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Step Into Sunshine: Safe and Simple Ways to Stay Active

Individuals with disabilities getting out and getting sunshine and exercise

As the days grow brighter and the temperatures rise, it’s hard not to feel a boost in energy. The fresh green grass, blue skies, and warm sunshine can be just the motivation many of us need to get moving again. For individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, this time of year can open the door to more comfortable and enjoyable ways to stay active.

Regular movement is important for everyone. Staying active can improve overall health, increase energy levels, and support both physical and mental well-being. The key is to approach activity in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and sustainable.

Before starting any activity, take time to warm up. Gentle stretching, slow movements, or even seated exercises can help increase blood flow to muscles and joints. This helps reduce stiffness and lowers the risk of injury. Starting gradually is especially important—ease into your routine and listen to your body.

There are many ways to stay active, regardless of mobility level. Walking, chair exercises, water therapy, light resistance training, or adaptive sports are all great options. Even small movements—like arm raises, leg lifts, or stretching—can make a meaningful difference. If standing or walking is difficult, seated workouts or exercises using support devices can be just as beneficial.

It’s important to know your limits and pace yourself. Take breaks when needed and stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather. Drinking water helps regulate body temperature and keeps muscles and joints functioning properly.

Consider inviting a friend, family member, or caregiver to join you. Exercising with someone else can make the experience more enjoyable and provide added support and safety. It can also help with motivation and consistency.

Most importantly, focus on what you can do. Progress may look different for everyone, and that’s okay. Celebrate small victories, stay patient with yourself, and enjoy the process.

So step outside if you can, soak up some sunshine, and find ways to move that work for you. A little activity can go a long way toward feeling better and staying healthy.

Always consult with your physician or healthcare provider prior to beginning an exercise program.

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Marshall’s Story

Mays Mission helping a man move into more accessible home

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, moments like this remind us exactly why we do what we do.

Recently, we had the privilege of walking alongside Marshall during a major life transition—moving from a small hotel room into a larger, fully accessible apartment he can truly call home.

In his previous space, everyday movement was a challenge. Tight quarters made it difficult to navigate his wheelchair, limiting not just his mobility, but his independence. Simple tasks required extra effort, and the lack of accessibility created daily obstacles.

Today, everything is different.

Marshall now has room to move freely and safely. With wider doorways, open space to turn, and an environment designed with accessibility in mind, he’s able to navigate his home with confidence. But the real transformation goes beyond the physical space—it’s about dignity, independence, and the freedom to live life more fully.

And Marshall’s journey didn’t stop at move-in day.

Shortly after getting settled into his new apartment, Marshall reached out to us with another need. Because of a stroke that took mobility on one side of his body, the control on his power wheelchair was no longer in the most functional position for him. He asked if we could help switch the controller to better suit his needs.

We were honored to step in and make that adjustment.

Later that evening, we received a message from Marshall that perfectly captured the impact of what might seem like a small change:

“I rode my powerchair to church last night, and my chair was so much easier to ride since you guys fixed my controller from the right side to the left side. Thanks so much for being my friend.”

Moments like this remind us that what we do isn’t just about equipment or housing—it’s about people. It’s about restoring independence, enabling connection, and helping individuals engage with their community in meaningful ways.

Marshall didn’t just gain a new apartment—he gained greater freedom, confidence, and the ability to participate in life on his own terms.

And that smile on his face says it all.

Thank you to everyone who supports Mays Mission. Your generosity and compassion make stories like Marshall’s possible. Together, we are creating accessible opportunities and brighter futures—one life at a time.

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Moving Forward Together With Purpose

Individuals with disabilities helped by Mays Mission

As we welcome the New Year, we pause with gratitude and hope—grateful for the progress we’ve made and hopeful for the possibilities ahead. At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, 2025 was a year defined by action, compassion, and measurable steps toward our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives.


