Kids with all abilities have a place they belong, thanks to one local org

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United Ability in Birmingham sees a world where people are not defined or limited by their disabilities—and that mission starts young! As beautiful as it is to see kids with all abilities and skill levels get the care they need, it’s just as special to see the friendship and community grow within their families.

We sat down with two moms with kids at the Hand In Hand early learning program and heard what brought them to United Ability, what they love about it and how support from the community helps beyond measure.

Read on for their stories, and see how you can support United Ability’s Champions Campaign happening now!

United Ability was this family’s “only option”

After her daughter, Vivi Jean, was born with hepatic encephalopathy, Alyssa Vaughn knew exactly where to take her. By six months old, Vivi Jean was receiving early intervention services at United Ability.

As the former owner of Village Early Intervention in Hoover, Alyssa was well-informed about the early intervention and special needs world.

“There’s nothing else like this. I know a lot of families who have nowhere to go because their child will not be accepted, or because both parents work. This was our only option. And they’ve just been so wonderful to accept us and other families in the same scenario.”

Alyssa Vaughn

Now, Vivi Jean is a four-year-old (and quite famous around the Hand In Hand halls).

That’s the beauty of an integrated daycare like this one, everyone is family! Alyssa’s a mom of three (plus one on the way), and all her kids attend Hand In Hand.

“My second-born doesn’t have any diagnoses, but being a sibling of a child with disabilities, he has shown certain behaviors, and it’s still very challenging. And now my youngest is receiving services. 

It’s just been so wonderful that all three of my kids are here.”

Alyssa Vaughn

Lucy’s mom can’t imagine going anywhere else

If there’s any doubt that word-of-mouth isn’t a reliable promotion, Hannah Trammell can prove you wrong.

Her daughter Lucy was born in 2023 with Larson Syndrome, which causes musculoskeletal problems like dislocated hips, knees and more.

One of Hannah’s coworkers at Children’s of Alabama recommended United Ability, and the rest was history! Lucy started early intervention in their home, and the family eventually found Hand In Hand.

It can be nerve-racking dropping your child off at school every day, especially for parents who have kids with disabilities. Hannah expressed this, but immediately followed up with gratitude for the amazing staff at Hand In Hand.

“Nothing seems like a big deal to them. Lucy comes with all this equipment, but her teachers are like, ‘We can do it!’ Because this is their normal.

As a mom of a child with special needs, I can’t imagine not having the support from the teachers, therapists and other families. It’s like they’re helping us raise her and helping her grow.”

Hannah Trammell

Become a “Champion” for United Ability

It takes a special person to work with kids with disabilities, and the staff at Hand In Hand do it beautifully—with tons of patience and love.

United Ability’s Champions Campaign provides vital funds for services for children with disabilities who attend Hand In Hand.

When you give to the campaign, you provide children like Lucy, Vivi Jean and countless other kids access to speech, physical and occupational therapy in an inclusive learning environment.

Learn more about this “Possibility Beyond Disability” mission and give to United Ability today.

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