Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
United Ability has served people with disabilities for 76+ years—2 events you need to attend
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Mary White started coming to United Ability for early intervention when she was six weeks old. Now, Mary is a volunteer with Dr. E’s Place and a proud staff member at Children’s of Alabama.
How does United Ability support people like Mary?
Through meaningful initiatives and events like AT Alabama and the disABILITY Hiring Expo.
Keep reading for all you need to know about these events and how your attendance can support individuals with disabilities across Birmingham and beyond.
Mary White was once United Ability participant, now she has her dream job
Mary White came to United Ability when she was six weeks old.
The undeniable community that United Ability offers is what brought Mary back as a volunteer in her adult years.
As a volunteer, Mary hangs out with the participants of Dr. E’s Place—spending her days calling out Bingo and singing karaoke.
Last year, Mary started her job at Children’s of Alabama. It’s thanks to her job coaches, Brook and Courtney, that Mary has succeeded in her role.
“They taught me to never give up. No matter what disabilities you have, you can do anything.”
Mary White
Finding meaningful employment thanks to United Ability
For many people, employment provides not only a paycheck but a sense of independence and purpose.
Knowing this, United Ability puts finding equal opportunities for all participants at the heart of its mission.
How do they do this?
Through the work-based learning program and career services.
“The workplace learning program allows our participants to do internships in the community and gain skills and job experience that they can put on their resumes.”
Brooke Cox, Work-Based Learning Manager, United Ability
What to expect at the disABILITY Hiring Expo
At the disABILITY Hiring Expo, you can expect to meet professionals from companies across Birmingham such as:
- Children’s of Alabama
- Milo’s
- Regions
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- and more!
Psst, if you’re coming to the disABILITY Hiring Expo—dress for success! Put on your professional attire, bring your resume and get ready to charm employers across Birmingham.
Don’t worry, the United Ability team will help you succeed.
“Our Hiring Expo has assisted over 1,000 individuals with disabilities meet employers and become employed over the past four years.
Individuals with disabilities are a largely untapped resource in the workforce and events like this one help put viable candidates in front of our state’s employers, which helps create inclusivity in the workforce and boosts our economy. It is a win-win for job seekers and employers.”
Courtney Hertlein, Supported Employment and Career Services Supervisor, United Ability
The work this local organization does is not in vain—and it hasn’t been for 76 years (and counting).
“I have a couple of children who have disabilities, so it’s really inspiring for me to know that Mary started here and went all the way through. It gives me a lot of hope for my family.”
Courtney Hertlein, Supported Employment and Career Services Supervisor, United Ability
disABILITY Hiring Expo, October 4
United Ability and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services are joining hands to bring meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
- What: 4th Annual disABILITY Hiring Expo
- When: Friday, October 4 | 10AM-1PM
- Where: Lawson State Community College, 3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221
- FREE to attend | Register
AT Alabama Conference, October 1-2
Whether you’re a person with a disability looking for the right tools or a professional who wants to make a difference, AT Alabama is for you.
- What: AT Alabama—an Assistive Technology Conference
- When: Tuesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 2 | 8AM-4:30PM
- Where: DoubleTree Perimeter Park, 8 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham, AL 35243
- FREE to attend | See the full schedule, list of speakers + more
What is assistive technology?
I spoke with Lynn Roebuck to learn more about this technology and the AT Alabama Conference. She has been a speech-language pathologist at United Ability for 24 years.
“Assistive technology can be any tool or piece of equipment that helps individuals better access their daily lives.”
Lynn Roebuck, Speech Language Pathologist, United Ability
Think wheelchairs, glasses, adaptive toys—all of these are examples of assistive technology.
United Ability has partnered with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Accessing Potential Through Technology (APTAT) to bring dozens of companies and organizations to the second annual AT Alabama.
“United Ability has always been at the forefront of helping those with disabilities access their world.
24 years ago, United Ability was at the forefront of assistive technology, and that’s why I’m here.”
Lynn Roebuck, Speech Language Pathologist, United Ability
Further support United Ability when you attend AT Alabama + the disABILITY Hiring Expo. See you there!
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