative’s mission is to provide high-quality services not just to children but also to adults. Though Adam aged out of public school services at 22, he still receives support through SMEC’s Supporting Adults for Inclusive Living and Adult Day Health programs. 

He is one of about 150 individuals participating in the adult programs, with SMEC supporting roughly 750 people annually.

“For clients like Adam and his roommate Michael, later in life, we’re not focusing as much on their academics,” said Cooper. “We’re focusing more on their quality of life.”

Through the SAIL program, Adam receives help with daily tasks such as preparing meals, shaving and showering. His weekday day program includes arts and crafts, fitness classes and trips into the community. SMEC also supports employment and teaches skills like money management and social interaction.

Prior to retirement, Adam held jobs at Silverstein’s Clothing Store in New Bedford and A. Walecka & Son Movers in West Wareham — both employment opportunities made possible with SMEC’s guidance and training.

As a member of the Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives, SMEC is part of a statewide network that supports students and adults with disabilities through individualized services.

“Educational collaboratives are deeply rooted in their communities and are uniquely positioned to support individuals, some even throughout their entire lifespan,” said MOEC Executive Director Joanne Haley Sullivan. “Stories like Adam’s are a powerful reminder of why we do this work — to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.”

In addition to SMEC, four other collaboratives across Massachusetts provide post-22 services: Valley Collaborative in North Billerica, Shore Educational Collaborative in Chelsea, CREST Collaborative in Andover, and LABBB Collaborative in Burlington.

Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has risen dramatically — from just 9 years in 1900 to about 60 today, according to the Adult Down Syndrome Center. That increased lifespan underscores the importance of lifelong support services.

Adam fills his days with joy and routine. He plays vintage games like Centipede and Galaga, reads phonebooks, flips through old Sears catalogues and sings in church. He loves to dance, laugh and eat cookies and chips.

On Sundays, his father picks him up for church. They drive around in a pickup truck, eat grilled cheese, watch westerns and visit Heather for dinner. Those who love Adam emphasize giving him choices — whether it’s cereal or ice cream — helping him grow in independence.

“He didn’t fit one mold,” said Hooley. “He needed an approach that was outside the cookie-cutter, outside the box. He found that here. SMEC has helped Adam live the life that our mother always wanted for him.”