Tag: ability not disability

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A new year

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!

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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.

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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 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!

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Serving

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!

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OCTOBER Is National Disability Employee Awareness Month

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.

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Volunteerism

We can’t say enough about the importance of volunteerism. Ask any hospital, nonprofit organization or civic related agency and they will attest to the fact that volunteerism is their backbone, strength and support.

 Volunteers do everything from answering the phone to driving busses and anything in between. Even professionals such as doctors, dentists and counselors often provide their services to clinics that offer care to low income families and individuals. Lawyers and paralegals often devote a certain amount of their time to those who could not afford their services on a walk-in basis. Volunteers often get out and do the leg-work that administrators just don’t have the time to do.

There are a vast variety of volunteer opportunities in every community. One of the advantages of giving your time is the array of work to do. Whatever your talents are, more than likely an organization in your community would be willing to put you to work using your skills.

So, what do you need to do to find out if you can assist an organization in your community? It’s as simple as calling and asking. Better yet, go to the agency and ask them personally if there is something you can do.

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Call your state office of volunteerism. They should be able to give you a variety of places that are always looking for people to assist. You can also turn to the Internet. Just type in the state or city you live in along with the word “volunteerism.”

Helping others is always rewarding. Become a volunteer today. You will see new faces, make new friends and feel better about yourself for what you’ve done for others from your heart!

If you would like more information call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for a free copy of our brochure “The Spirit Of Volunteerism” today and please feel free to share in the comments section. Thanks!

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Change and Attitude

We are all brought into this world with our own unique set of circumstances.  Some are born into wealth and prosperity while some are born into poverty; some short and some tall; some with a natural ability to excel in certain areas while others struggle to make the grade.  Whatever the situation might be, no two individuals are alike.

As we meander through life’s intriguing journey, there usually comes a time when we all decide we are ready for a change.  Whatever it might be, more likely than not, the change will not be instantaneous or easy.

Change usually takes time and most definitely a conscious effort.  Whether it’s habits, lifestyle; physical, mental or spiritual the decision to change will require a different way of thinking and a lot of patience.

With the disabled, changes never seem to come fast enough.  Often the change we are looking for is a cure or miracle drug or procedure that will propel us into mainstream of life.  Like everyone else, patience is the key.

Unfortunately, change doesn’t always come.  Sometimes we just have to live with the hand that’s been dealt us.  We can sit and mope and wallow in self-pity or we can make that conscious decision to make the best of what we have.  Anyone can do nothing-physically fit or disabled.  It takes a sound mind and a lot of heart to say, “No matter what my circumstances are, I am going to make the best of what God has given me and trust that he will see me through.”

Change isn’t always easy and sometimes impossible but we always have a choice in attitude.  Attitude toward change and life’s circumstances makes all the difference in the world!  Now how’s your attitude?

If you would like free brochures to pass out in your community and help raise awareness on behalf of individuals with disabilities, call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and we would be glad to send some to you.

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Make Your Fourth of July Safe!

According to Prevent Blindness America, nearly 13,000 firework victims keep hospitals busy every ear. More than half of those injured are children. Fireworks not only injure users, data from the U.S. Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators.

The three types of fireworks that keep hospital emergency rooms busy during this holiday period are bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers. Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.

One of the reasons firework injuries continue to occur is because people just don’t consider how dangerous these devices can be. People often don’t realize – until they are injured – that the risk of blindness or injury outweighs the excitement of taking risks with fireworks. And giving fireworks to young children can mean a trip to the hospital emergency room.

Have a super 4th of July and make sure your Independence Day celebration is a safe one!

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Vacation Time

Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of his or her everyday routine. Whether you are working a 40-hour a week job, being a house-mom, volunteering or even retired, we all like to get out and get away from our usual environment and take a vacation. Trips to the big city, camping, theme parks and national and state parks are just a few of the multitude of possibilities for a family vacation.

For people with disabilities, just a smidgen of planning ahead can prevent heartbreak, disappointment and potentially risky situations. Most attractions, such as theme and national parks have made their sites accessible to the disabled thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, due to a variety of issues and unforeseen circumstances, what is available to the able-bodied individual may vary somewhat from what is available to the disabled traveler.

When making hotel/motel reservations, always ask the manager of the facility to describe “handicapped” rooms. What works for the “average” traveler may not work for you. In my travels across the nation, it’s not uncommon to reserve a room only to find out that my wheelchair cannot get through the bathroom door. There’s no such thing as “over planning.”

If flying, try to take very necessary items with you in your carry-on luggage. Especially remember your essential medications. If your regular luggage should happen to get lost or end up on another flight, you will probably be a little more at ease.

 For more information on vacationing with disabilities, call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for our brochure, “The Disabled Traveler.” Have fun and be safe!

Encourage businesses in you area to hire individuals with disabilities! Call us for brochures to pass out to employers in your community and help us spread the word!

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Good Neighbors

The sweltering heat of summer is upon us.  Record-breaking temperatures have already hit the northeast.  We, here in the south, are always anticipating the “dog-days” of summer-but few can honestly say they enjoy the heat indices commonly above 105.

A healthy able-bodied person may go to the lake for a swim or take a cool dip in a pool.  So refreshing and what a relief!  Yet, for many with disabilities these options are not available.  Therefore, one must take precautions not to get overheated in this volatile time of the year.  It is common for people with spinal cord injuries not to have the ability to perspire, which is the body’s natural cooling system.  Also, as some people age their skin loses elastins (elasticity) thus keeping the skin taut.  This, in turn, causes the body not to perspire as it should.  Over-heating leads to heat-stroke and heat-stroke may lead to death. 

 As friends and neighbors, make it a point to call or visit a friend with a disability or the elderly especially if they are without air conditioning or live alone.  Maybe you could invite them over for a cool sip of lemonade.  Sound silly?  Please do not feel that way.  This not only shows your caring and concern, you may save a life.  Do your part to help us all make it through the dog-days of summer! 

Think about it!

Call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for informational brochures like “Heat Wave – Heat Protection Safety” to show how you can help. These brochures were printed by individuals with disabilities and we provide them to the public free of charge. Thank you and God bless your kind heart!