It Starts With a Tour. It Continues With Hope.

A Journey of Hope and Purpose

For William King, United Ability (UA) represents something profound: a source of hope for families in their most challenging times. His journey with United Ability began when he took a tour of the facility and left with a new purpose. “The experience blew me away,” he recalls. “I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of this place and support what was happening here.”

From that first visit, William’s commitment to United Ability has only deepened. Inspired by its dedication to empowering children and adults with disabilities to reach their full potential, he joined as a board member. He reflects on a compelling moment when a parent shared that a medical professional told her nothing could be done to improve the life of her child. That was until the family discovered United Ability.

“They learned there was hope for their child,” William explains. “They were encouraged to focus on what their child might achieve rather than what he or she would not be able to do.”

The Power of Inclusive Learning

William is especially inspired by UA’s Hand in Hand Early Learning Program. He believes the inclusive model with a 40 percent to 60 percent mix of children with disabilities and typically developing peers benefits everyone. “When children grow up alongside peers with disabilities, they learn to understand and appreciate each other’s differences,” he says. “They’ll carry that empathy and understanding into the world, sharing it with others for years to come. It’s invaluable.”

When asked what advice he would give to someone considering getting involved with UA, William does not hesitate. “Take a tour,” he encourages. “The only regret you’ll have is not discovering this incredible place sooner.”

A Friendship That Inspires

William’s connection with UA has deepened through his friendship with Josh, a UA ambassador and participant who is a familiar face at events and on tours. “Josh has a great sense of humor, and he’s never met a stranger,” William laughs. “He does a first-rate Elvis impersonation, and it was a privilege to share the stage with him at the 2022 Journey of Hope. Seeing Josh’s joy and confidence reminds me of UA’s continuing impact, helping people build full, rich lives at every stage.”

Technology and Communication

The advancements in communication technology and equipment that enable individuals with disabilities to communicate with their world has impacted William’s support of UA. For more than 35 years, UA has been at the forefront of using this technology to provide individuals with disabilities a voice. “The technology available to assist children and adults in communication and interaction is amazing,” he explains. “These devices create opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach and allow people with disabilities to express themselves in powerful ways.” Devices may often be costly, but the reward is priceless.

A Personal Commitment

William says his service on the scholarship committee profoundly shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by families with children who have disabilities. “The experience was sobering, heartbreaking, and rewarding all at once, and directly influenced my giving to United Ability,” he shares. “The unbreakable will and determination of families to seek help and resources for their loved ones opened my eyes to their incredible resilience and reinforced my commitment to United Ability’s mission.”

“They face challenges that many of us could never imagine, yet they approach each day with determination. To offer hope to families so that their children can live their best lives is what United Ability means to me.”

Giving Back: The Champions Campaign

For William and Dolly, United Ability has been much more than an organization they volunteer with and support; it has become a personal commitment. They have seen the difference it makes in countless lives and are inspired every day to support this work. Their annual gift is directed to the Champions Campaign, held each December, which raises critical funds for Hand-in-Hand.

“The families served by UA have incredible stories of perseverance and achievement,” he reflects. “If I can help United Ability continue this life-changing work, I feel it’s the least I can do. When my wife, Dolly, and I give each year, in my mind, we are supporting a child at Hand In Hand. Maybe, just maybe, this will alleviate one less thing a family has to worry about.”

Click Here to donate to our Champions Campaign.