How this Birmingham family found a safe + inclusive therapy option for their son

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Since Blake and Claire Jackson enrolled their son Penn in United Ability’s Hand In Hand Early Learning Program, they’ve seen how inclusive this local nonprofit is.

Now, they’re part of the annual Champions Campaign, which provides vital funds for services for children with disabilities who attend Hand In Hand.

Here’s their story.

Meet the Jacksons

When Penn received a rare diagnosis, Blake and Claire searched for programs to foster his growth and help him make connections like typical kids get in school.

“Penn has a rare genetic diagnosis that causes global developmental delays and blindness. We found out prenatally that he would have a kidney disorder, which, ironically, his kidneys are fine. But he surprised us with a few dimples and a lack of vision.”

Claire Jackson, Penn’s mom

Penn started at Hand In Hand in August 2023, right after he graduated from The Bell Center.

“Since we both worked full time, we were looking for somewhere safe and inclusive for Penn.”

Penn has loved school since birth. He loves his friends and loves being social. [Hand In Hand] provides a safe environment for him to interact and learn, even though it might look a little bit different for him.”

Claire Jackson, Penn’s mom

Penn is included at Hand In Hand

Penn with his classmates and teachers at Hand In Hand (United Ability)

A large part of this safe environment is thanks to Marliese Delgado, the Lead Physical Therapist and Outpatient Coordinator at United Ability.

She’s been at United Ability for 28 years, and when I asked her why she has stayed for so long, she simply responded: “I love these kids.”

“I hate injustice, and if you work with people with disabilities, you start finding a lot of injustice.

I absolutely love these kids and their families. It’s a place where I learn something new every day.”

Marliese Delgado, Lead Physical Therapist + Outpatient Coordinator, United Ability

And her love for the children at Hand In Hand is reciprocated—at least it is by Penn.

“Penn tells us every day that he plays with Marliese. He doesn’t think it’s physical therapy; he just thinks it’s fun.

That’s a huge gift to us—knowing that he is learning both cognitively and physically.”

Claire Jackson, Penn’s mom

Become a United Ability Champion

“The cost of therapy is high—and there are a lot of other costs associated with having a child with a disability—so scholarships are incredibly impactful for the family.”

Claire Jackson, Penn’s mom

When you give to United Ability’s Champion Campaign, you provide children access to speech, physical, and occupational therapy in the inclusive learning environment at Hand In Hand.

“Blake and I always say United Ability is like a little slice of heaven.

When Penn goes to ‘big school,’ he may not be included; we’re not naive to that. But here, he is 100% included in his classroom. That means the world to us.”

Claire Jackson, Penn’s mom

Learn more and give to United Ability today.

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