When the body has suffered trauma, whether it is from an accident or disease, it takes time and patience to recover. The rehabilitation process is often long and drawn out. During inactivity, muscles, joints and tendons weaken. Due to this inactivity, it takes, on the average, three times longer to heal. Let’s say you broke your arm and it was in a cast for 3 weeks. It will take approximately 9 weeks to regain full strength and range of motion, due to immobility.
Setting goals during the rehabilitation process is good; just make sure they are realistic. Being hospitalized and under the care of occupational and physical therapists is a safeguard against doing further damage. But, for those released from “guarded conditions” it is easy to become too anxious and try to “speed up” the rehabilitation process. In doing so, you put yourself at risk for further damage. Muscles and tendons need to be stretched slowly. Too much exercise or overexertion could actually tear the already damaged and tender affected area. Remember, too, that if the damaged limbs are lower extremities, there is a risk of losing balance and falling. We certainly do not want to go back to “square-one.”
Follow the doctor’s orders and prescribed time for the healing. The end goal is to be back to a condition that is as normal as possible. Be safe, not sorry.
Please share your experiences in the comments section and if you would like some of our free brochures, please call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysission.org and thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
Another year has passed and some good questions might be “What have we accomplished? Are we better off in any way than we were 365 days ago? What can we do in the coming year to improve our lives and the way we live?” Better yet, what can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?
The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.
Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.
Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and direct mail, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.
We have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling.
We’ve set our goal: to aid and assist people with disabilities. Won’t you please join us? Email us at info@maysmission.org to learn more about our programs and see how you can be an advocate for people with disabilities this year. And your comments are always welcome in the comment section. Thanks!
It’s that time of year again – the Christmas season. The brightly colored autumn leaves have fallen to the ground, announcing a time of rest and relaxation for many living things. We’ve stuffed ourselves with juicy Thanksgiving turkey and loads of luscious desserts from our bountiful buffets. People are putting up the Christmas decorations and the malls are calling for us to come and shop.
In all the hustle and bustle, let’s not forget the “reason for the season,” the birth of Jesus. He came to us just as foretold by prophets of old (Isaiah 7:14). Without his birth, there would have been no atonement for sin. We would still be sacrificing bulls, lambs and doves – presenting our sins to a high priest once a year. If He hadn’t come we would be unable to enter the most holy place – the throne room of God – are present out prayers and petitions (Hebrews 4:15, 16). He came that we might have abundant life (John 10:10).
As we enter this holiday season, let’s not forget those who might have difficulty getting out and about. Offer a ride to a friend with a disability or someone who may have difficulty navigating a shopping center or mall. Offer to shop for someone who may be unable to get out for whatever reason. A little kindness and friendliness and a show of care and compassion may be just the ticket to make someone’s Christmas time a little more stress-free.
I can think of no better verse – no better gift, than what is the most quoted scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
God bless you all! And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
Photo taken during a Mays Mission Veterans Home visit. For more information email us at info@maysmission.org today. We would love to hear from you!
If you will be using Amazon for your holiday shopping this year, go to smile.amazon and select Mays Mission as your charity.
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. You will be asked what charity you wish to help. You can type in Mays Mission in the search window.
The easiest way to support Mays Mission through Amazon Smile among almost a million other charities Amazon is helping is to go to the following link:
Use this link in all your Amazon shopping experiences.
AmazonSmile is also now available in the Amazon Shopping App to all AmazonSmile customers using supported Android devices. Just download the Amazon Shopping App, open the App on your Android device. View Settings and select AmazonSmile. Then follow the in-App instructions to complete the process.
And thank you for all that you do to support the disabled!
Are you disabled and unemployed? Do you have the feeling that if you tell a potential employer about your disability you won’t be hired? Great news! Since the inception of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, there has been a lot of progress for the disabled.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”), an employer may ask disability-related questions and require medical examinations on an applicant only after the applicant has been given a conditional job offer. However, employers can ask if you can meet the job requirements before being hired.
Another benefit that has occurred since the ADA inception is Jobs Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is a free consulting service for employers, disabled employees and rehabilitation services. JAN provides free customized worksite accommodation solutions and technical assistance. It works in conjunction with the ADA and other disability-related laws and legislation. It also provides job searching and links to employers who are committed to hiring people with disabilities.
