Paraquad

05/22/2026

The Orthwein Center will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

Today is the 15th annual . The purpose of is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people globally who live with a disability or impairment.

At Paraquad, accessibility means more than ramps and automatic doors. It means accessible transportation, inclusive workplaces, adaptive technology, digital access, community connection, and the freedom to live independently.

When accessibility improves, opportunities expand.

As we recognize , we encourage everyone to think about the barriers that still exist and the role we all play in removing them.

Because independence should never depend on access.

05/20/2026

Advocacy is one of Paraquad’s core services — and this year, that work continued at the Missouri State Capitol.

Throughout the 2026 legislative session, Paraquad’s Public Policy and Advocacy team tracked 27 bills related to disability rights, healthcare, accessibility, transportation, and independent living. Alongside advocates and community partners across the state, we worked to ensure the voices of people with disabilities were heard.

Read more about the legislation, budget decisions, and disability advocacy efforts that shaped this year’s session in our latest blog post available at paraquad.org/news/2026-missouri-legislative-session-wrap-up

05/19/2026

🚨🚨Take action now!🚨🚨

A lawsuit currently working its way through the federal courts, Texas v. Kennedy (commonly called the "504 lawsuit"), poses a serious threat to the rights of people with disabilities in Missouri and across the country.

The case targets a 2024 federal rule designed to help people with disabilities live, work, and receive services in their own communities rather than in institutional settings. That rule is grounded in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., both of which affirm that people with disabilities should not be forced into institutions when they can and want to live in their communities. For decades, courts have recognized that Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act work in concert to protect that right.

Missouri remains one of only seven states still participating in this lawsuit. That number tells an important story. Of the 18 original plaintiff states, more than half have already withdrawn, including Indiana and South Dakota, which dropped out most recently. State after state has reconsidered its position and chosen to step back. Missouri should do the same.

Paraquad is calling on Attorney General Catherine Hanaway to follow the lead of Indiana, South Dakota, and the other states that have withdrawn, and drop Missouri from this lawsuit. A ruling against this rule could erode the Olmstead protections that many Missourians with disabilities depend on to live full, self-directed lives in their communities. We believe that people with disabilities deserve to live with dignity alongside their neighbors, and that no one should be forced out of their community simply to access the services they need.

If you share these concerns, please take a moment to contact Attorney General Hanaway's office. The more you can personalize your message with your own story or perspective, the greater the impact.

And don't forget to share this message with your network.

Contact information for Attorney General Hanaway's office: ago.mo.gov/about-us/contact-us/

05/18/2026

Did you know that Paraquad partners with The Salvation Army for culinary classes. Adults with disabilities are invited to participate in our 15-week training program where they will learn sanitation and food safety, knife safety skills, cooking and baking skills, and customer service skills. They will also receive their ServSafe certification as a part of the program.

It's application season for our Summer semester. You can learn more about the program and application process at https://paraquad.org/employment-services/culinary-training-program.

05/15/2026

A huge thank you to our friends at Wells Fargo for pitching in once again! On Friday, Wells Fargo employees partnered with Paraquad to help install a ramp for a participant in our community. Thanks to their hard work and generosity, this participant now has safer, more accessible access to her home and greater peace of mind.

She shared her gratitude with the team, thanking them for helping alleviate her fears of falling and giving her more independence and confidence in her daily life.

05/14/2026

Grateful to American Public Transportation Association for their support of Paraquad and SMART! We look forward to our continued partnership.

Congratulations St. Louis Metropolitan Alliance for Reliable Transit (SMART) on winning an APTA Local Coalition Grant. SMART/ Paraquad will engage the community in advocacy around increasing transit service frequency and coverage in underserved areas. The coalition will also advocate for transit and paratransit accessibility measures.

Bi-State Development Metro Senator Josh Hawley Senator Eric Schmitt Congresswoman Ann Wagner Representative Wesley Bell

05/12/2026

At Paraquad, we believe independence should happen on your terms. Our Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program helps adults with disabilities live independently at home and in the community by connecting them with personal care attendants who assist with daily living tasks like meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, bathing, and more.

What makes CDS unique? Participants direct their own care — including choosing and managing their attendant, who can even be a trusted friend or family member (excluding spouses). Our program is rooted in choice, dignity, and empowerment. Our team is here to help participants navigate the process, connect to additional resources, and build a path toward greater independence.

Learn more about CDS at paraquad.org/consumer-directed-services.

05/11/2026

Check out this great upcoming event hosted by one of Paraquad's partners - Starkloff Disability Institute!

The Starkloff Network is hosting a workshop for young professionals (18-40) all about building your personal brand for professional success. Plus, Q&A with special guest Drew Davis, founder of multi-million dollar hot sauce company Drew's Stacked Sauce, influencer, entrepreneur, and thriving young professional with a disability!

Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical skills and expert insights, plus professional headshots and a social hour with to connect with other young professionals. Join us on Thursday, May 21 at Spark Coworking - St. Louis (in Ballpark Village) from 6-8pm for this FREE event. Registration required: https://starkloff.org/personal-brand-starkloff-network-may-2026/

05/08/2026

A very BIG thank you to everyone who supported Paraquad on Give STL Day! Together, we raised more than $23,000 to make independence accessible!

If you missed the opportunity yesterday, you can still contribute at https://paraquad.org/donate

05/07/2026

We've raised nearly 50% of our $50,000 Give STL Day goal! There's still time to make a donation to help make independence accessible! Give now at https://www.givestlday.org/organization/Paraquad.