Paraquad Inc

Results: Through Fiscal Year 2022 (which runs through September), we anticipate that: • Paraquad will serve 2000 individuals with direct services and respond to 5,000 inquiries for information and/or referrals. • 1,400 individuals with disabilities will be helped through our Independent Living Skills training. • 60 youth will be helped through our Youth and Family Services programs. 100 individuals will work with our Employment Specialists to improve their job readiness skills and obtain employment. • 150 individuals will participate in our Continuing Education classes for those with developmental disabilities. • More than 300 individuals will benefit from exercise and education at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center.

Target demographics: Paraquad works with people of all ages — from children who might have a disability to senior citizens needing special care. We assist individuals with a wide variety of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, visual, auditory, mental, and emotional.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Paraquad provides services to more than 1,260 people with disabilities in the St. Louis region.

Geographic areas served: the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area, including St. Louis City and St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, and Warren counties in Missouri. We also serve individuals from Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, and Randolph counties in Illinois.

Programs: Paraquad partners with people with disabilities to build their best lives. We are a hub of resources and knowledge, focused on shaping the future for people with disabilities, and we do so by advocating for disability rights, leading support services and leveraging innovations that create greater opportunities to live independently. Paraquad provides services to more than 1,260 people with disabilities in the St. Louis region. Public Policy and Advocacy- Advocating for the interests of people with disabilities is foundational to Paraquad. We provide training on voting and civic engagement, individual advocacy, and systems change organizing. We work with legislators to develop and implement policies that promote independent living and eliminate or amend policies that create barriers for people with disabilities. We support People First of St. Louis, a self-advocacy group led by people with developmental disabilities. Independent Living- Paraquad supports people with disabilities in pursuing their goals for independence, which can include obtaining benefits and finding affordable, accessible housing and transportation. Independent living also offers Peer Mentoring and the motivation and support to achieve personal goals. Our Information and Referral Specialists provide information about Paraquad programs and services and make referrals to external community resources. Participants in our Consumer Directed Services program hire and manage their own personal care attendants. Youth Services- Transitioning to adulthood and building your best life is a core service. Youth Group provides peer support and builds advocacy and social skills; Education Advocacy assists students and parents with accessing needed supports for academic success; Youth-to-Adult Transition focuses on creating a person-centered plan for youth that addresses future employment, education, housing, independent living skills, and recreation. Education and Employment Services- Paraquad’s Workforce Development Programs prepare participants for securing, and maintaining employment in positions consistent with their talent, skills, and interests. Employment Services include job placement and benefits counseling. Continuing Education focuses on building social and independent living skills for adults with disabilities. The Culinary Training Program prepares adults for a career in hospitality, and the Summer Work Experience Program offers an opportunity for high school students to earn a paycheck while gaining work experience. The Stephen A. Orthwein Center- A regional destination for people with disabilities and older adults to increase their independence through exercise with a fully accessible gym, state-of-the-art equipment, and expert staff.