Last but not least, Mays Mission has made progress helping the disabled. From on-the-job training for the disabled to scholarships to help disabled adults get a college degree. Camperships are important as well because the children and adults with disabilities experience recreational opportunities while being around others with similar disabilities. This is why your support is so important to Mays Mission for the Handicapped and we sincerely thank you for your involvement in keeping the dream of Ewing W. Mays for a Mission to assist the disabled thriving. He saw the ability in one’s disability. His dream has given Mays Mission employees a chance to live productive lives.
For more information on the Americans with Disability Act or on-the-job training for the disabled, contact us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. For more information on JAN, go to the askjan.org website or call 1-800-526-7234 (1-877-781-9403 – TTY) – where you will get live professional assistance.
Please share your experiences in the comments section and thank you for supporting the disabled!
I was at the doctor’s office the other day and I thought to myself that this is taking a long time. I looked across the aisle and noticed two ladies talking to each other. One lady said to the other, “I am so sorry for you missing work to take me to the doctor.” The other lady replied, “Oh that work will be there tomorrow. It’s not running off anywhere and no one else is there to do it, so it’s ok.” I had just witnessed someone taking off work to help a frail, elderly individual. My first thought was: I wonder if this lady that works, helping the other lady in need, believes she will be honored one day when she might be in need of help by someone helping her. That is what faith in action is all about. Neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends, family helping family, and finally, regular citizens volunteering.
We have a referral program at Mays Mission for the Handicapped called Faith in Action. Donations are vital for us to continue this program. We receive no government funds. If you would like information on Mays Mission’s Faith in Action program, please call 888-503-7955, or email info@maysmission.org, And please share your stories in the comments section.
God bless all volunteers! And thank you for supporting the disabled.
Not long ago, a friend of mine was killed in a terrible motorcycle accident. I had known Randy for nearly twenty years. He and his wife were wonderful people – fun loving and a joy to be around. It is always a difficult time saying “goodbye”, as well as trying to comfort a grieving family.
To switch gears for just a minute, one would assume that with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this summer, access and design of modern buildings would be accessible to all. But, alas, that is not the case.
As we entered the funeral home, the ramp was a little rough and difficult to negotiate, but we made it. The line was long with a myriad of people waiting to get in. My wife & I greeted Randy’s wife and two sons, exchanged a few words, and shed some tears.
As the crowd moved along, I peered through the window toward the casket and then glanced from side to side. Getting down the center aisle would be no problem. Getting back via the side aisles would be a completely different story. My wheelchair just would not fit down the narrow walkways. Was I going to wheel all the way to the front of the parlor and fight my way back through the crowd like a fish swimming upstream or just sit this one out?
Well, funerals are one of my least favorite events to attend, so I decided to take the second option.
Either way you put it, though, one would think that in this day and age, after nearly thirty years of the ADA’s existence, a place commonly used by a variety of people would be accessible to all.
In instances like this, I strongly encourage you to eagerly and politely advise the establishment of the inconvenience they have caused and ask that it be corrected sometime in the near future.
Encourage builders and contractors not to simply build by code, but to have someone experienced in disability issues examine plans before they are finalized. It would make it easier, less costly over time, and more convenient for all.
If you would like more information on accessibility, please write, call us at 888-503-7955, or email us at info@maysmission.org. We can gladly provide you with our brochure “Making Your Community More Accessible” for free. Thank you for supporting people with disabilities and please share your experiences in the comments section.
As our founder E.W. Mays said, “We have only begun our work.” Great strides have been made over the past four decades – about the time Mays Mission was founded. We have seen the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and most recently, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet statistics show a vast majority of disabled individuals cannot find employment.
We feel that most employers meet the disability before they meet the person – that is to say that we, as humans, have a terrible habit of “judging a book by it’s cover,” assuming that an individual with an obvious disability is not suited for employment or simply cannot do the job. How wrong we are.
We encourage you to ask an employer if they have considered hiring the disabled. You could be the one that makes a difference in the life of a physically or mentally challenged individual.
If you would like more information, please call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. Let’s all help make an employer aware of the potential of people with disabilities.
Over 54 million American citizens are physically disabled which makes them the largest minority in the United States. Two-thirds of these working-age adults are not working, yet the overwhelming majority of them (79%) desire employment. What’s the problem? Why are these people unable to find employment? According to a recent Harris survey, commissioned by the National Organization on Disability, 81% of disabled Americans desiring employment feel that their disability or health problems limit their access to jobs. That is a valid concern.
