Summer of Good: United Ability

Lynn Elgin, Clarus President & CEO, is kicking off our “Summer of Good” series highlighting United Ability.  “There are so many organizations doing good work across Alabama,” says Lynn. “When I started thinking about the one I wanted to feature, United Ability immediately came to mind.” Read our Q&A with Lynn to discover why United Ability is the definition of “good.”

1. What are three words (or phrases) that capture United Ability to you?

Seeing potential. Building independence. Strengthening community.

For decades, United Ability has helped children and adults with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives while strengthening communities across our state. Clarus has had the chance to work with United Ability over the years, and every interaction has given me an even greater appreciation for the impact they have.

2. What is the mission of United Ability, and what good work are they doing in our community right now?

United Ability’s mission is to “provide innovative services that connect people with disabilities to their communities and empower them to live full and meaningful lives.”

United Ability brings this mission to life through early intervention, education, therapy, employment services, assistive technology, and family support, creating opportunities for children and adults to build independence and thrive.

What I love about United Ability is that they start by seeing people’s strengths. They see abilities before limitations, and they work every day to remove barriers so the people they serve can live fuller lives. That’s an approach that strengthens not just individuals, but families, communities, and our state.

3. What’s your connection to United Ability – how did you first get to know them?

Clarus has had the opportunity to work with United Ability over the years, and those experiences have given me a firsthand look at the difference they make. I’ve also known Susan Sellers since she first moved to Birmingham. When she was named CEO of United Ability, I couldn’t have been happier. I knew she would honor everything that has made the organization so special while leading it into its next chapter. Watching that happen has only deepened my respect for United Ability and the people who make its work possible.

4. What programs or initiatives of United Ability would you like to highlight that are especially impactful and exciting to you right now?

It’s impossible to capture everything United Ability does in one blog post, so here are just a couple of programs that give you a glimpse into the impact they’re making every day.

• Early Intervention: For more than 35 years, United Ability has provided in-home Early Intervention services for infants and toddlers born with, or at risk for, developmental delays and disabilities. Their team of therapists and early childhood specialists works closely with families in the child’s natural environment, giving children the support they need during some of the most important years of development. Last year alone, more than 650 children and families received Early Intervention services at no cost to the family.
• Gone For Good: One of the most unique programs at United Ability is Gone For Good, a secure document destruction and e-waste recycling business that provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while keeping more than 2 million pounds of paper out of landfills each year. More than 1,700 businesses trust Gone For Good with their document destruction. Even better, the business operates at a profit, with proceeds reinvested directly into United Ability’s programs.

5. How can people connect with United Ability — follow, volunteer, donate, or just learn more?

To learn more about United Ability, volunteer, donate, or explore their programs, visit www.unitedability.org. I’d also encourage you to take a look at United Ability’s latest annual report. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/e79efe4de9.html. It’s a wonderful snapshot of the lives they’re touching and the impact they’re making across Alabama.