Over the past year, we have continued turning goals into reality. Through expanded programs, strengthened partnerships, and the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, we reached more individuals and families than ever before. Each milestone—whether large or small—represented increased access, dignity, and opportunity for those we serve.


As we step into 2026, our focus remains clear:


• Expanding access to services that promote independence and inclusion
• Strengthening advocacy efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities have a voice
• Enhancing community connections that foster belonging and support
• Continuously improving our programs to meet evolving needs with care and innovation


This new year is not just about setting goals—it’s about continuing the work that makes a lasting difference. Every success story reminds us why this mission matters. Every challenge motivates us to do better.


We enter 2026 energized, united, and committed to building a future where individuals with disabilities are supported, respected, and empowered to achieve their goals. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Together, we are making progress—and together, we will keep moving forward.


Here’s to a new year of purpose, progress, and possibility.

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Programs

Christmas at Mays Mission: The Gift That Changes Lives

Mays Mission Employee with disability with Christmas cards in the background, Christmas nativity on display

Christmas is a season filled with lights, music, and moments of joy—but at its heart, Christmas is about giving.

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, giving looks a little different. It’s not about what’s wrapped under a tree. It’s about showing up. It’s about compassion in action. It’s about making sure individuals with disabilities are seen, valued, and supported—not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.

For the people we serve, a simple act of generosity can mean the difference between isolation and belonging. It can mean access to care, adaptive equipment, safe housing, or opportunities that many take for granted. Your generosity helps provide dignity, independence, and hope to individuals and families who face challenges most of us never have to consider.

During Christmas, we’re reminded of the greatest gift ever given—one rooted in love, sacrifice, and service to others. That same spirit drives our mission. When you give to Mays Mission, you’re helping us continue programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more joyful lives. You’re becoming part of a community that believes everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.

Giving also creates a ripple effect. One act of kindness spreads to families, caregivers, and entire communities. It turns generosity into lasting impact—long after the decorations come down and the season ends.

This Christmas, we invite you to reflect on what giving truly means. Whether through a donation, volunteering, sharing our mission, or keeping our community in your prayers, your support matters more than you know.

From all of us at Mays Mission for the Handicapped, thank you for being part of our story. Your generosity is a gift that changes lives.

Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your loved ones.

Mays Mission employee with disabilities working with festive holiday decorations on display

Visiting nursing homes will bring smiles to the faces of some lonely people.  You can bring home baked cookies, sing Christmas carols, or even read the Christmas Story to them. Just check with the activities director first.

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Honoring Creativity, Service, and Spirit: A Morning with Our Veterans

Mays Mission representatives visit vets at a local nursing home

This morning, representatives from Mays Mission for the Handicapped had the privilege of spending time with a wonderful group of veterans at a local nursing home—continuing a tradition of fellowship, encouragement, and heartfelt connection that began with our founder, Ewing Mays.

Ewing, a double amputee and World War II veteran, believed deeply in the healing power of companionship. His visits to wounded soldiers and disabled veterans were rooted in the idea that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. Today, we proudly carry that mission forward in his honor.

During today’s visit, the veterans welcomed us with warm smiles—and proudly shared artwork they had created. Their drawings and paintings were more than just art; they were expressions of resilience, memory, and personal triumph. Each piece told its own story, and seeing the pride in their eyes reminded us how important it is to nurture creativity at every stage of life.

As we admired their work, the room soon filled with stories of their years in service. One veteran, an Army sniper who served in Vietnam, spoke about his experiences with humility and quiet strength. Others shared memories of far-away places, lifelong friendships, and the lessons their service taught them. These conversations weren’t just history—they were living reminders of courage, sacrifice, and the humanity behind every uniform.

Moments like this are why we do what we do.

Our visits are not just about delivering Gift Paks or checking in—they are about creating meaningful human moments. They are about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and reminding veterans that their service will never be forgotten.

