Who We Are

The work we do today began nearly thirty years ago. Originally, our work grew out of a chronic and unmet need for adaptive equipment for people in the State of Arizona's special needs residential programs. These programs became community-based and, so, the institutions were eventually closed. But the needs, of course, continued. Over the years we grew from one person with a few tools into today’s fully equipped shop staffed by volunteers experienced in cabinetry, fabrication, electronics, and sewing.

From its inception, our volunteers' creative skills and determination to help others has fueled our innovative (and affordable) solutions to the needs of those with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other neuro-muscular and cognitive disorders. Commercially available equipment is notoriously expensive, putting it out of reach for many families already struggling with the exceptional expenses that come with caring for a child with special needs. Because we have the time, talents and ingenuity of our volunteers, we are able to provide this needed equipment for a fraction of retail. (For some families even that may be more than they can afford; in those cases we provide the equipment for free.) In addition, we are often asked to create adaptive equipment for an individual whose needs are utterly unique.

During a typical year, we serve over 220 individuals with special needs, and make or adapt nearly a thousand items. We also provide therapeutic and adaptive equipment to more than 100 therapists and teachers working with children and adults with special needs in both community agencies and in exceptional education school programs throughout Southern Arizona.

Special Needs Solutions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for the families we serve by designing and making the therapeutic and day-to-day equipment essential for properly caring for their loved ones with special needs.