You can help advocate for people with disabilities and make sure they're given opportunities to be independent and part of their communities. You can... Become a Volunteer Correspondent. You'll be matched to a person with intellectual disabilities by the Consumer Advisory Board, a group of Maine citizens who oversee the State's compliance with the Community Consent Decree. Your volunteer job? Simply to be a friend. That can mean many things, from sending a birthday card or taking in a movie now and then to speaking with potential employers about your friend's interests and abilities. As a Volunteer Correspondent, you'll be responsible to attend your friend's goal-setting meetings along with a variety of people — his or her family members or guardian, case manager, employer — and to look out for your friend's best interests as plans and decisions are made. Adopt an OHI home — either on your own or as part of a church or civic group — and send cards or letters, arrange for BBQs or outings, help with lawn and garden care, and make weekly or monthly visits to the people with disabilities living there. The possibilities are endless — and your involvement and thoughtfulness means so much. Employ someone with disabilities. One in five people in the United States has a disability. That means many of us have friends or family members with disabilities as well. Businesses with "disability friendly" hiring practices create a good feeling in their communities – and they find some excellent staff members. Ask someone with disabilities — or one of the Special Olympians — to speak at your business group, club or event. No matter how large or small your gathering, everyone will be moved by what they hear and learn.