It is up to each individual to analyze and assess their own situation and explore the viable and reasonable employment opportunities that are available. Some individuals are concerned that employers may see them as incapable of employment. Again, it is up to the individual to present themselves as capable and worthy of employment. Most of all, be present! Able-bodied or disabled, if a potential employer sees that one is consistent and persists, he or she is more likely to get that desired opportunity to prove themselves. At Mays Mission we believe that persistence is a key issue in obtaining gainful employment and encourage employers in our community to hire the disabled.
Thank you for supporting people with disabilities. For more information on how you can help, please call us at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.
Mark Twain once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting in the face of fear.”
When it comes to disabilities, especially the newly injured, fear is definitely a factor in the way people behave. It’s not just the fear of the unknown, it’s also the fear of perception – how will and what will others, my friends, my family and people I meet feel about me? Those born with disabilities often grow up knowing that there’s something “different” about them and often adjust very well because it’s all they have ever known. Yet still, there’s a yearning to be like everyone else.
People as a whole cannot take away disabilities, only God can do that. Yet there are things we can do to make people more comfortable with their various situations. Luke 6:31 says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you (NIV).” This is so true. And, if just for a moment we could put ourselves in the position of the disabled, I think we would have a whole new perspective on how we treat them. This is not to say we are doing something bad – just that things could be better.
Think about how you act and talk when around people with disabilities. Do you talk to them like they are a little child – a high pitched voice and looking as though you are coaxing a smile from a baby? Or totally the opposite –you ignore them and speak to people accompanying them?
There’s always room for improvement in everyone. Think about this and practice Luke 6:31. People with disabilities desire and moreover deserve to be treated like everyone else. Doing this will help mainstream them into a community where everyone feels equal.
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a person with disabilities email us at info@maysmission.org or call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 today. Thank you.
Of all the programs offered by Mays Mission for the Handicapped, scholarships to people with disabilities is one of the “crown jewels.” Not many people would even notice that it probably takes more funding to educate someone with a disability than their able-bodied peers. Specialized equipment, dorm room or apartment modification, tutoring and attendant care are just a few of the excess costs that have faced some of our previous and current scholarship recipients.
The easy road in life for these people might be contentment with a high school education and mediocre employment. Yet, with hard-nosed determination and true grit these individuals are extremely determined to face the challenges and hurdle the obstacles that have been set before them and pursue their dreams.
We have been offering scholarship opportunities for more than 30 years. People with disabilities have the same desires as you and I. They dream and set goals just as you and I do. We have assisted a quadriplegic studying aerospace engineering, a totally blind man studying law, numerous individuals studying education and a wide gamut of other fields of study.
One of the most difficult jobs to do is to choose just who will receive a scholarship. All those whom applied seemed very worthy of assistance and we wish them all the best. To those who were chosen we also wish the best and hope to bring you success stories about each of them in the months and years to come.
For more information on our scholarship program call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and request our free brochure, Preparing for College – Grants and Scholarships, to pass out to schools in your area. Thank you.
About three months ago, I had an unexpected phone call from a person that has been active with Mays Mission for the Handicapped for over fifteen years. It was Marie. She had called us to apologize for not staying in contact. Marie had just suffered the loss of her brother and a few weeks later she was hospitalized because of a near death experience and God’s grace pulled her through.
I then learned what a special person Marie is. Marie grew up without a family. Over eighteen years ago, she started P.A.V.E. Ministries with her church. P.A.V.E. Ministries is a pen pal ministry to help incarcerated individuals know the Lord and become better people. With the help of the Lord, she writes to over 40 pen pals. Marie hand types each letter to each pen pal and adds scripture and art work to each mailing. She receives no government or public funding.
Mays Mission helps her to reach out to even more individuals with the help of our Faith in Action program designed to assist the disabled community. Marie sends newsletters, calendars, notepads, bookmarks and address books, which are made right here by our handicapable staff at Mays Mission. Marie says, “If you help yourself, God will help you. Just like God has helped me help others find him.” Mays Mission looks forward to helping Marie and others in the future…
If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Mays Mission at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. If you know of more ways to help like Marie does please share in the comments section. And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
July 26, 2020 will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most dynamic and monumental pieces of legislation for people with disabilities in U.S. history. On this date in 1990, then president George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ADA is made up of five separate sections; Title I covers employment, Title II covers public services, Title III covers public transportation, Title IV covers telecommunications and Title V takes on miscellaneous issues.