As always, we left today’s visit feeling just as encouraged and uplifted as the residents themselves. Listening, laughing, celebrating their achievements—these are the threads that weave community together.

If you’d like to be part of this mission of compassion, we encourage you to consider visiting veterans or nursing home residents in your community. A simple conversation or shared smile can mean more than you know.

We’re also happy to provide free brochures such as The Spirit of Giving, or to supply you with our Gift Paks—hand-assembled by our employees with disabilities—to distribute during your own visits.

For more information, reach out to us anytime at info@maysmission.org.
Thank you to our donors for helping us continue this legacy of kindness and connection.

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Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Over 50 Years of Opportunity and Inclusion

Employees with disabilities working at Mays Mission

Each October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive employment practices across all industries.

This year’s observance reminds us that inclusion works — not only for individuals with disabilities but for communities and businesses everywhere. When people of all abilities have access to meaningful work, everyone benefits. Diverse workplaces foster creativity, problem-solving, and compassion — values that strengthen both organizations and society as a whole.

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we have been putting these principles into action for over fifty years. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, Mays Mission provides on-the-job training and employment for individuals with disabilities. Through these programs, participants gain valuable skills, experience, and confidence that help open doors to greater independence and success.

Hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart investment in talent, dedication, and perspective. People with disabilities bring unique strengths and experiences to the workplace, helping employers create environments that are more innovative and inclusive for all.

As we celebrate NDEAM, we encourage employers, community leaders, and individuals alike to recognize the value of a diverse workforce — and to take steps toward ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute.

At Mays Mission, we’re proud to continue our work in building opportunities and changing lives. Together, we can make inclusion not just a goal, but a reality.

To learn more about our mission, programs, and how you can get involved, call us toll free: 888-503-7955, or locally at 501-362-7526, or email us at info@maysmission.org today. Thank you for your support!

Hire the disabled and let them into the workforce.

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Making the Workplace More Inclusive for Individuals with Disabilities

Employees with disabilities working at Mays Mission

Creating an inclusive workplace benefits everyone. At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we often receive questions about how to best support individuals with disabilities on the job. The good news is that making your workplace more welcoming doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes small actions make the biggest difference.

Here are a few simple but important guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Don’t make assumptions. If you’re unsure what to say, what terminology to use, or whether assistance is needed, the best approach is to ask the individual directly.
  • Remember that disabilities vary. A person with a disability may excel in many areas of life—never assume limitations across the board.
  • Offer help respectfully. Always ask before jumping in. Even if someone appears to be struggling, they may prefer to complete the task independently.
  • Remove barriers. Look around your workplace for potential obstacles that could impact mobility, vision, or hearing, and take steps to eliminate them.
  • Use people-first language. Say “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person.” Language shapes perception, and focusing on the person first emphasizes dignity and respect.
  • Highlight abilities. Shift the focus away from what someone cannot do and instead emphasize what they can do.

By applying these principles, you help foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

If you’d like more guidance, Mays Mission offers free brochures—Making Your Community More Accessible and The Americans With Disabilities Act—produced by our employees with disabilities. To request copies, call us, message us, or email info@maysmission.org. Together, we can create more inclusive workplaces and stronger communities.

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Tips for Driving as an Amputee

Pictured is our founder E.W. Mays next to his car

Driving is often seen as a symbol of freedom and independence, but for millions of individuals around the world living as an amputee, it can also represent a unique set of challenges and triumphs. Driving with an amputation often comes with physical and financial complexities that other drivers don’t face. Here is a very informative guide someone recently shared with us and we wanted to share with all of our supporters as well:

Tips for Driving as an Amputee


This article is republished from a third-party source for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we disclaim any liability arising from its use. Readers should consult a qualified attorney for personalized guidance.

Thanks for checking it out and if you would like more information on helping individuals with disabilities call us or email us at info@maysmission.org today. 

Learn to put people first, not their disability!

