Your gift is truly important to those served by MDS.
You can make a significant difference in someone’s life – right here, right now!
Here are some of the ways we have put your donations to work.
Thousands of people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorder in the Monadnock region have a lifelong need for support – getting proper medical care, finding a secure place to live, learning safe behaviors, finding appropriate work, and finding a community within which to create a meaningful life.
Monadnock Developmental Services makes sure those services and supports are in place so that people with disabilities can live and work in their communities. Just as importantly, MDS makes sure that each and every person receives quality services that encourage inclusion, participation and relationships.
Much of what MDS does is funded by Medicaid and the State of New Hampshire. However, emergencies and needs frequently arise for services or items that aren’t covered by such funding, things that are critical to making the lives of those we support more manageable, including:
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Specialized equipment – to improve mobility and communication
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Home modifications – to allow movement, participation and freedom
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Respite emergencies – for when caregivers themselves need assistance
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Emergency dental work - for adults who are only covered for extractions
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Much-needed therapeutic activities
Click here to see some of the specific ways we've put your donations to work.
As you can imagine, the needs are important – and costly. Your contribution will go a long way toward helping buy medical items, provide home modifications, allow much needed extracurricular activities so that those with disabilities can find their place and make their own contributions in the best way possible.
With your help, and the help of families, friends and the community, we can take care of these critical needs so that those with disabilities can find a way to live more productive and meaningful lives.
You can make a secure donation on line right here.
Choose your donation option preference using the drop-down box below.
Monadnock Developmental Services, Inc. is a registered 501(c) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID 02-0369974.
If you prefer, you can send your donation by mail to:
Monadnock Developmental Services
Attn: Development
121 Railroad Street
Keene NH 03431
Thank you for your compassion and your generosity!
Interested in leaving a legacy for those who follow?
Click here to find out about Planned Giving at MDS.
Your gift is truly important to those served by MDS.
Here are examples of how your donations are put to work right here in the Monadnock Region.
Seat Lift: A family who recently bought a replacement van would like to purchase and install an easy-reach seat lift for their teenaged daughter, who uses a wheelchair. The seat lift would allow their daughter to self-transfer from the wheelchair to the van, and can be removed when the vehicle is sold. Having this lift would improve the young woman’s independence and allow her to have better access to the community. The family raised the majority of the cost via grants, but still needs a few hundred more dollars to make this happen.
Wheelchair Ramp: A young man with a traumatic brain injury is in a wheelchair most of the time. The family had been using a temporary plywood ramp for his visits from the facility where he was receiving treatment, but he has now returned to the family home to live. The current ramp is dangerous, particularly on the steep driveway in icy weather. The new ramp will be more stable and movable from one location to another, so he will be able to take it to a new residence when he is able to move out on his own.
Lift System: A woman with a degenerative brain disease lives with her family at home. The family is committed to keeping her with them as the disease progresses. In recent months, the aging mother has become less able to lift her daughter to accomplish her daily living tasks, including getting her into the shower and for transportation. A lift system will help with these transfers so that this family can continue to fulfill their vision of having their loved one remain at home.
Cruiser Stroller: A young woman with cerebral palsy who has complex medical equipment uses a wheelchair and requires 24/7 skilled nursing care at home. Increased access to the community on a regular basis is critical to her transition to adult life. The single mom works but cannot afford to purchase a van. Alternatively, a specialized Cruiser Stroller would allow the family to provide transportation using their existing car, and let caregivers and nurses help her access public transportation. Because this Stroller would be considered a second wheelchair, it is not eligible for Medicaid or insurance coverage. Your contributions helped fund the purchase of this important piece of equipment.
Adaptive Tricycle: A 20-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and a seizure disorder was recently evaluated by her doctor and a specialist, who recommended she use an adaptive tricycle at home to improve leg strength, range of motion, and endurance. Because of her condition, she must have a specially modified trike. The family can only afford to pay for a small portion, and needs help to cover the full cost.
Fence to Keep At-Risk Kids Safe: A young family has four children, two of whom have autism and very limited impulse control. The children have frequently bolted unexpectedly into the street, sometimes running out of the house before a parent can stop them. Keeping the children in the house at all times would create even more issues. They couldn’t afford the full cost of fencing their yard, so we were able to fund material costs so they could rectify this dangerous situation. With the help of family and friends, they built a fence and made a safe play space so their children can thrive.
Tablet for Better Communication: A middle-aged woman’s ability to get proper medical care, work, and participate in the community has been compromised because she has difficulty with speech and is difficult to understand. She and her MDS service coordinator attended an ATECH workshop to learn more about using tablets as assisted communication devices. Her care team was impressed with how much more effectively she could express herself using this special technology. Medicaid will not pay for this unless the person is totally reliant on the device — the tablet must do all the speaking for her. The Development Committee was able to help her pay for the tablet.
Stair Lift: A 62-year-old woman with mild cerebral palsy has become unable to climb the stairs in her provider’s home. She has lived with this family for more than 15 years, and they are eager to find a way to keep her in what has been a very positive living situation. Unfortunately, without adding a stair lift to the home, she might have to find another provider. Unfortunately, because of limited allocations, only half the cost can be covered from the Medicaid e-modification fund. She and her family will contribute a portion of the balance, but are seeking help to make this home modification happen.
Van Modification: A woman with a spinal disorder uses a wheelchair to navigate her life. To get her to and from appointments, activities, and family outings, the parents need to buy a larger van and then have it modified to fit her wheelchair. The family can buy the van, but can’t cover the full costs of the modifications, which cost as much as the van itself. This vehicle will provide long-term service for the family.
Specialized Movement Bed: A man with severe cerebral palsy requires 24-hour supervision with total care. As he ages, his care needs are increasing. Because he is in fragile condition, he spends much of his time in bed, and needs to be repositioned frequently. He has outgrown a custom-made bed from his youth. A used electric bed in mint condition is available immediately at a very reasonable price, but Medicaid will not fund used equipment.
Stair and Bathroom Modifications: The family of a young person with brittle bone disease has moved to a new home. Many modifications have been done to make the home more accessible so that the teenager can continue to live with the family. Medicaid won’t cover all needed bathroom and staircase modifications, which are critical for his safety and comfort. Much of the work will be paid for by the family but they need help with the last dollars to complete the project.
Adaptive Device: A middle-aged man with severe cerebral palsy has been using a positioning wedge to help keep his respiratory system clear. This wedge also prevents bruising, scraping and general discomfort for him. After eight years, this wedge is very worn and must be replaced, but it is considered an alternative device and is not covered by Medicaid.
Dental Work: An older man with an intellectual disability needs emergency dental work, both extractions and upper and lower dentures. He cannot eat properly with his dental problems, with resulting digestive issues. As a result he is losing weight and his health is failing rapidly. He lives with his sister and her husband, who has a terminal illness – the family is in a fragile state. Medicaid will pay only for extractions, not for dentures or reconstruction.
Your gift is truly important to those served by MDS.
You can make a significant difference in someone’s life – right here, right now!