While the ADA is the most comprehensive example of legislation for and about the 54 million people with disabilities living in the US, still many do know about or understand the ADA.
Employment issues continue to be problematic. While 32% of Americans with disabilities aged 18 to 64 are working, two-thirds of those unemployed would rather be working.
Mays Mission for the Handicapped was born out of the desire to provide jobs for people with disabilities and continues today. Our “on-the-job” (OJT) training offers employment opportunities to the disabled in areas of press operations, pre-press, lettershop and bindery, data processing and light assembly.
“We are committed to increasing job opportunities to and for people with disabilities,” said Mission president Sherry Mays Niehaus. “Through OJT, speaking engagements and direct mail appeals it is our goal to train the disabled and educate the public that, given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.”
Email us today at info@maysmission.org for free brochures on the ADA and “Making Your Community Accessible” that you can distribute in your community. Thank you!
What do these men have in common: Thomas Edison, Ludwig van Beethoven, Albert Einstein and Jim Abbott? Before we get to that, let’s talk a little about “equality.” Now, I am not talking about getting all excited about race or gender, but thinking more along the lines of simply being human.
When the Pilgrims left England in pursuit of freedom, they found themselves in a new, untamed world. Although there were many similarities to the land they left behind, there were struggles ahead to establish what they once knew as “ordinary life.” The land needed to be cleared for homes and farming. Trades and businesses needed to be established so the new inhabitants could carry out the chores of settling towns and cities. The tasks ahead were monumental. Had so many not put forth a great effort, they surely would have failed.
Now, when we think of people with disabilities, countless citizens desire to put forth the effort, yet many are not given the opportunity to prove themselves. Countless numbers are prejudged by physical appearance, a speech impediment or something perceived as an “obviously disability.”
Did you know that Thomas Edison was thought to have a learning disability and didn’t learn to read until the age of twelve? Beethoven became deaf at about age 26 and composed some of his greatest works thereafter. Albert Einstein had a learning disability and did not speak until age 3. He had a very difficult time doing math in school. It was also very hard for him to express himself through writing. Jim Abbott was born with one hand. He was an “All America” pitcher for the University of Michigan. Abbott was drafted into the major leagues and eventually went on to pitch a “no hitter” for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians.
All these men were given an opportunity to prove themselves despite a handicap or disability. And, that’s what we do at Mays Mission.
Now, would you go out and encourage an employer to give people with disabilities a chance? They would appreciate it and you will feel better for giving someone the opportunity to succeed.
If you would like more information on how you can help please call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
What does the future hold for people with disabilities? No one can say for sure. Each disability is so unique as is each individual. With the new age of electronics and research, one never knows what cure or innovation may be just around the corner.
Some find it easy to wait on the “miracle cure” while others are anxious to get on with life the best they can. I believe that’s the way to go! While not all people with disabilities can get out and work or be active in some way, those choosing to be “couch potatoes” are going nowhere fast. Choosing to be inactive and non-productive only accentuates the body’s potential to atrophy or get larger – and who needs that?
If you, or someone you know, has a disability, encourage them to be as active as possible. Exercise and fresh air is good for the body and spirit as well. It always amazes me how a little dose of sunshine can rejuvenate a depressed and weary soul. Combine that sunshine with some fresh air and a little exercise and see what a difference it makes. You may not be ready to run a marathon or participate in the Olympics but you will have a better and more refreshing outlook on the life that you live. Give it a try!
If you would like more information on how you can help, including our free brochure “Recreation is for Everyone” call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.gov today.
Share your experiences in the comments section and thank you for your support!
8 Comments
Updated: January 22, 2021 by jack
Cautious Rehabilitation Pays Off
When the body has suffered trauma, whether it is from an accident or disease, it takes time and patience to recover. The rehabilitation process is often long and drawn out. During inactivity, muscles, joints and tendons weaken. Due to this inactivity, it takes, on the average, three times longer to heal. Let’s say you broke your arm and it was in a cast for 3 weeks. It will take approximately 9 weeks to regain full strength and range of motion, due to immobility.
