ALLSTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — An organization that houses dozens of capuchin monkeys is asking for the public’s help after a recent flooding.
Envisioning Access, formerly known as Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers, used to train and provide service monkeys to people living with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and ALS.
However, the Americans with Disabilities Act was revised in 2011 to only recognize dogs and certain miniature horses as service animals. Since then, the non-profit says it has changed its name and mission.
Envisioning Access is now working with tech startups and universities to provide the disabled community with robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.
They want to use these technologies to help the disabled find meaningful employment, achieve in higher education, and alleviate isolation.
They are also taking care of the 50 or so capuchin monkeys who are no longer of service.
Earlier this month, workers came to the office on Cambridge Street in Allston and found the entire downstairs flooded, damaging their infrastructure, equipment, and supplies. The culprit was a ruptured pipe.
According to Executive Director Diane Nahabedian, Envisioning Access needs to raise $30,000 for repair costs that insurance will not cover. The company is accepting donations on their website.
WBZ’s Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.
