Mission Statement:

The mission of Positive Changes is to make a positive impact on individuals and families faced with the lifetime challenges of disability by providing services enabling them to remain in their home and an active part of their community. A volunteer based organization, Positive Changes strives to break the barriers of disability by helping to provide home modifications, personal care attendants and education in other services available to the client.

On December 12, 1987 Rick Davidson, a 21-year-old with an adventurous spirit took what would be his last ride on a motorcycle alone that would change his life forever. Rick was riding his 1987 Suzuki GSXR 1100 around the block when he lost control at about 30 mph stated in the Olathe police report. Then Rick and his motorcycle slid into the front of a parked pickup, at the point of impact, Ricks head hit the trucks bumper which caused the third vertebrae in his neck to explode. At that moment, Rick became a quadriplegic, relying on a ventilator for every breath.

Paramedics transported Rick to Olathe hospital, and then his parents were notified of the horrific accident that just had happened to their only son. Rick was transported by life flight to KU Medical Center where the doctors informed his parents that their son only had a 5% chance to live and they would be lucky if I survived past a year on the ventilator.

During his time at KU Med Rick’s parents contacted Craig hospital in Denver Colorado. The doctors and nurses came to KU Med to assess Rick and see if he would be a candidate for their rehab services. Due to Rick’s positive outlook on life and his overall condition he was accepted to start his rehabilitation at Craig hospital February 14, 1988 to June 2 of 1988.

Rick attributes his success to his “never say die attitude”. Along with his goals and fund raisers that afford him additional care and equipment not covered by insurance.

In addition to countless volunteer hours, Rick gives back in many ways. In 2005, Rick traveled coast to coast on a specially built trailer that was pulled by a Harley Davidson motorcycle to help raise awareness for disabilities. Rick along with his nurses and a few friends started on the East Coast and one of their stops included the White House. After discussing with the Presidents Liaison about a bill called, “Money Follows the Person” they were invited back, to speak to Congress less than a month after their coast to coast awareness ride.This bill was passed in December of 2005. In return, this Bill gives people in nursing homes the power to live as and where they see fit. In 2009, Rick accepted a position with the City of Olathe as a member of the Persons with Disability Advisory Board. On this board Rick acts as an advocate for the disabled community.

In addition, he also assists in developing the “KC Ability Expo.” Needless to say, Rick lives his “5% chance of survival” to the fullest and makes the best out of each day, month and year all through his faith in the Lord.

The money raised will help purchase items that disabled people truly need for their daily lives and may not be able to afford them. With your help and donations Positive Changes is able to help fill in where some insurance coverage does not. If you have durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, canes and such that you think might be useful to someone else and would like to see it go to someone that could use it. Please let us know and together we could make positive changes in someone’s life.

Thank you,

Positive Changes Inc. and Rick Davidson

Our primary focus is family support.  We work with the individual and their support system to enable them to remain a cohesive “family unit”… whether it is biological or a extended support system.

Durable Medical Equipment

DME equipment like: power/manual wheelchairs,
walker’s, canes, shower chairs and etc.

 

Vehicle Donation

Donating vehicles to individuals with special needs as well
as minor repairs on your existing vehicle to help stay as
independent as possible

 

 

Build a Ramp

Our contractor and volunteers building a ramp for a
disabled individual

 

Information and Referral Info and Referral Assisting individuals and families by providing valuable information on disability topics as well as make appropriate referrals to other community agencies to help the client obtain services. We also work with the client in obtaining and filling out the required documentation, if required.

 

Individual Advocacy Individual Advocacy Helping people and families with disabilities develop the skills they need to represent themselves. These skills help them act on their own behalf to obtain support services from agencies in the community.

 

Peer Counseling Peer Counseling Helping connect people and their family /support system with other people who have a similar disability who are living in similar situations and independently in the community.

 

Family Support Program Family Support Program Providing resources for the families of disabled people. Acting as a liaison and helping them get through the “red tape” to obtain services if needed. Providing support by means of telephone, internet, and one-on-one communication as needed.