United Ability

29/07/2025

A long-time partner of United Ability, Regions continually promotes Possibility Beyond Disability through its commitment to volunteerism, generosity, and a shared passion for our community. Thank you, Regions, for the role you play in empowering individuals with disabilities and creating more inclusive communities.

August 16th is just around the corner! Don’t miss out, reserve your seats today https://secure.qgiv.com/event/joh2025/

26/07/2025

35 years ago today, brave advocates made history. Now we carry their legacy forward. The ADA changed everything—it broke down barriers and created access, opportunity, and civil rights for millions of people with disabilities.

At United Ability, we live that legacy every day through children learning in integrated classrooms, adults succeeding in meaningful jobs, and families receiving life-changing therapy and care.

To keep moving forward, we’re raising $35,000 to expand access to our programs. Donate $35, $350, or $3,500 https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ada35/ today and be part of the next 35 years of progress

25/07/2025

We’re so excited and grateful to have EBSCO Industries as an Enrich Community Sponsor of our 9th Annual Journey of Hope!

EBSCO has been a longtime supporter of United Ability, showing up with generosity, heart, and a strong commitment to building communities where everyone belongs.

Thank you, EBSCO, for believing in our mission and helping create a world of possibility beyond disability. Journey of Hope is August 16 aand sponsorships and tickets are still available—don’t miss this special evening! Click the link in our bio to learn more.



https://secure.qgiv.com/event/joh2025/

25/07/2025

How are you celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this week? The ADA is a landmark law that transformed access, opportunity, and civil rights for people with disabilities. At United Ability, we honor that legacy by driving real progress every day, where people of all abilities work, learn, and thrive.

Thirty-five years ago, fearless advocates left their wheelchairs and crawled up the steps of the Capitol. Now it’s our turn to keep moving forward.

We're raising $35,000 to expand access to employment, education, and healthcare for people with disabilities. Give $35, $350, or $3,500 or $35,000 at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ada35/ and be part of the next 35 years of progress.



Photos from the Tom Olin Collection. University of Toledo Libraries.

23/07/2025

Since 2006, we have partnered with the UAB School of Optometry and the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama to provide life-changing eye care to children and adults with disabilities, many of whom would otherwise lack access. From providing glasses to kids to detecting serious health risks using new technology, this collaboration is creating a more inclusive future for all.

"This partnership is vital as it delivers essential eye care to patients while enhancing our students’ clinical skills,” Sims said. “Our students gain invaluable experience in caring for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they adopt inclusive practices in their future careers. Advocating inclusion is a hallmark of United Ability, and it’s a value that UAB Optometry holds in high regard as well.”

Through CEC, the UAB School of Optometry teamed up with United Ability to provide comprehensive eye care services. Students gain invaluable experience.

23/07/2025

Longtime friends, advocates, and supporters of United Ability, Becky and Brian Barksdale exemplify service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to creating a more integrated community for people with disabilities. Initially connected to United Ability when their granddaughter, Caroline, was born at 31 weeks with multiple diagnoses, they have dedicated their lives to celebrating and supporting all individuals with disabilities. We are thrilled to honor the Barksdale family at our 9th Annual Journey of Hope—an event celebrating possibility beyond disability, you won’t want to miss.

❤️ JOURNEY OF HOPE: Don't miss this incredible event benefiting United Ability on Aug. 16, and the amazing family being honored this year. NowPartner CM

22/07/2025

This summer, a dedicated group of students from our JET program has been making a difference Cornerstone Ranch in Mount Olive by cleaning bunkhouses and bathhouses and helping prepare the campgrounds for weekly day camps. Their hard work has not only helped the camp run smoothly but also provided them with valuable hands-on experience.

Rusty Rouse, who has been working alongside the students, shared:
“Having United Ability’s JET program working at Cornerstone Ranch Camp has been such an incredible blessing this summer. We’ve enjoyed watching them develop work experience, self-confidence, and on-site training.”

Programs like JET provide students with disabilities the opportunity to acquire real-world job skills, build confidence, and feel empowered by their abilities. We’re so proud of this team and thankful for incredible community partners like Cornerstone Ranch, who make opportunities like this possible.

16/07/2025

Disability Pride is about more than visibility. It's about celebrating disability as a natural and valuable part of the human experience. Every day, we witness the strength, resilience, and talents of the individuals we serve, and we're proud to amplify their stories and achievements.

The flag, with its use of colors, was created to encompass all disabilities that you will learn more about in a future post.

16/07/2025

Hand In Hand recently hosted its fifth Parents' Retreat at Children's Harbor! We had a fantastic time and were thrilled so many wonderful families could attend!

Weekends like this would not be possible without the support of our volunteers, fantastic staff, and the generosity of Children's Harbor and their team. As one mom said, "Children with disabilities tend to be excluded, but being included is crucial to social, emotional, physical development, and overall well-being."

15/07/2025

Heralded as “the circus of the future” by DC Metro, Omnium Circus is a spectacular entertainment celebrating diversity, creating joy, and enriching empathy. Please join us for an extraordinary performance like no other as Omnium presents “I’m Possible” at United Ability’s Journey of Hope on Saturday, August 16th.

Tickets are on sale NOW! for this jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring event that is sure to excite the whole family. Go to https://bit.ly/JourneyofHope2025 to save your seats for a night you won’t want to miss!

12/07/2025

The adults that are involved in our community integration program love giving back and the United Way of Central Alabama’s Meals on Wheels program is one of their favorites!

They enjoy delivering hot meals and warm smiles to their neighbors. It’s about more than food, it’s about connection, purpose, and the joy of serving others.