Stricken with spastic cerebral palsy since he was born, the diagnosis for Adrian Starks to continue a meaningful life was dire.  At birth, Adrian stopped breathing three times before being revived.  His body has constant, involuntary movements known as Choreoathetosis.  Failing to develop normally, and completely locked up by his disability, Adrian was once considered profoundly retarded. 

Another setback for Adrian came at the age of six when his mother, a custodian for the Memphis City Schools, died of a massive heart attack.  Six months later, his father, a roofer, passed away.  Despite the loving care from his maternal Aunt, Mrs. Gloria Evans, the demands of physically bathing, feeding and diapering became too much for her.

By the age of 13, Adrian’s family decided to place him with SRVS and since then, he has progressed into a functioning and independent individual capable of communicating and delivering messages to anyone willing to listen. 

Instrumental to Adrian’s recovery was connecting him with a communication device which is mounted to his wheelchair.  The controlling device is located behind his head inside a head rest.  In order for the computer to talk for him and print out messages, Adrian must position his head at various angles to tap his head piece which lights up a keyboard of picture symbols to create sentences. 

Imagine tapping into a communication device for every single word you wish to utter.  Most people would give up such a challenge or grow tired of working with someone who must use this equipment to communicate.  Not Adrian, and not his direct support staff and various therapists at SRVS. 

Together they have accomplished what others thought would be impossible.  Now 25 years old, Adrian recently made the move from living in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) for the chronically and medically fragile, to Hannah Home, a Community Living IV arrangement that provides around the clock support for independent living.  His move to Supported Living from ICF is the first in several years.  His Direct Support Staff, Gary Mason, has been with Adrian since his days at the Whitney Group Home.  “He’s my friend and I don’t treat him any different than anyone else!  He can understand more than people give him credit for,” boasts Gary. 

“I am able to use my Pathfinder (equipment) to communicate and use in word documents and access the internet,” taps Adrian, “and I love to work on my computer and plan to return to school to take computer classes.”  In fact, Adrian has become so adept at speaking that he has recited stories and songs to kids at day care centers, taught classes at SRVS on meal time and physical challenges, was an advocate board member of Community Services Network, and was accepted as a traveling ambassador for the Prentke Romich Company, makers of the Pathfinder.  As a company representative, Adrian will be paid per diem and has future plans to be fully employed.  His life experience can help educate and inform the public about opportunities for the developmentally disabled. 

Adrian’s aunt is very excited about his progress, “I’m just happy he is so happy, and I don’t have to worry like before.”  She couldn’t believe he would ever read, let alone make presentations in front of crowds.  Although fully dependent on staff and therapists for his care, Adrian’s new supported living environment has given him more freedom to determine his lifestyle. He now shares a home with one roommate, plans his menu and outings on his computer, uses email, attends concerts and Friday night dances at the Skinner Center, and loves to visit with friends and family.