Tag: ability not disability

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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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Programs

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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Programs

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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Programs

Empowering Futures: The Importance of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities at Mays Mission for the Handicapped

Photos of Mays Mission scholarship recipients

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, we believe that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. For students with disabilities, access to quality education can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. That’s why our scholarship program is not just a financial aid initiative; it’s a commitment to empowering these students to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.

Breaking Down Barriers

Education can often present unique challenges for students with disabilities. From navigating physical accessibility to overcoming societal misconceptions, these students face hurdles that can hinder their academic journey. Our scholarships are designed to break down these barriers, providing financial support that helps cover tuition, educational materials, and other essential resources. By alleviating some of the financial burdens, we enable students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Fostering Independence and Confidence

Receiving a scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it’s a vote of confidence in the abilities of these students. Our scholarship program fosters independence by encouraging students to pursue a higher education that aligns with their interests and goals. This sense of empowerment can significantly boost their self-esteem, motivating them to strive for success in their academic and professional endeavors.

Creating Future Leaders

Investing in the education of students with disabilities is an investment in the future. Many scholarship recipients go on to become leaders, advocates, and change-makers in their communities. By providing them with the resources they need to succeed academically, we are helping to cultivate a generation that will challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and drive positive change for individuals with disabilities.

Let Them Shine!

At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, our scholarship program is a vital part of our commitment to empowering students with disabilities. We recognize the importance of education in shaping futures and are proud to support these remarkable individuals on their journey. As we continue to provide scholarships, we invite our community to join us in this mission—whether through donations, advocacy, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can help ensure that every student with a disability has the opportunity to shine and make their mark on the world.

Photos of Mays Mission Scholarship recipients

Learn to accept a person and their disability as one, not two things.

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Programs

A new year

A Mays Mission employee from our job training program

We are now a few weeks into this new year. Right now some good questions to ask might be “What did we accomplish last year?  Are we better off in any way than we were 365 days ago?  What can we do in this new year we have embarked upon 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 out 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!

photos of former Mays Mission employees from our job training program, one of them engaged in wheelchair tennis
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Programs

We have only begun our work

A photo of a camper from our summer camp program, a photo of employees with disabilities in our job training program, and our founder Ewing Mays and a quote from Ewing Mays '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 five 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 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 individuals with disabilities. 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.

Hire individuals with disabilities and let them into the work force! Various photos of Mays Mission employees from our job training program for individuals with disabilities
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Programs

The Greatest Gift

A Mays Mission employee with Christmas cards and an 'employer of the year' award in the background. A painting of Baby Jesus in the Manger

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 quoted scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God bless you all! And thank you for supporting people with disabilities!

A Mays Mission employee from our job training program with a Christmas decoration at the workstation.
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Programs

Serving

Mays Mission employees in our job training program for individuals with disabilities, a Thanksgiving turkey

It may seem like a trite statement to say that “we have so much to be thankful for,” as we hear it every year around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Yet, for the vast majority of US citizens, this statement holds undeniably true. We live in a land birthed in freedom from tyranny that continues on to this day.

Some friends of mine have a tradition of going to a “food kitchen” on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving the homeless and those who just can’t afford a hot meal. They tell me of how humbling it is to see these folks wander in off the streets for a hot meal. It makes them feel so blessed to have a roof over their head and food on the table. In doing the kind deed of helping others, just as Christ told us to do, they come away from the food kitchen feeling abundantly blessed for being obedient to the call of serving.

In hearing this, let’s consider doing likewise. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a food kitchen. There are a myriad of ways to serve your fellow man in this day or any other day to give thanks for the bounty with which God has blessed you. Invite someone over for a meal. Offer to take them shopping or to get to an appointment. Run some errands for them. Invite them to church. Often just a smile or a handshake will brighten someone’s day!

There are countless ways to “love your neighbor.” Think about what you could do, then put those thoughts into action.

If you would like information on disabilities, please call 888-503-7955, write, or email info@maysmission.org. We have a variety of brochures that we offer at no charge.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Various photos including Mays Mission founder Ewing W. Mays saluting, Mays employees with disabilities, a photo of a camper in our summer camp program and a Mays Mission scholarship recipient
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Programs

OCTOBER Is National Disability Employee Awareness Month

A photo of Mays Mission employees in our job training program working in our lettershope

It is a time to recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce. It is a time to recognize that people with disabilities have equal or higher job retention, lower absenteeism, and that their job performance is equal to their non-disabled counterparts. It is a time to urge employers to hire persons with disabilities. How can you do this? Call at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and we will be happy to send you free brochures like on “On-the-Job Training”, which you can share with employers in your area. These brochures were printed by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission and they would appreciate your advocacy.

Mays Mission employees in our job training program achieving independence