Paraquad Salutes Difference Makers in St. Louis Disability Community

I recently had an opportunity to visit Paraquad to see how they help those with disabilities in our region. They are truly a one-stop-shop for resources for those with disabilities.

Tonight they will host an awards ceremony to honor Jim Tuscher posthumously and  with their annual Max and Colleen Starkloff Award. 

Jim Tuscher, who passed away on March 1, 2011, made countless contributions to the disability community in Missouri, and nationally.  His career followed the independent living movement: charting advancements for disability rights among centers for independent living; spearheading initiatives that changed state legislation; and identifying national opportunities for sustainable change.  

Another reminder of how connected we all are: I had the opportunity to be a classmate of Jim's while in FOCUS St. Louis' Leadership St. Louis class in 1996-97. His contributions to our class in terms of his perspective and pointing out what those who are disabled have as their challenges added a rich dimension to our class. Deb Hollingsworth of AT&T, who also will be there this evening as AT&T is a major supporter of the organization, was another classmate of ours that year. While we benefited from sharing time with Jim, it is the St. Louis region that he impacted with his tireless efforts on behalf of Paraquad. I salute his efforts!

Mercy Hospital is being honored for its commitment to employing individuals with developmental disabilities. For the past 15 years, Paraquad has worked closely with Mercy to identify job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and to design job coaching strategies for a successful, long-term work experience.

The Starkloff Award was established in 2010 in honor of Paraquad’s founders, Max and Colleen Starkloff.  The award is presented annually to individuals and organizations that exemplify a strong commitment and contributions to the independent living philosophy.

Paraquad is the largest provider of services to people with all types of disabilities in the St. Louis area.  Founded in 1970, Paraquad is one of the oldest independent living centers in the United States.

Paraquad provides over 40 services, addressing the needs of individuals with all types of disabilities. Programs include Assistive Technology, College for Living, Consumer Directed Services, Deaf Way Interpreting, Employment, Independent Living, Public Policy, and Youth and Family. Last year, Paraquad served over 4,000 people with disabilities. As the largest organization serving people with all disabilities, with an emphasis on increased independence, Paraquad is truly distinctive within the St. Louis region.

For more information on Paraquad: www.paraquad.org.