MDS Provides Services for 25 Years

Monadnock Developmental Services is the designated Area Agency providing supports and services to people with developmental and related disabilities in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit agency in Keene, NH, designated by the State of New Hampshire to assist individuals with disabilities to live in their communities.

For twenty-five years, MDS has specialized in providing individuals and their families the means to live as independently as possible within a community. They believe services should be provided on an individual basis and in a way that encourages people to contribute their unique gifts to the larger society. MDS provides assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities, children with chronic health conditions, adults with an acquired brain disorder, and elders who want need non-medical assistance in their homes.

MDS is committed to helping people with developmental and related disabilities live, work and go to school in their communities.They know that everyone has something unique and important to contribute to society regardless of age or ability. And they know everyone makes their best contributions when they feel valued and respected.

All the supports and services they provide are individually tailored to the specific needs of each person who requests assistance. They work closely with people who have disabilities, their families, their close friends, and an extended network of service providers and programs to make sure people get what they need. In so doing, they strive toward inclusion and the self-determination of everyone.

A portion of the overall scope of MDS is to provide services, these services include:

• Children's Service Coordination
  A resource to families who have a child with a developmental disability or chronic health condition. The services provided are initiated by each family and they are unique to their specific needs. The focus of Children's Service Coordination is to assist the family in accessing services for the individual with the disability or chronic health condition. Our goal is to be a resource for educating and empowering each family. This is achieved by partnering with a Children's Service Coordinator.
• Adult Service Coordination
  Adult Service Coordination provides assistance to adults in identifying personal goals and dreams, then securing the supports and resources required to achieve them. Our role is tailored to the needs of the individual receiving supports and those closest to them that share in the vision.
• Specialty Services
  The Personal Care Services Provider program offers non-medical personal care to elderly and chronically ill adults enabling them to live independently and safely in their homes and communities.
  Respite is designed to provide short-term care for a family member with a developmental disability or chronic health condition. The program is a resource for making matches between families and providers.
  Because of the serious shortage of transportation in our region, MDS has developed transportation system that serves more than 100 people every day (M-F), on a very tightly managed schedule.
• Adult Individual Services (ISO)
  The Adult Individual Services Option at Monadnock Developmental Services helps adults with disabilities to access supports and services based on an individual's life plan. Our goal is to create rich learning environments for both staff and individuals receiving services by building on the relationship between learning and self-determination. This includes positive behavior change through Gentle Teaching -- a process that recognizes the vital role of bonding and friendship in healthy human growth and development. Our services support each individual's efforts to achieve autonomy, empowerment and self-determination.
• In Home Supports
  This program provides direct support to children in order to participate with peers at home, at school, and at play.
• LifeArt
  LifeArt Community Resource Center is a place where everyone Is welcome! Located at 25 Roxbury Street, Keene, NH 03431, phone: 603 357-1456
  All activities are open to the public. Call for more information on current events and activities. Visit the LifeArt website: http://www.lifeartkeene.org/
• First Course
  First Course is an intensive 16-week culinary training program in Keene, New Hampshire. Our curriculum is designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation in the food service and hospitality industry. The small class size provides for individualized attention, comprehensive support and job search assistance.

MDS can be contacted through their website www.mds-nh.org, by email, by phone 603 352-1304, 800 469-6082 in New Hampshire, or by address 121 Railroad Street, Keene, NH 03431. Also in Peterborough, NH at 603 924-4203, 45 Main Street, Suite 2A, Peterborough, NH 03458.