Special Needs Fund

More than 90,000 people in Stanislaus County do not have health insurance*. In addition, 105,000 are of low income and on the state’s Medi-Cal program*. More than 87,000 people in Stanislaus County have a disability.* Some are uninsured and underinsured and cannot afford the equipment they need to maintain self-sufficiency and quality of life.

Society for Disabilities established the ‘Special Needs Fund’ in 1987 to help meet basic needs of the community and to serve as a safety net for those who needed equipment most. As years pass, the need also rises. Medical and adaptive equipment can be very expensive. The Special Needs Fund is in place to assist us in meeting these needs in our community.

Over the past year, we have provided Gait Trainers (specialized ‘walker’ equipment) to two young children learning to walk against all odds, a knee walker for a man who had much needed knee replacement surgery to keep his mobility and a wheelchair for the local Outdoor Education Camp so children with disabilities could participate in the hikes and outdoor experiences at camp without limits. In 2013, we are committed to providing more wheelchair ramps to those in need of accessibility to their residence. We are hoping to partner with more community agencies, foundations and businesses to make this project a huge success. We have provided ramps at several residences in the past years.

These are just a few examples of what the Society has provided over the last 35 years since this fund was established. These are priceless tools in enhancing the quality of life and self-sufficiency of those in our community.

In order to keep our fund financed, we need your help. Every dollar helps provide equipment to someone in need. If you would like to donate to our Special Needs Fund, call our office at (209) 524-3536.

Donate to the Special Needs Fund Now!

*Data from the 2010 US Census