Paraquad

09/25/2025

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month and our Spinal Cord Injury Support Group has been very active. On September 4th, the group gathered for a BBQ in awareness of the month and to celebrate each other. On September 16, the group attended a St. Louis Cardinals game for a fun night out.

09/24/2025

📣 Join us for our Medicaid Youth to Adult Transition Summit!

🗓 Saturday, October 11, 2025 | ⏰ 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Paraquad, Jim Tuscher Auditorium (5240 Oakland Ave.)

This summit is designed for youth with disabilities, families, and community partners to learn more about independent living, health care, waivers, transportation, college access, voting, and more. Hear directly from experts and connect with resources to support the transition to adulthood!

✅ RSVP or send your questions to tmcghaw@paraquad.org



ALT TEXT: Flyer for the Medicaid Youth to Adult Transition Summit hosted by Paraquad. Event date: October 11, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Jim Tuscher Auditorium, 5240 Oakland Ave. Agenda includes sessions on independent living, consumer-directed services, Medicaid waivers, mental health care, vocational rehab, college access, transportation, obtaining a driver’s license, voting, and a real-life discussion panel. Email tmcghaw@paraquad.org for further details.

09/24/2025

Don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard by state legislators. Complete the 2025 Governor's Council on Disability Legislative Priorities Poll by 5:00 p.m. on November 3 at the link below.

This annual poll assists the Governor's Council on Disability in collecting information on issues important to people with disabilities.

09/19/2025

Are you or someone you know looking for connection and community? We are excited to share our updated lineup of support groups!

At Paraquad, we believe no one should navigate life’s challenges alone. Our Peer Program Support Groups are a place to share experiences, find encouragement, and connect with others who understand. 💙

Join us at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center (5200 Berthold Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110):

Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month | 2:00–3:30 PM

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
1st Monday of every month | 10:30–11:30 AM

Amputee Support Group
4th Tuesday of every month | 2:00–3:00 PM

Stroke Support Group
2nd Tuesday of every month | 2:00–3:30 PM

All Women’s Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month | 2:00–3:30 PM

📩 To register, contact Kiland Sampa at ksampa@paraquad.org or 314.289.4255.



ALT TEXT: Paraquad flyer with updated Peer Program Support Group schedule, including Spinal Cord Injury, MS, Amputee, Stroke, and All Women’s groups with meeting times and contact info.

09/17/2025

National Voter Registration Day strengthens the foundation of democracy, empowering individuals to shape the future through their ballots. Yesterday, Paraquad staff shared some of the reasons why they vote.

If you need help registering to vote or want to understand your rights when voting, please contact us!

09/12/2025

Shop Kendra Scott, Support Paraquad! 💛

From Friday, September 12 through Tuesday, September 16, 2025, use the code GIVEBACK-PARAQUAD when shopping Kendra Scott online, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to our organization.⭐️

https://www.kendrascott.com

Also, a big Yeehaw, and good luck to very near and dear friends of ours for the amazing private party and inaugural rodeo they are hosting on their Farm this evening to benefit our mission. There will be a Kendra Scott jewelry station at the rodeo if you're attending. We wish nothing but great success and we can’t wait to hear how things go! Giddy up!🤠

A huge thank you to the Orthwein Family, and the many volunteers and staff who have worked to put on this amazing event!



ALT TEXT: Flyer for Paraquad’s Kendra Scott giveback event. Text reads: ‘Shop for good! Paraquad – Making Independence Accessible. Date & Time: September 12–16. Details: Shop online with code GIVEBACK-PARAQUAD to donate 20% of your purchase to Paraquad!’ Surrounded by colorful gemstone illustrations. Kendra Scott logo at the bottom.

09/10/2025

📣 Good news! Extended hours are here to stay at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center.

🕗 On Tuesdays & Thursdays, we’re open from 8 AM – 6 PM.
🕘 Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays were open 9 AM – 5 PM.

