Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Meet Hannah: A local 5-year-old with a big heart + a big story to tell
Reading time: 4 minutes
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When Kyle and Thea Couture’s daughter Hannah was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, United Ability was there for her with Early Intervention services. A few years down the road, Hannah needed a new daycare option that also allowed her parents to continue working.
Kyle and Thea found United Ability’s Hand In Hand program, and Hannah absolutely loves it. Now, the Couture family is sharing their story so all of Birmingham can hear about how incredible this local organization is.
Keep reading for the story, and how you can celebrate more families just like the Coutures at the annual Journey of Hope on August 16.
Meet the Couture family
A couple of years ago, Kyle and Thea’s daughter Hannah used a G-Tube to help her eat, and the daycare she was at could not accommodate her anymore.
As working parents, Kyle and Thea didn’t know what to do. Until they remembered Hand In Hand.
Now, Hannah is the life of the party in her classroom! We watched as classmates and teachers greeted her in the hall and she walked onto the playground like she owned it.
“When I drop off Hannah in the morning, it’s the highlight of my day. We come through those doors, and everybody seems to know Hannah—students in her class, instructors and other therapists.
It’s a really joyful experience knowing Hannah is celebrated at United Ability.”
Kyle Couture
Plus, Hannah recently graduated from United Ability’s first class pre-K program, where she received speech and occupational therapy in both the classroom and outpatient clinic.
“The support Hannah gets here is going to help her grow and be a part of the community. She’s already doing that now, and it’s going to continue as she transitions into primary school and as an adult.
We plan on Hannah thriving here for life.”
Kyle Couture
You can support Hannah + other kiddos at United Ability
At the annual Journey of Hope, you can meet the Coutures and see first-hand how this family (and countless others) are impacted by United Ability.
By buying a ticket or donating to United Ability, you’re pouring directly back into the programs at Hand In Hand. This means that you help make sure families like the Coutures have access to education, therapy and community for their children with disabilities.
“Frankly, without donations and events like Journey of Hope, Hand In Hand could not exist. And without a place like this with resources and community for our family, our life would look very different—Hannah certainly would not thrive like she does here.”
Thea Couture
Food, drinks + a circus performance at Journey of Hope 2025
- When: Saturday, August 16
- 5PM: Doors open, cocktails + hors d’oeuvres served
- 6:30PM: Seated program
- 7:30PM: Dessert reception
- Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Cost:
- Get tickets now
- Sponsor or donate to Journey of Hope 2025
Here’s a glance at what you can expect:
- The powerful testimony of Kyle + Thea Couture
- Dedication of advocates Brian + Becky Barksdale
- A performance from Omnium Circus: An inclusive + accessible circus company
“By telling her story, we can educate our community that this place exists. I don’t think most people realize or have an appreciation for how big the [United Ability] campus is and how many services they provide.
We’re so honored to be able to talk about our little ray of sunshine.”
Thea Couture
Learn more about Journey of Hope 2025 and secure your seat for an amazing night.
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