In a big world, this family found unparalleled special needs support in Birmingham
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Imagine this: Your daughter was born at 31 weeks with multiple diagnoses you’ve never heard of, and you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Then, your parents step in and show unrivaled support for you and your daughter. But it doesn’t stop there. Now, your parents dedicate their lives to understanding and celebrating your daughter, and helping thousands of kids and families just like yours.
This story is reality for Birmingham mom Meredith Hornsby. And now her parents, Brian and Becky Barksdale, are being honored for their contributions to United Ability.
Falling in love with United Ability
Caroline and her mom (L) love the friends she’s made at United Ability, especially Diana (R). (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)
Meredith and her husband found United Ability when their daughter Caroline was born.
As you can expect, it was a scary time, but the comfort she felt as she toured United Ability for the first time sealed the deal.
Caroline started Early Intervention at United Ability as a newborn, then she moved to Hand In Hand, and “whether they’re ready for her or not,” she’ll be at Dr. E’s Place when she turns 18.
“That’s United Ability: We’re not just an Early Intervention program, a day program or an adult program—we’re with them all the way.”
Susan Sellers, CEO, United Ability
Meet longtime friends of United Ability, Brian + Becky Barksdale
Meredith’s parents, Brian and Becky, fell in love with the mission of United Ability, and ever since, they’ve provided unwavering commitment to creating a more integrated community for people with disabilities.
Becky has multiple degrees in Early Childhood Education and was amazed at how much Caroline learned before she even started Kindergarten.
“Even though it’s a big world, the special needs world is small. You sometimes feel isolated, so it’s nice to be with other people who know what your family has been through.”
Becky Barksdale
Brian jumped in full force as board member, board chairman and now a Foundation Board member.
“Not only do they recognize and show gratitude for the services that Caroline received, but they make sure that [United Ability] is something that everyone knows about.”
Susan Sellers, CEO, United Ability
Now, the Barksdales (after some convincing from Susan Sellers), are the honorees for Journey of Hope 2025.
“We had to think about it a lot. We thought of all the reasons why not to do it, because that’s not our style. But the main reason to say yes was if it could be an encouragement to someone else.”
Brian Barksdale
Food, drinks + a circus performance at Journey of Hope 2025
- When: Saturday, August 16
- 5PM: Doors open, cocktails + hors d’oeuvres served
- 6:30PM: Seated program
- 7:30PM: Dessert reception
- Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Cost:
- Get tickets now
- Sponsor or donate to Journey of Hope 2025
Here’s a glance at what you can expect:
- The powerful testimony of Kyle + Thea Couture
- Dedication of advocates Brian + Becky Barksdale
- A performance from Omnium Circus: An inclusive + accessible circus company
“Journey of Hope is a celebration of what all these kids and adults have been able to do, while also looking forward to what they’ll do next.”
Brian Barksdale
Learn more about Journey of Hope 2025 and secure your seat for an amazing night.
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