Paraquad

Mission

Paraquad will empower people with disabilities to increase their independence through choice and opportunity.

Paraquad will be the leader in advancing the independent living philosophy. It envisions an integrated community in which people with disabilities are valued and participate in all aspects of society.

Services Provided

Personal Care Attendant Services

Paraquad’s Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program supports people with disabilities and who qualify for Medicaid to live independently.

Independent Living Services

Paraquad staff partner with participants to identify and work toward specific goals related to independence.

Youth and Family Services

This program combines youth development principles with the spirit of the independent living philosophy to address the unique challenges facing children and youth with disabilities.

Deaf Way Interpreting Services

Quality sign language interpreting services empower Deaf people or people who are hard of hearing to have clear, effective communication in any situation.

Health and Wellness Center

The recently renamed Stephen A. Orthwein Center is a specialty fitness center with a variety of services to support the comprehensive exercise needs of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology

Paraquad’s Assistive Technology program provides information about and access to equipment that will benefit them.

Employment Services

Paraquad’s Employment Program offers assistance and support to help individuals with disabilities receive training, obtain a career and be a successful employee.

Education Programs

Paraquad’s Education program offers a variety of educational and personal growth opportunities to people with developmental disabilities and enables participants to live more independently.

Policy and Advocacy

Paraquad’s Public Policy and Advocacy Department works to develop and implement policies that promote independent living and to eliminate or amend policies that create barriers for people with disabilities.

How Many People Reached

Annually, 2,000 or more through direct services. Paraquad also provides immediate assistance and resources to more than 12,000 people annually through its Information and Referral specialists.

How Donations Are Used

Paraquad provides its expert services for people with disabilities at low or no cost to ensure that everyone who needs help can get it. Examples include:

• Financial assistance so an adult with a developmental disability can participate in the Bloom Cafe restaurant training program. The cost of one full 12-week program is about $300.
• Health and wellness matters for everyone, including people with disabilities and people with limited incomes. For $50, one person with limited income can utilize specialized equipment in Paraquad’s Health and Wellness Center for one month.
• An outing to community attractions and activities can open doors for children with disabilities. A day trip, including transportation, admission costs, and food/drink averages about $35 per child.
• People with disabilities who transition from homelessness or institutions to their own apartment need essential household goods. A gift of $25 can provide a housewarming basket of plates and silverware.
• With more than 80 percent of Paraquad's participants living on incomes of less than $20,000, Paraquad relies on the generosity of its supporters to fund core services. A gift can help to ensure accessibility to services that promote independence for people with disabilities.

Project Spotlight

The Stephen A. Orthwein Center (formerly the Health and Wellness Center) has added some highly specialized equipment to support a new focus on one-on-one exercise training. The goal -- supported by the Orthwein family -- is to serve as a regional destination for individuals who will benefit from ongoing structured exercise services, including those who have recently acquired a disability and those who have specific training and wellness goals. The service offered are not currently available elsewhere in the region and will allow individuals who have experienced significant disabilities and are seeking post-rehabilitation services to access those close to home. The Center will also continue to offer accessible exercise and a variety of fitness-focused classes to anyone with a disability.

Awards or Accreditations

Paraquad has received many honors and awards for its work serving people with disabilities. In 2011, Focus St. Louis honored Paraquad with its annual What’s Right with the Region award. In 2012, Paraquad received the National Council on Independent Living Diversity Committee Award for our Deaf Way Interpreting Program. In 2015, the Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance chose Paraquad as Advocate of the Year. Paraquad’s partnership with LaunchCode to provide support for students with disabilities was awarded with the Inclusion Moonshot Award in 2019. Several of our programs, including the Culinary Training Program and its Independent Living Adult Program are certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Paraquad is also working towards CARF accreditation for the Stephen A. Orthwein Center by 2022.

Interesting Facts

In 2020, Paraquad is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1970, Paraquad is proud of its contributions to the disability rights movement locally and nationally, and as it enters its next 50 years, Paraquad is dedicated to continuing to advance independence, inclusion, and opportunities for people with disabilities.