“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Colin said. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes—that all goes away. So, you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.”
To that end, the 48-year-old has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, an organization that aims to transform “the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy and innovative programs.”
Colin said that for years he’s wanted “to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs to receive the support that they deserve” and “basically the assistance in all areas of life.”
Now that James is close to 21, it feels like the time is right. And Colin is positive that if James was able to communicate with him, he would be 100 percent on board with his father’s decision.
“If us doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer,'” Colin noted. “So, that’s why we’re doing it. This is all because of James—it’s all in his honor.”
“I want the world to be kind to James,” he said. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”