For Parents of Children with Special Needs, an Opportunity for a Night Out

VIENNA, Va. -- You can hear the tired in Jan Butters's voice.
Until several weeks ago, she'd never spent a night away from her son, who has cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
If he wants a toy, she has to put it in his hand. If he wants to watch a movie (he loves "Mary Poppins" and watches it relentlessly), she has to set it up for him. She feeds him, diapers him and exercises his limbs and shifts his teenage body numerous times each day.
This has been her life for 15 years.
"Basically, you're doing everything for him," said Butters, 50, who can't just call a sitter and catch a movie with her husband.
That kind of a date night would run about $600 for the couple, given the specialized care that their son, Rolfie, needs.