Community Leader with Asperger Syndrome Wins Local Election
When BAYADA Habilitation Director Shaun Sullivan learned that client Kirk H., who has Asperger syndrome, had announced his candidacy for a seat on the Board of Education of Lincoln County, North Carolina in 2016, he was pleased and supportive, but certainly not surprised. After all, Kirk, 52, has never let his diagnosis hold him back. In fact, he draws strength from it.
“I decided to run so that I could be a voice for children with special needs,” said Kirk. “I went through the school system as a student with special needs, so I can relate to them.”
During his campaign, Kirk openly shared his Asperger syndrome diagnosis with prospective voters, an acknowledgement that overwhelmingly yielded positive responses. “People told me they were proud,” he said.
Indeed, that pride carried Kirk through the election and across the finish line, where he emerged victorious. Since then, he has made goals like addressing parent concerns about the Individualized Education Program (IEP), a federally mandated, legally binding document created by schools to address the unique learning issues and education goals of students with special needs. Kirk has also helped the district hire more early childhood teachers to ensure the special needs student-to-teacher ratio provides students with the attention they deserve.
“Kirk is intelligent, personable, and a really cool guy,” said Shaun. “He is involved in so many things, he knows everybody, and everybody knows him. It’s no surprise that he won the election.”
Living independently at home and in his community
As a volunteer photographer for the Lincoln Herald newspaper, Kirk has become a familiar face at local sporting events, fairs, festivals, parades, and concerts. A gifted musician, Kirk also plays the organ for his church, acts in local theater, and sings with the downtown carolers.
“He is so compassionate; he cares about everybody. He doesn’t see anything negative in anyone,” said Habilitation Technician Mandy Owensby, who works with Kirk (photographed with Kirk above). “I wake up happy to go to work because I enjoy Kirk so much. He brightens my days. I’ve never seen him in a bad mood. He is a very special person to me.”
Asperger syndrome is considered to be on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. Affected people can have difficulty with social interactions and exhibit repetitive behaviors. Motor development may be delayed, leading to clumsiness or uncoordinated motor movements. However, those with Asperger syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development.
Thanks to Mandy’s care, Kirk is able to live independently in his own apartment. She helps him with grooming and dressing and with individual skills-building to learn routine tasks such as taking out the trash, caring for his eyeglasses, and showering according to schedule. Kirk also struggles with hoarding, so Mandy is on hand to ensure there are no fire or safety hazards in the apartment.
“Kirk has a sensory disorder and can’t taste when food has gone bad,” shared Mandy. “He has gotten food poisoning in the past, so I help him prepare meals and throw away food that has spoiled.”
Mandy’s support also carried over to the campaign. She handed out flyers, accompanied him to events, and inspired everyone she knew to consider voting for him. “The day of the election, Kirk texted me each time a precinct sent in their numbers,” she said. “When he found out he won, he was so happy that he cried. A few days later we went to the Veteran’s Day Parade, and nothing warms your heart more than to see every car stop, with drivers congratulating him.”
An inspiration for people with special needs
When asked what advice he would give to parents of a child on the autism spectrum, Kirk shared, “I would tell a mom or dad that their child can overcome things…because I did. I credit God, my parents, and my sister. I have a great family and great friends, and people like Mandy who help me succeed.”
Kirk’s work on the school board isn’t done yet. He continues to set goals for himself, so he can make a positive difference in the lives of the students in Lincoln County, North Carolina. His next move? Kirk plans to campaign again for a seat on the Lincoln County, North Carolina Board of Education in 2020.
Habilitation services helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safely at home and participate in their communities with comfort, independence, and dignity. BAYADA offers habilitation services to clients in PA, NC, and Hawaii. Click the link above to learn more about these services.
