About DisabilityFacts
DisabilityFacts is an Internet and print publication of Pds-Third Floor Publishing, LLC, a publishing company based in Dallas, Texas, whose principal officers are Douglas Smith, publisher, and Barbara Smith, editor. Doug is a lawyer who practiced Social Security disability law for more than 20 years and consulted with national health groups. Barbara is a technical writer and editor. DisabilityFacts also is a quarterly newsletter.
Personal Background.
Doug is publisher of Pds-Third Floor Publishing and a lawyer licensed in Texas and Maryland. He is admitted to practice in federal courts. He also is a mediator trained in peacemaking. Doug has served as federal legislative liaison for state bar associations in Washington, D.C.; as a civil trial lawyer; and as an assistant United States Attorney in Houston, Texas. He has degrees from Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C., and Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
Barbara is editor of Pds-Third Floor Publishing, and has written and edited publications about home schooling and literature for the company. Barbara is an artist and writer who regularly paints and “blogs.” She has served as a technical writer and evaluator of federal social services programs including Project Head Start. She has a degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
The Smiths have a grown son and daughter, both married, and are blessed with six grandchildren.
Company Background
Pds-Third Floor Publishing began as a company called Physicians’ Disability Services, Inc., that initially offered consulting services to doctors. We found there was strong demand for our promotional literature (which illustrated our consulting services with “how to” suggestions), and became a publisher as well as a consultant. Later we both published a quarterly newsletter, Pds Disability Facts, and created several “how to” publications including the Disability Workbook for Social Security Applicants. We consulted on disability issues and federal policy for national health groups including the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., the CFIDS Association, and the Interstitial Cystitis Association.
The Future
At present we are studying how to combine vocational rehabilitation (VR) services with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to provide greater income and personal independence for people with disabilities. We believe early VR services can help many people who receive Social Security disability benefits develop skills and access income opportunities that lead to greater independence. We plan future publications and web resources that describe the potential of VR services for Social Security Disability Insurance applicants and beneficiaries.