How these Birmingham moms of kids with disabilities built a strong community

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Being the parent of a child with disabilities is an ongoing journey that can feel incredibly isolating. The mothers of kids at United Ability have created a life-giving community that they can lean on for anything—from support and encouragement to just a listening ear. Keep reading to hear from three of these local supermoms.

United Ability changed these families’ lives

Oliver (left), Emmett (right) and Harper (bottom) all attend United Ability’s Hand in Hand Early Learning Program, which their mothers all say changed their lives.

“It was immediately different than any of the daycares we previously attended. The teachers are so involved and immersed in our children’s development. They tracked her progress and gave us detailed updates every day that made us feel so much better. It is so clearly more than just a job for these teachers.”

LaToya Mims

Having other moms going through the same thing has been a game-changer

For these moms, having other women on similar journeys has been almost like a playbook.

“We’re able to discuss how we did things, what works for us, what doesn’t and just be reminded that other people are living this life, too. I walked the first few years of Oliver’s life feeling completely alone.

To be able to have a conversation with other moms going through the same thing gives me so much life.”

Jamie Johnson

Here are a few of the topics they’re grateful to discuss with each other:

• Educating their family members on children’s diagnosis
• Fears and frustrations
• Doctors’s appointments, therapies, etc.
• How to explain disabilities to other children

“I don’t want to make another parent feel uncomfortable when I’m talking about what we’re going through, and I never have to feel that with these mothers. They understand it all and are walking it, too.”

Bre Connor

Trusting in United Ability

As I listened to some of the conversations these women had, one topic came up time and time again: trust.

For any parent, especially one who has a child with special needs, it can be terrifying to send your child somewhere full-time.

“Emmett cannot tell anybody what he needs, so for me to leave my child—who does not have a voice—anywhere is a huge decision.

Emmett’s diagnosis is more-or-less terminal and we don’t know how long his lifespan will be. So, I have to trust that the people I’m leaving him with every single day truly love and care for him. I am 100% comfortable when he’s in the hands of United Ability.”

Bre Connor

Harper had her first seizure at United Ability, and her mother expressed how she was thankful that it happened there rather than at home, which speaks volumes about the quality of people who work there.

“They were so comforting and calmly let us know that she was being taken care of. They said she had a seizure in her sleep, so the fact that they were paying enough attention to her even during nap time and did all the correct precautions is amazing.”

LaToya Mims

United Ability’s Champions Campaign is happening now, providing vital funds for services for children and families like these that attend the Hand In Hand Early Learning Program. Learn more and donate now.

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