ABOUT MO BETTER FOUNDATION

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Making Life “More Better” for Missourians Living with Physical Disabilities

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MO Better Foundation is a Missouri-based nonprofit dedicated to improving daily life for individuals living with physical disabilities. We focus on practical, community-based solutions that increase independence, improve access, and enhance quality of life.

 

Founded in 2017, MO Better was created to address a common challenge: many individuals living with physical disabilities need equipment, technology, or modifications that are not covered by insurance or other funding sources. These unmet needs often create barriers to independence, safety, and participation in everyday life.

 

MO Better helps bridge that gap.

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Through funding, partnerships, and innovative programs, we support individuals in gaining more independence, more connection, and more control over daily life.

 

How We Help

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MO Better Foundation supports individuals living with physical disabilities through several practical, community-based approaches designed to improve independence, access, and quality of life.

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Direct Support for Individuals (Primary Foundation)

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Direct support remains the foundation of MO Better’s work.

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This support may include:

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• Assistive technology and smart home solutions
• Adaptive equipment for daily living
• Access modifications for home environments
• Mobility-related equipment not covered by insurance
• Other practical solutions that improve independence and quality of life

 

Funding is provided when insurance or other funding sources are unavailable or insufficient. Funding decisions are often informed by recommendations from healthcare providers, occupational therapists, and assistive technology professionals to help ensure solutions are appropriate and effective.

 

 

Smart Home Access & Independence (Smart Start Initiative)

 

Through the Smart Start initiative, MO Better works with occupational therapists, assistive technology professionals, and community partners to identify and implement smart home and assistive technology solutions that improve independence within the home.

This assessment-driven approach, conducted in collaboration with qualified professionals, helps ensure that the right solutions are selected, installed, and used effectively. Smart Start focuses on practical technologies that allow individuals to better control their environment, increase independence, and improve safety in daily life.

 

 

Inclusive Recreation & Community Engagement

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MO Better supports inclusive recreation opportunities that help individuals living with physical disabilities participate more fully in community life. These initiatives promote connection, wellness, and independence through adaptive and inclusive activities.

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Examples may include:

• Adaptive recreation programs
• Inclusive outdoor experiences
• Adaptive gaming and technology-based recreation
• Community-based opportunities that reduce isolation and increase participation

 

These efforts recognize that independence and quality of life extend beyond the home and into meaningful community engagement.

 

 

Community Partnerships & Innovation

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MO Better collaborates with healthcare professionals, universities, assistive technology providers, and disability organizations to develop practical, real-world solutions.

These partnerships help:

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• Identify unmet needs
• Develop practical solutions
• Expand access to assistive technology
• Improve independence for individuals across Missouri
• Support assessment and implementation of assistive solutions

Partners may include occupational therapists, assistive technology professionals, rehabilitation providers, and academic institutions working together to improve outcomes for individuals living with physical disabilities.

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Our Approach: Practical Solutions, Real-World Impact

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MO Better’s approach is designed to ensure solutions are both appropriate and effective:

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1. Referral or application

2. Assessment with qualified professionals (when appropriate)

3. Identification of practical solutions

4. Funding and implementation

5. Follow-up and support

 

This structured, partnership-driven model helps ensure that solutions are not only provided, but thoughtfully implemented to improve independence and quality of life.

 

 

Our Leadership

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MO Better Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a volunteer Advisory Council made up of professionals, community leaders, and individuals living with physical disabilities.

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Founder and Executive Director Dave Welborn brings more than four decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including work with organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association, KEEN St. Louis, Unlimited Play, and other nonprofits focused on improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

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Through both professional and volunteer leadership, Dave has developed long-standing relationships with individuals, families, and professionals across Missouri, helping guide MO Better’s mission and growth.

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Our Philosophy

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MO Better believes that small, practical solutions can create meaningful change.

 

Whether it’s assistive technology, adaptive equipment, or access improvements, each solution helps individuals live with greater independence, dignity, and opportunity.

 

Everything we do is rooted in a simple goal:

 

To make life “more better” for Missourians living with physical disabilities