Setting goals during the rehabilitation process is good; just make sure they are realistic. Being hospitalized and under the care of occupational and physical therapists is a safeguard against doing further damage. But, for those released from “guarded conditions” it is easy to become too anxious and try to “speed up” the rehabilitation process. In doing so, you put yourself at risk for further damage. Muscles and tendons need to be stretched slowly. Too much exercise or overexertion could actually tear the already damaged and tender affected area. Remember, too, that if the damaged limbs are lower extremities, there is a risk of losing balance and falling. We certainly do not want to go back to “square-one.”
Follow the doctor’s orders and prescribed time for the healing. The end goal is to be back to a condition that is as normal as possible. Be safe, not sorry.
Please share your experiences in the comments section and if you would like some of our free brochures, please call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysission.org and thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
Leave a Comment
Updated: January 1, 2021 by jack
Happy New Year!
Another year has passed and some good questions might be “What have we accomplished? Are we better off in any way than we were 365 days ago? What can we do in the coming year to improve our lives and the way we live?” Better yet, what can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?
The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.
Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.
Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and direct mail, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.
We have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling.
We’ve set our goal: to aid and assist people with disabilities. Won’t you please join us? Email us at info@maysmission.org to learn more about our programs and see how you can be an advocate for people with disabilities this year. And your comments are always welcome in the comment section. Thanks!
1 Comment
Updated: December 9, 2020 by jack
The Greatest Gift
It’s that time of year again – the Christmas season. The brightly colored autumn leaves have fallen to the ground, announcing a time of rest and relaxation for many living things. We’ve stuffed ourselves with juicy Thanksgiving turkey and loads of luscious desserts from our bountiful buffets. People are putting up the Christmas decorations and the malls are calling for us to come and shop.
In all the hustle and bustle, let’s not forget the “reason for the season,” the birth of Jesus. He came to us just as foretold by prophets of old (Isaiah 7:14). Without his birth, there would have been no atonement for sin. We would still be sacrificing bulls, lambs and doves – presenting our sins to a high priest once a year. If He hadn’t come we would be unable to enter the most holy place – the throne room of God – are present out prayers and petitions (Hebrews 4:15, 16). He came that we might have abundant life (John 10:10).
As we enter this holiday season, let’s not forget those who might have difficulty getting out and about. Offer a ride to a friend with a disability or someone who may have difficulty navigating a shopping center or mall. Offer to shop for someone who may be unable to get out for whatever reason. A little kindness and friendliness and a show of care and compassion may be just the ticket to make someone’s Christmas time a little more stress-free.
I can think of no better verse – no better gift, than what is the most quoted scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
God bless you all! And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
Leave a Comment
Posted: November 18, 2020 by jack
Amazon and Mays Mission working together and you can help!
If you will be using Amazon for your holiday shopping this year, go to smile.amazon and select Mays Mission as your charity.
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. You will be asked what charity you wish to help. You can type in Mays Mission in the search window.
The easiest way to support Mays Mission through Amazon Smile among almost a million other charities Amazon is helping is to go to the following link:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/71-0445210
Use this link in all your Amazon shopping experiences.
AmazonSmile is also now available in the Amazon Shopping App to all AmazonSmile customers using supported Android devices. Just download the Amazon Shopping App, open the App on your Android device. View Settings and select AmazonSmile. Then follow the in-App instructions to complete the process.
And thank you for all that you do to support the disabled!
15 Comments
Updated: November 16, 2020 by jack
To Tell or Not To Tell
Are you disabled and unemployed? Do you have the feeling that if you tell a potential employer about your disability you won’t be hired? Great news! Since the inception of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, there has been a lot of progress for the disabled.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”), an employer may ask disability-related questions and require medical examinations on an applicant only after the applicant has been given a conditional job offer. However, employers can ask if you can meet the job requirements before being hired.
Another benefit that has occurred since the ADA inception is Jobs Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is a free consulting service for employers, disabled employees and rehabilitation services. JAN provides free customized worksite accommodation solutions and technical assistance. It works in conjunction with the ADA and other disability-related laws and legislation. It also provides job searching and links to employers who are committed to hiring people with disabilities.
Last but not least, Mays Mission has made progress helping the disabled. From on-the-job training for the disabled to scholarships to help disabled adults get a college degree. Camperships are important as well because the children and adults with disabilities experience recreational opportunities while being around others with similar disabilities. This is why your support is so important to Mays Mission for the Handicapped and we sincerely thank you for your involvement in keeping the dream of Ewing W. Mays for a Mission to assist the disabled thriving. He saw the ability in one’s disability. His dream has given Mays Mission employees a chance to live productive lives.