Your support and participation made this happen! Thank you for being part of our community. 💙



ALT TEXT:
Graphic with Paraquad and Stephen A. Orthwein Center logos. Text reads: “Extended Hours – Here to Stay! Due to the increase in attendance from 8–10 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Stephen A. Orthwein Center will continue with these extended hours for the foreseeable future! On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we are open 8 AM – 6 PM. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays will remain 9 AM – 5 PM.” Background has colorful geometric shapes on the left

09/09/2025

This week is Disability Voting Rights Week. Please see the information below from the American Association of People with Disabilities for information about accessible voting and exercising your right to vote.

Today is the first day of Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW)!

This week is all about using your power. 🗳️ We hope you will join our annual week of action to build an accessible democracy and an accessible future. Why? Because the disability voting bloc in the US is 40 million strong, and voting is an essential tool to exercise your rights.

Join this week while we share information about accessible voting, lift up the advocacy and events of REV UP chapters across the country, and prepare to bring our power to the polls this fall.

Get access to our full DVRW toolkit to access social media graphics in eight languages, messaging guidance, and other tools and resources to get involved at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPpZVCMQcUMA2sWKjDjVkJcXpUHwbVj44wzxiqMJNeQ-rVOQ/viewform

ID: A light purple graphic says "Disability Voting Rights Week" with icons that indicate a person in a wheelchair rolling to a ballot box

09/09/2025

On July 14, Paraquad partnered with Chicken N Pickle - St. Charles for a Giveback Night. The event raised $1014.16 for Paraquad's peer programs. Thank you to the event host and everyone who came out to make the evening a success.

09/08/2025

Week 10 of is here, and we’re celebrating Brian’s incredible progress! 🎉

Since joining Paraquad’s Orthwein Center in 2022, he’s grown stronger, built meaningful friendships, and embraced independence. 💪

From working out twice a week to moving into his own accessible home, Brian’s dedication and positive spirit inspire us all. Here’s to your amazing progress and 3 years with us, Brian! ⭐

A big thank you to everyone supporting Paraquad and helping make milestones like this possible!💙



ALT TEXT:

Photo-Cutout picture of Brian. He's wearing a Cardinals hat, eyeglasses, a black shirt, and gray pants, and is smiling and looking to the side while sitting in his wheelchair. Paraquad's "Cheers to 55 Years" anniversary logo in top right corner.

Text-Brian joined the Orthwein Center on September 27, 2022, and is coming up on his 3-year anniversary with us! He’s a dedicated member who works out twice a week, steadily building strength and maintaining a positive routine. Over the past few years, Brian has made incredible progress in three major areas:
Paraquad’s Orthwein Center
1. Physical – Gained strength + improved endurance.
2. Social – Formed meaningful friendships.
3. Emotional – Boosted his mood + overall well-being.
He learned about the Orthwein Center from fellow gym member, who not only introduced him to the gym but also encouraged him to move out of a nursing home. After several years of hard work and planning, Brian built his own, accessible home and proudly moved in January 2025 — and just recently celebrated 8 months of independence! We’re proud to recognize Brian for his commitment, resilience, and positive spirit. Congratulations, Brian!

09/05/2025

📊 Did you know? Transportation consistently polls as one of the toughest issues for people with disabilities.

Through S.M.A.R.T., Paraquad brings advocates together to push for the accessible transportation our community deserves.💙

Join us in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive transit system! 🚌



ALT TEXT:

Image 1: A graphic with the S.M.A.R.T. logo at the top and three people smiling at a Metro information table. Text explains that the St. Louis Metropolitan Alliance for Reliable Transit (S.M.A.R.T.) advocates for safe, accessible, and affordable public transportation.

Image 2: The S.M.A.R.T. logo next to a photo of a wheelchair user speaking with two Metro employees in suits. Text explains that transportation is one of the toughest issues for people with disabilities.

Image 3: The S.M.A.R.T. logo, a Zoom logo, and a QR code for weekly group calls (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89892187526pwd=c2tUMVdKSUxXTVlWbmIyMG42bzJjdz09). Text invites people to contact Paraquad staff to get involved with S.M.A.R.T. advocacy.