Organization to hold town hall meeting for those with disabilities, questions

Lakisha Smith says life has been a roller coaster ride since the birth of her son Ty Baker 12 years ago.

For sure, it has been a struggle.

Ty was born at 24 weeks and weighed only 1 pound, 3.5 ounces.

He has spastic quadriplegia, the most severe and disabling form of cerebral palsy. He also has a profound hearing and vision loss.

He has spent much of his life in hospitals and travels to Atlanta for special medical treatment.

A single mom, Smith said meeting Ty's needs has led to her being let go from two jobs.

While the Columbus woman deals with the present, she is concerned about the future. Smith knows a lot of people who have developmental disabilities and their loved ones feel the same.

"People have a lot of questions," she said.

Tonight from 6-8 at Christ Community Church on Milgen Road, people can get some answers.

All About Developmental Disabilities is a Georgia nonprofit organization dedicated to providing family support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Along with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the organization is holding a free "Conversations That Matter" town hall meeting.

Smith is a graduate of AADD's partner in policy advocacy training initiative and helped organize the event.

Tools and tips for life planning will be discussed, as well as trends in housing, employment, community engagement and funding. Issues concerning employment and day-service programs will be addressed, as will ways to network with other advocates in the community.

"I think people will benefit a lot from what they hear. I want to do whatever I can to give Ty a better life and also help other families," Smith said.

Registration is requested but not required. To find out more go to www.AADD.org.

When it comes to employment, Smith said there must be more advocacy for people with dis

abilities.

"Employers must know a disability is not always a liability," Smith said.

Smith has a degree in business management and is working toward a master's in public administration. She works part time for the Muscogee County School District as a parent mentor assisting parents of special needs children.

Smith said parents feel more comfortable dealing with someone in a similar situation. She knows she does.

Ty attends Rigdon Road Elementary School two days a week, a school bus transporting him and his wheelchair. Besides private nurses, Ty's grandmother aids in his care. "Transportation has become a problem. Ty is now bigger and stronger, and I don't have a van. I have back issues," she said.

Because of chronic lung problems, Ty sleeps with oxygen near his bed.

"I get little or no sleep," Smith said.

Through it all, she said Ty has always had good spirits. "He always has a smile on his face."

This story was originally published October 26, 2015 at 10:43 PM with the headline "Organization to hold town hall meeting for those with disabilities, questions."