Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled

Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled

541 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134

Hours: n/a

Days of Service Schedule: n/a

📧 mail@monkeyhelpers.org
☏ 617-787-4419
@‍ www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org

Who Qualifies: Individuals with severe, mobility-limiting physical disabilities—such as high-level spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, ALS, or similar conditions—that significantly impact their ability to perform everyday tasks in the home may be considered for a service monkey placement. Eligibility assessments typically include evaluation of the individual’s functional abilities, home environment, and support network.

People whose disabilities do not substantially limit physical independence at home, who do not require hands-on assistance with daily tasks, or whose home setting cannot safely accommodate a service animal are generally not eligible for placement. Additionally, those without the ability to participate in training cooperation, provide appropriate care, or ensure a stable supportive environment are excluded from placement consideration.

Application Process:
Initial Inquiry:
Prospective applicants begin by completing an initial inquiry form or contacting Helping Hands to express interest and request detailed application materials. This step starts the review of basic eligibility.

Detailed Application:
If the inquiry is accepted, Helping Hands provides a comprehensive application that gathers information about the applicant’s disability, daily assistance needs, functional abilities, home environment, and support system.

References and Documentation:
Applicants must submit references from non-family members and medical professionals, along with home videos and floor plans so the organization can assess how a service monkey could assist safely and effectively.

Interviews and Assessments:
The process typically includes telephone and video interviews as well as a home visit to evaluate compatibility, safety, and the applicant’s capacity to care for and work with a service monkey.

Matching and Placement:
When the application is approved and a trained monkey is available that matches the person’s needs, Helping Hands arranges placement at the applicant’s home. Members of the staff bring the monkey and conduct on-site training for the recipient, caregivers, and support network.

Timeline:
The full process typically takes three to six months from inquiry to placement, depending on training availability and individual circumstances.

Note: Helping Hands historically has been very selective in placements, considering physical abilities, cognitive function, home environment, and caregiving support when evaluating applicants.

Last Updated: 1/30/26. Updates needed? Contact us here.