For more information on the Americans with Disability Act or on-the-job training for the disabled, contact us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. For more information on JAN, go to the askjan.org website or call 1-800-526-7234 (1-877-781-9403 – TTY) – where you will get live professional assistance.
Please share your experiences in the comments section and thank you for supporting the disabled!
12 Comments
Posted: October 22, 2020 by jack
Seeing Faith in Action
I was at the doctor’s office the other day and I thought to myself that this is taking a long time. I looked across the aisle and noticed two ladies talking to each other. One lady said to the other, “I am so sorry for you missing work to take me to the doctor.” The other lady replied, “Oh that work will be there tomorrow. It’s not running off anywhere and no one else is there to do it, so it’s ok.” I had just witnessed someone taking off work to help a frail, elderly individual. My first thought was: I wonder if this lady that works, helping the other lady in need, believes she will be honored one day when she might be in need of help by someone helping her. That is what faith in action is all about. Neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends, family helping family, and finally, regular citizens volunteering.
We have a referral program at Mays Mission for the Handicapped called Faith in Action. Donations are vital for us to continue this program. We receive no government funds. If you would like information on Mays Mission’s Faith in Action program, please call 888-503-7955, or email info@maysmission.org, And please share your stories in the comments section.
God bless all volunteers! And thank you for supporting the disabled.
9 Comments
Updated: October 5, 2020 by jack
Issues with Accessibility
Not long ago, a friend of mine was killed in a terrible motorcycle accident. I had known Randy for nearly twenty years. He and his wife were wonderful people – fun loving and a joy to be around. It is always a difficult time saying “goodbye”, as well as trying to comfort a grieving family.
To switch gears for just a minute, one would assume that with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this summer, access and design of modern buildings would be accessible to all. But, alas, that is not the case.
As we entered the funeral home, the ramp was a little rough and difficult to negotiate, but we made it. The line was long with a myriad of people waiting to get in. My wife & I greeted Randy’s wife and two sons, exchanged a few words, and shed some tears.
As the crowd moved along, I peered through the window toward the casket and then glanced from side to side. Getting down the center aisle would be no problem. Getting back via the side aisles would be a completely different story. My wheelchair just would not fit down the narrow walkways. Was I going to wheel all the way to the front of the parlor and fight my way back through the crowd like a fish swimming upstream or just sit this one out?
Well, funerals are one of my least favorite events to attend, so I decided to take the second option.
Either way you put it, though, one would think that in this day and age, after nearly thirty years of the ADA’s existence, a place commonly used by a variety of people would be accessible to all.
In instances like this, I strongly encourage you to eagerly and politely advise the establishment of the inconvenience they have caused and ask that it be corrected sometime in the near future.
Encourage builders and contractors not to simply build by code, but to have someone experienced in disability issues examine plans before they are finalized. It would make it easier, less costly over time, and more convenient for all.
If you would like more information on accessibility, please write, call us at 888-503-7955, or email us at info@maysmission.org. We can gladly provide you with our brochure “Making Your Community More Accessible” for free. Thank you for supporting people with disabilities and please share your experiences in the comments section.
10 Comments
Updated: September 23, 2020 by jack
We have only begun our work…
As our founder E.W. Mays said, “We have only begun our work.” Great strides have been made over the past four decades – about the time Mays Mission was founded. We have seen the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and most recently, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet statistics show a vast majority of disabled individuals cannot find employment.
We feel that most employers meet the disability before they meet the person – that is to say that we, as humans, have a terrible habit of “judging a book by it’s cover,” assuming that an individual with an obvious disability is not suited for employment or simply cannot do the job. How wrong we are.
We encourage you to ask an employer if they have considered hiring the disabled. You could be the one that makes a difference in the life of a physically or mentally challenged individual.
If you would like more information, please call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. Let’s all help make an employer aware of the potential of people with disabilities.
10 Comments
Posted: September 4, 2020 by jack
Persistence is the key
Over 54 million American citizens are physically disabled which makes them the largest minority in the United States. Two-thirds of these working-age adults are not working, yet the overwhelming majority of them (79%) desire employment. What’s the problem? Why are these people unable to find employment? According to a recent Harris survey, commissioned by the National Organization on Disability, 81% of disabled Americans desiring employment feel that their disability or health problems limit their access to jobs. That is a valid concern.
