Tag: programs

Become an advocate for people with disabilities today!

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date June 12, 2024
No Comments on Become an advocate for people with disabilities today!

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.

Through our On-The-Job Training Program 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. This On-The-Job Training Program is only possible because of the kind hearts of our donors.

If you would like more information on becoming an advocate for people with disabilities we have free brochures like “The Spirit Of Volunteerism” or “On-The-Job Training” that were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Just call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and we will send some out to you. Thank you for your support!

Tags ability not disability, disability advocacy, disability advocate, inclusion, mays mission, programs, volunteer, volunteerism

Programs

Just Say Thank You

Ewing Mays began his “mission” by visiting his fellow veterans with whom he shared a common bond. All of them had been wounded in the war and many of them, like Mr. Mays, had lost a leg or an arm in the service of their country. He knew what they were going through. He had been there. And he was determined to help as many as he could. He wanted to help them to understand that life could still be worthwhile and he wanted to share with them what he had learned and what he had done to overcome his disability.

But his visits did more. Each time he visited a veteran’s home or hospital he was also letting the veterans know they were not forgotten and what they had done in the service of their nation was important. By his mere presence he was letting them know they had done something noble, something which deserved the gratitude of us all. He was saying “thank you, thank you for your service to your country.”

We all like to hear someone say thank you to us. It is a phrase which makes us feel good. The two words give us a sense of accomplishment, a sense of worthiness and the knowledge that someone else believes we did something good.

Memorial Day is a day for saying thank you. We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and we say thank you to them by placing wreaths of flowers, by parades, by speeches, by moments of silence, by fly-overs of jet fighters and by simply saying “thank you.” This is our national day of saying thank you to all those who served and sacrificed to keep our nation free. Ewing Mays said thank you each time he visited with a group of his fellow veterans. He celebrated Memorial Day each time he made a visit.

Let us all celebrate Memorial Day as Ewing Mays did. Whenever you meet a veteran, remember to say thank you. Take the opportunity to let a living veteran know you appreciate what they did for our nation. What better way to memorialize those who are gone than by honoring those who are still here.

For more information email us at info@maysmission.org and feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. Thank you and God bless your kind heart!

Do not assume that a person with a disability is disabled in all areas of life

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, mays mission, memorial day, programs, Veterans, veterans home visits

Programs

Strive to do “something!”

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date May 15, 2024
No Comments on Strive to do “something!”

Whether you are one of the healthiest people around, young or old, able-bodied or not, we all have dreams and aspirations that we set for ourselves. Be it monetary, education, employment, marriage-whatever- we all want to succeed in life.

Often time’s people tend to set limitations on themselves and especially those with disabilities. We all need to set goals in our lives and pursue them with vigor. Literally anyone can sit around and do nothing. It takes no talent or ambition. Anyone can feel sorry for themselves. In doing so you gain nothing and waste precious time that can never be retrieved.

With that said, how about setting the simple goal of being an encourager? When your heart is set on helping others you are not only enabling and encouraging them to pursue their dreams but you are setting yourself up to be blessed! In doing this, you are administering the “Golden Rule” in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”

Let’s all add one more goal to that list of aspirations – be one who encourages! You will feel better. They will feel better. You will pleasing God and fulfilling one of his commands. Give it a shot – be the source of encouragement!

For more information feel free to call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and thank you for your support!

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, encouragement, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, on the job training, programs, recreation is for everyone

Programs

Watch them soar!

Mays Mission’s scholarship program for disabled students is one of our favorites, because, through it, we meet the most extraordinary young women and men … and then get to watch them shine and soar!

These kids have often faced and overcome challenge after challenge for their entire lives. They are strong and resilient. They can adapt to almost any situation and have incredible fortitude. But what they are usually lacking is funds, resources, and opportunities to grow, prove their worth, and gain independence. Thanks to our donors these kids prove themselves time and again.

If you would like a free copy of our brochure ‘Preparing for College Grants and Scholarships’ just call or message us. These brochures are produced by disabled employees right here at Mays Mission. Applications for our scholarship can be downloaded from our website:

Scholarships

Thank you for your support. And if you would like to donate to programs like our scholarship program just click the ‘donate’ button. We appreciate our donors so much!

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, mays mission, programs, scholarships, scholarships for students with disabilities

Programs

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

Tags ability not disability, accessibility, Disabilities, interacting with the disabled, making your community more accessable, mays mission, programs, the americans with disabilities act, the disabled traveler, vacation with disabilities

Programs

Seeking But Not Finding

What is the first thought that comes to mind when someone utters the word “disabled?” (Try it. It’s interesting.) Is it homebound, a wheelchair, someone who is blind or maybe uses a cane or crutch? Fact is, we all have our own interpretation. And, when it comes to disabilities, no two are alike.

Although no two disabled individuals are alike, two-thirds of the 54 million disabled individuals in the United States desire employment. I have stated this before but I feel that it deserves repeating; what would happen to our welfare, Medicare, unemployment, and the national debt if these people desiring employment were put to work? Let’s say less than half of these people started working. In two years’ time they could be let off welfare, hopefully off Medicare, and contributing to the system instead of depleting. A unique concept? Possibly, but I don’t think so. People, especially employers and our representatives in Washington, D.C. need to think along these lines and find avenues of training and employment for these people. We do our best to do our part at Mays Mission for the Handicapped. In providing on-the-job training and scholarships, we put people with disabilities to work and provide them an opportunity to further their education. You can do your part by encouraging an employer to hire people with disabilities. Also, call or write your congressman or congresswoman and ask them what they are doing to increase awareness of the fact that people with disabilities want, need, and deserve quality employment.