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Community Outreach: Building Opportunities, Changing Lives

Pics of individuals with disabilities helped by mays mission

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, community outreach isn’t just a program—it’s our purpose. From the beginning, our founder envisioned a place where people with disabilities in rural Arkansas could gain not just a paycheck, but skills, stability, and independence. What better way to uplift someone than to teach them a job—and then employ them to do that job?

For over 50 years, on-the-job training has been at the heart of our mission. We’ve had the privilege of training many individuals with disabilities—some of whom have gone on to excel with other companies, and others who have chosen to make Mays Mission their long-term home. Today, our employees work in every department, producing brochures, calendars, booklets, and gift paks that help power our outreach efforts.

Our community outreach extends far beyond our walls:

  • Scholarships – We award scholarships to deserving students with disabilities, helping them gain the education they need to compete and thrive in the workplace.
  • Camperships – We make it possible for children and adults with disabilities to enjoy summer camp programs filled with new friendships, experiences, and adventures.
  • Veterans and Nursing Homes – Our team visits veterans’ hospitals and nursing homes, bringing comfort and the assurance that those confined by age, illness, or injury are not forgotten.
  • Public Education – We send countless brochures across the country each month, covering topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and on-the-job training. Many of our loyal supporters share these materials in their own communities, helping spread the message about the importance of hiring people with disabilities.

We’re proud to have been recognized by the Arkansas Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities as a past recipient of the Small Business Employer of the Year award—but we know that none of this would be possible without our generous donors.

Together, we are building opportunities, changing lives, and creating a more inclusive community for all.

For more information—or to learn how you can help—call us at 888-503-7955 or email info@maysmission.org.

Learn what types of language use are inappropriate when communicating with disabled individuals.

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Carrying on a Tradition of Compassion: Nursing Home Visits with Mays Mission

Images of Mays Mission Veterans Home visits and Nursing Home visits

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, one of our most cherished traditions is visiting residents at Veterans Homes and nursing facilities—a mission that began many years ago with our founder, Ewing Mays.

Ewing Mays, a double amputee and World War II veteran, lost both legs during a mortar explosion in Sicily. But he never lost his spirit. Throughout his life, Ewing remained committed to uplifting others, especially wounded soldiers and disabled veterans. He believed deeply in the power of human connection, compassion, and hope. His visits to veterans hospitals and nursing homes were more than just acts of kindness—they were powerful reminders that no one is forgotten.

Today, we are proud to continue that tradition.

This year, Mays Mission has sent out countless ‘Gift Paks’—hand-assembled by our employees with disabilities—to volunteers across the country to distribute to nursing home and veterans home residents. Each Gift Pak includes thoughtful items like stationery and writing supplies, created with care by individuals in our on-the-job training program. These small tokens of kindness often spark big smiles and meaningful conversations.

Closer to home, our team members, Vince and David, have made it a regular practice to visit veterans at a local nursing home every few weeks. These visits are filled with laughter, shared stories, and a genuine bond formed over topics like fishing and baseball. For David, who is also part of our job training program, these visits are especially fulfilling. “It just makes me feel good,” he says. “You can tell they appreciate it, and I always leave feeling better myself.”

We believe that everyone has the power to brighten someone’s day. Even a short visit or a friendly conversation can make a lasting difference to someone who may be feeling lonely or forgotten.

We encourage you—yes, you—to consider reaching out in your own community. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering, we’d be happy to send you a free copy of our brochure, The Spirit of Giving. And if you’d like to join us in distributing ‘Gift Paks’ to residents in your area, we’d love to hear from you.

You can reach us at info@maysmission.org or give us a call. Together, we can continue this beautiful tradition of compassion, connection, and care—just as Ewing Mays intended.

Thank you for your support, and for helping us share hope, one visit at a time.

Mays Mission volunteers visiting a disabled veteran in a veterans home

Visiting nursing homes will bring smiles to the faces of some lonely people.