It is up to each individual to analyze and assess their own situation and explore the viable and reasonable employment opportunities that are available. Some individuals are concerned that employers may see them as incapable of employment. Again, it is up to the individual to present themselves as capable and worthy of employment. Most of all, be present! Able-bodied or disabled, if a potential employer sees that one is consistent and persists, he or she is more likely to get that desired opportunity to prove themselves. At Mays Mission we believe that persistence is a key issue in obtaining gainful employment and encourage employers in our community to hire the disabled.
Thank you for supporting people with disabilities. For more information on how you can help, please call us at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.
11 Comments
Posted: August 26, 2020 by jack
Always room for improvement
Mark Twain once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting in the face of fear.”
When it comes to disabilities, especially the newly injured, fear is definitely a factor in the way people behave. It’s not just the fear of the unknown, it’s also the fear of perception – how will and what will others, my friends, my family and people I meet feel about me? Those born with disabilities often grow up knowing that there’s something “different” about them and often adjust very well because it’s all they have ever known. Yet still, there’s a yearning to be like everyone else.
People as a whole cannot take away disabilities, only God can do that. Yet there are things we can do to make people more comfortable with their various situations. Luke 6:31 says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you (NIV).” This is so true. And, if just for a moment we could put ourselves in the position of the disabled, I think we would have a whole new perspective on how we treat them. This is not to say we are doing something bad – just that things could be better.
Think about how you act and talk when around people with disabilities. Do you talk to them like they are a little child – a high pitched voice and looking as though you are coaxing a smile from a baby? Or totally the opposite –you ignore them and speak to people accompanying them?
There’s always room for improvement in everyone. Think about this and practice Luke 6:31. People with disabilities desire and moreover deserve to be treated like everyone else. Doing this will help mainstream them into a community where everyone feels equal.
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a person with disabilities email us at info@maysmission.org or call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 today. Thank you.
5 Comments
Updated: November 4, 2020 by jack
Assisting In Education!
Of all the programs offered by Mays Mission for the Handicapped, scholarships to people with disabilities is one of the “crown jewels.” Not many people would even notice that it probably takes more funding to educate someone with a disability than their able-bodied peers. Specialized equipment, dorm room or apartment modification, tutoring and attendant care are just a few of the excess costs that have faced some of our previous and current scholarship recipients.
The easy road in life for these people might be contentment with a high school education and mediocre employment. Yet, with hard-nosed determination and true grit these individuals are extremely determined to face the challenges and hurdle the obstacles that have been set before them and pursue their dreams.
We have been offering scholarship opportunities for more than 30 years. People with disabilities have the same desires as you and I. They dream and set goals just as you and I do. We have assisted a quadriplegic studying aerospace engineering, a totally blind man studying law, numerous individuals studying education and a wide gamut of other fields of study.
One of the most difficult jobs to do is to choose just who will receive a scholarship. All those whom applied seemed very worthy of assistance and we wish them all the best. To those who were chosen we also wish the best and hope to bring you success stories about each of them in the months and years to come.
For more information on our scholarship program call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and request our free brochure, Preparing for College – Grants and Scholarships, to pass out to schools in your area. Thank you.
14 Comments
Updated: August 3, 2020 by jack
Marie’s Faith in Action pulls her through . . .
About three months ago, I had an unexpected phone call from a person that has been active with Mays Mission for the Handicapped for over fifteen years. It was Marie. She had called us to apologize for not staying in contact. Marie had just suffered the loss of her brother and a few weeks later she was hospitalized because of a near death experience and God’s grace pulled her through.
I then learned what a special person Marie is. Marie grew up without a family. Over eighteen years ago, she started P.A.V.E. Ministries with her church. P.A.V.E. Ministries is a pen pal ministry to help incarcerated individuals know the Lord and become better people. With the help of the Lord, she writes to over 40 pen pals. Marie hand types each letter to each pen pal and adds scripture and art work to each mailing. She receives no government or public funding.