If you would like to help us advocate on behalf of people with disabilities we have brochures to help and we can provide these to you for free, just message us, call us or email us at info@maysmission.org and we would love to help. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Thank you for your support and God bless your kind heart!

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, employ the disabled, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, on the job training, programs, volunteerism

Programs

Religious freedom for all

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date April 25, 2024
No Comments on Religious freedom for all

Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed and fully implemented in 1992, not all facilities were required to become “accessible.” The ADA covered “public accommodations” but has no authority over private institutions and organizations. So let’s talk a bit about “places of worship.”

Churches, synagogues, fellowships or whatever a place of worship chooses to be called do not fall under the auspices, rules and guidelines of the ADA. Because these institutions are private religious organizations, they are not required to become compliant with Title III of the ADA regarding “public accommodations.”

Now, I have been in many places of worship and have yet to find one where I can’t get through the doors. Yet once inside, many an obstacle has been found. Probably the most annoying and inconvenient situation is an inaccessible restroom. Classrooms and the like can easily be made accommodating but once the plumbing is in place it’s difficult to change.

Situations like this can be very discouraging to people with disabilities. As usual, changes can be made (and should be) but it’s usually a slow process. Change will not be made until the problem area is brought to the attention of those in authority.

Check out your place of worship for accessibility issues and report your findings to those in authority. Try to get a plan of action to make necessary changes.

In a land that was founded on religious freedom, would it be a shame if we all were not comfortable in our respective places of worship?

If you would like more information or one of our free brochures like “Making Your Community Accessible” or “The Americans With Disabilities Act” to pass out in your community call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Thanks and please share in the comments section.

Tags ability not disability, accessibility, Disabilities, disability advocacy, disability advocate, making your community more accessable, mays mission, programs

Programs

Everything in life happens for a reason

Post author By Jack Allen
Post date April 22, 2024
No Comments on Everything in life happens for a reason

Everything in life happens for a reason. So often we as humans just don’t understand why. Sometimes disabilities are a result of our own mistakes such as drinking and driving or merely not thinking before acting.

When one is born with a disability or is genetically predisposed to a disabling condition we all too often go to God and ask “why?” In our finite way of thinking we often see the disability as something negative, only thinking of ourselves. This is not to say that we cannot question God or pray and ask Him to deliver us from our illnesses.

My grand-nephew, the grandson of my brother, was born with Down syndrome. My brother, in his first reactions, questioned God wondering how such a thing could happen. After much thought and a grieving process he found peace. In his prayer time, while seeking God’s comfort the thought came to him; “Has God ever made a mistake?” Without a doubt, the answer had to be “No!”

In the New Living Translation, Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” It didn’t say “some things,” it says “all things.”

Even though disabilities happen, and whether or not they ever disappear, our lives touch and affect others. Whether it’s for inspiration or to cause us be thankful for what God has given us, everything has its purpose.

Thank you for your support of Mays Mission for the Handicapped. If you would like more information or free brochures to hand out in your community and help us advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities call us or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, everything happens for a reason, Ewing W. Mays, faith, faith in action, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, programs

Programs

A wheelchair for Joshua

Mays Mission for the Handicapped is proud to announce we donated a wheelchair to former employee Joshua Garret. Joshua was very proud to receive the wheelchair, saying “This is much appreciated as I enter the next phase of my life.”

We originally bought the wheelchair while Joshua was working for us because, as a double amputee, it was difficult for him to be on his prosthetics all day. Joshua said it was much nicer and in better condition than his chair at home and could use one for home as well.

We were more than happy to provide him with this chair and we wish Joshua well in all his future endeavors.

To learn more call us or comment and we would be glad to provide you with more information and free brochures to help advocate on behalf of people with disabilities in your community. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities like Joshua.

Thanks for you support!

Tags ability not disability, Disabilities, employ the disabled, faith in action, mays mission, on the job training, programs

Programs

Mission Gift Paks

Mays Mission likes to call our employees with disabilities “handicapable” employees.

One exciting and rewarding project for the employees of Mays Mission for the Handicapped is the Gift Pak program. This program helps our employees with disabilities help themselves.

The Gift Paks are put together from items produced at the Mission. Each Gift Pak contains a pen, postcards, personal notepads, bookmarks, and our New Hope Newsletter. They are designed, printed, and assembled by the Handicapable employees of Mays Mission.

Each year our representatives make tours across the United States visiting some of our handicapped friends and stopping at nursing care facilities to distribute these Gift Paks. We also ship our Gift Paks out to interested nursing homes.

When we began this program we had no idea it would receive such a favorable response. We received many letters from nursing home directors expressing how much each resident enjoyed the Gift Pak. We are certainly proud of them!

It is through the generosity of our donors that we are able to help others. For more information, or for gift paks that you can help distribute, 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.

Tags ability not disability, gift paks, interacting with the disabled, mays mission, on the job training, programs, veterans home visits, volunteerism

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