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Twin sisters with blond hair and big smiles at the camera — Harper and Sarah Little will share the spotlight at this year’s Journey of Hope. (Harper Nichols)

For the past 10 years, United Ability, a local nonprofit serving more than 5,200 individuals with disabilities and their families each year, has hosted Journey of Hope: An event for families to connect, reunite and celebrate Possibility Beyond Disability. The night includes the inclusive Omnium Circus, and stories from families, staff and participants of hope and inspiration.

We sat down with Jessica Little as she shared how her twin daughters’ lives were transformed, and former Occupational Therapist Nancy Gardner, to hear her memories of 42 years at United Ability.

Read the story below, and then get your tickets to Journey of Hope on Saturday, August 15, to see this impact in action.

The Little family found a voice to advocate for their daughters

Little girl in grey shirt smiles at caregiver woman with ponytail — Sarah and Harper Little are being recognized at this year’s Journey of Hope. (Harper Nichols)

Little girl in pink shirt smiling at camera with arms up in the air — Sarah and Harper Little are being recognized at this year’s Journey of Hope. (Harper Nichols)

In 2020, Michael and Jessica Little first learned about United Ability when they welcomed their newborn twin daughters, Sarah and Harper, who weighed less than two pounds at birth.

“The team at United Ability treated Sarah and Harper like kids first. They gave them the support they needed to show us what they were capable of, and my hope is that every family who needs it gets to experience it, too.”
Jessica Little

This year, Journey of Hope is recognizing the Little family for their resilience and growth. When we asked Jessica what this meant to her, she quickly pointed the spotlight right back onto her daughters:

“Sarah and Harper have fought relentlessly since before they were born. They live this joyful life, and I think that deserves to be honored, because it honors all the other kids who have fought harder than most of us will ever have to fight.

If people see Sarah and Harper’s joyful smiles and think of United Ability, then that’s exactly what I want.”
Jessica Little

Honoring Nancy Gardner’s 42 years of service to United Ability

Nancy Gardner is the recipient of this year’s Dr. E. Award of Inspiration. (Harper Nichols)

For 42 years, Nancy Gardner served children and families at United Ability as an Occupational Therapist.

Dr. Gary Edwards, AKA “Dr. E,” longtime CEO of United Ability, took Nancy under his wing as she learned the ropes, and Nancy told us all about the lessons she learned from him.

“He was relentless in trying to find funding and serve people if he saw a need. His advocacy and enthusiasm for serving as many people as we could made us want to be better people.”
Nancy Gardner

This year at Journey of Hope, United Ability is honoring Nancy with the Dr. E. Award of Inspiration for her decades of service.

“My parents taught us that the world should be a better place because you were there, and I found an organization that had the same mission I had.

United Ability helps make the world a better place for families as they learn to navigate the world with their child who needs extra services.”
Nancy Gardner

How community partners like EBSCO impacts United Ability

group of volunteers on a kids' playground — EBSCO employees give back of their time and services, making a huge impact in our community. (United Ability)

As you might imagine, many individuals and organizations work tirelessly for our community.

Leading the pack—and serving as one of this year’s honorees—is Birmingham-based EBSCO Industries. For nearly 50 years, the company and its employees has helped United Ability via donations, employing individuals through the employment services program, using Good For Good Services and more.

Journey of Hope 2026: Event details

Man in light blue shirt wearing glasses poses next to woman in dark blue shirt at The Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham for United Ability — Meet Michael and Jessica Little (L) and Nancy Gardner (R) at Journey of Hope. (Harper Nichols)

Woman in blue shirt wearing glasses talking to another woman at a table — Meet Michael and Jessica Little (L) and Nancy Gardner (R) at Journey of Hope. (Harper Nichols)

You can hear the Little family’s story and honor Nancy in person at the 10th annual Journey of Hope. It’s a unique look into what makes United Ability so impactful across Greater Birmingham.

Omnium Circus, the world’s only fully inclusive circus, will be performing—now you have to come!

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- 5PM: Doors open
- 6:30PM: Program starts
- 7:30PM: Dessert reception
Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center
Sponsorship packets available | Get tickets now

Can’t make it, but still want to support? Donate to United Ability and know that you’re helping support families just like the Littles.

“There is hope. There is a possibility. Your kids can do this. You can take up space. People set the path before me, and now it’s my job to widen that path for the people coming behind us. We need to keep moving forward.”
Jessica Little

Will we see you at Journey of Hope on August 15? Secure your seat for an amazing night making a meaningful impact.

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