“Disabilities Issues and Answers”
with Greg Kirk

This show is about people with developmental disabilities and the issues that affect their lives. I am Greg Kirk your host and I want to tackle the issues of today that affect the abilities of people with developmental disabilities to function in society just as the average citizen.

There are a few things you need to know about me and my philosophy on people with Developmental Disabilities.

People diagnosed with these disorders are first and foremost people. Therefore, in many ways they are just like you and me. They have hopes, dreams and goals in life that they would like to accomplish but they need a little more support in accomplishing them.

Developmental disabilities are disorders that occur before the age of 18 and affect the developmental process in a persons’ life. I.e. Autism, Down syndrome, Mental Retardation, etc.

People with Developmental Disabilities are historically the most abused, neglected and extorted population in society and that continues even today.

Parents of children diagnosed with a developmental disorder usually have to plan for the entire life span of their children. Typically, a parent worries about educating their child, sending them to college and waiting for their wedding day, followed by grand children. Parents of children with a developmental diagnosis may be working on daily living skills with their adult children in their forties, fifties and even older.

I have worked in the field of Developmental disorders for over fifteen years. I have worn a lot of hats. I’ve been a Case-manager, Behavioral Specialist, Director and advocate. My company once provided case-management for 3200 people in the State of Georgia.

I recently released a book entitled “My Place, Residential Site Reviews” This book was written for parents, loved ones and advocates to perform Quality Assurance reviews in homes for people with Developmental Disabilities. It can also be used by families to assess the services of potential providers for their loved one with a diagnosis.

I am currently working on a book about parenting with an emphasis on parenting children with Developmental Disabilities. This book should be ready for release in January 2009.