Mays Mission helps her to reach out to even more individuals with the help of our Faith in Action program designed to assist the disabled community. Marie sends newsletters, calendars, notepads, bookmarks and address books, which are made right here by our handicapable staff at Mays Mission. Marie says, “If you help yourself, God will help you. Just like God has helped me help others find him.” Mays Mission looks forward to helping Marie and others in the future…
If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Mays Mission at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. If you know of more ways to help like Marie does please share in the comments section. And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
9 Comments
Posted: July 16, 2020 by jack
The ADA 30 Years Later
July 26, 2020 will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most dynamic and monumental pieces of legislation for people with disabilities in U.S. history. On this date in 1990, then president George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ADA is made up of five separate sections; Title I covers employment, Title II covers public services, Title III covers public transportation, Title IV covers telecommunications and Title V takes on miscellaneous issues.
While the ADA is the most comprehensive example of legislation for and about the 54 million people with disabilities living in the US, still many do know about or understand the ADA.
Employment issues continue to be problematic. While 32% of Americans with disabilities aged 18 to 64 are working, two-thirds of those unemployed would rather be working.
Mays Mission for the Handicapped was born out of the desire to provide jobs for people with disabilities and continues today. Our “on-the-job” (OJT) training offers employment opportunities to the disabled in areas of press operations, pre-press, lettershop and bindery, data processing and light assembly.
“We are committed to increasing job opportunities to and for people with disabilities,” said Mission president Sherry Mays Niehaus. “Through OJT, speaking engagements and direct mail appeals it is our goal to train the disabled and educate the public that, given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.”
Email us today at info@maysmission.org for free brochures on the ADA and “Making Your Community Accessible” that you can distribute in your community. Thank you!
4 Comments
Updated: July 15, 2020 by jack
Don’t count them out!
What do these men have in common: Thomas Edison, Ludwig van Beethoven, Albert Einstein and Jim Abbott? Before we get to that, let’s talk a little about “equality.” Now, I am not talking about getting all excited about race or gender, but thinking more along the lines of simply being human.
When the Pilgrims left England in pursuit of freedom, they found themselves in a new, untamed world. Although there were many similarities to the land they left behind, there were struggles ahead to establish what they once knew as “ordinary life.” The land needed to be cleared for homes and farming. Trades and businesses needed to be established so the new inhabitants could carry out the chores of settling towns and cities. The tasks ahead were monumental. Had so many not put forth a great effort, they surely would have failed.
Now, when we think of people with disabilities, countless citizens desire to put forth the effort, yet many are not given the opportunity to prove themselves. Countless numbers are prejudged by physical appearance, a speech impediment or something perceived as an “obviously disability.”
Did you know that Thomas Edison was thought to have a learning disability and didn’t learn to read until the age of twelve? Beethoven became deaf at about age 26 and composed some of his greatest works thereafter. Albert Einstein had a learning disability and did not speak until age 3. He had a very difficult time doing math in school. It was also very hard for him to express himself through writing. Jim Abbott was born with one hand. He was an “All America” pitcher for the University of Michigan. Abbott was drafted into the major leagues and eventually went on to pitch a “no hitter” for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians.
All these men were given an opportunity to prove themselves despite a handicap or disability. And, that’s what we do at Mays Mission.
Now, would you go out and encourage an employer to give people with disabilities a chance? They would appreciate it and you will feel better for giving someone the opportunity to succeed.
If you would like more information on how you can help please call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!
17 Comments
Updated: June 26, 2020 by jack
Get Active
What does the future hold for people with disabilities? No one can say for sure. Each disability is so unique as is each individual. With the new age of electronics and research, one never knows what cure or innovation may be just around the corner.
Some find it easy to wait on the “miracle cure” while others are anxious to get on with life the best they can. I believe that’s the way to go! While not all people with disabilities can get out and work or be active in some way, those choosing to be “couch potatoes” are going nowhere fast. Choosing to be inactive and non-productive only accentuates the body’s potential to atrophy or get larger – and who needs that?
If you, or someone you know, has a disability, encourage them to be as active as possible. Exercise and fresh air is good for the body and spirit as well. It always amazes me how a little dose of sunshine can rejuvenate a depressed and weary soul. Combine that sunshine with some fresh air and a little exercise and see what a difference it makes. You may not be ready to run a marathon or participate in the Olympics but you will have a better and more refreshing outlook on the life that you live. Give it a try!
If you would like more information on how you can help, including our free brochure “Recreation is for Everyone” call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.gov today.
Share your experiences in the comments section and thank you for your support!