Whether it’s the option to hit the treadmill at the gym, work at the job of your choice or rent your first apartment, it can be easy to take independence for granted. However, many people in our community have to deal with the challenges of accessibility due to disability. Paraquad’s mission is to create a more integrated society that is free of barriers and discrimination. For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has empowered people with disabilities, offering them more choice and greater opportunities for independence.
“We make independence accessible,” explains Aimee Wehmeier, the nonprofit’s president. It’s a mission that is not possible without support. “In order to create equity and opportunity, it takes everyone,” she notes. “The community needs to come together in a variety of ways—whether that’s building personal relationships or providing more opportunities in areas like employment. One of Paraquad’s strengths is that many of our staff and board members are people with disabilities, so we can use our experiences to help others facing similar challenges build their lives how they choose.”
From independent living and employment to assistive devices and personal care attendants, the organization works with people with disabilities to help them achieve personal goals, access resources and take advantage of new opportunities. “We offer a hub of services and work with all ages and types of disability,” Wehmeier says. “We help thousands of people annually—whether they’re looking for support for themselves or seeking assistance with an aging parent.”
One of Paraquad’s major initiatives is the Stephen A. Orthwein Center. The fully accessible fitness center provides people with disabilities and older adults facing mobility challenges with the resources to achieve a variety of cardiovascular, strength and mobility goals. In addition to open individual workouts and group classes, the center offers one-on-one training with adaptive exercise specialists, online options for people who cannot attend in person, and state-of-the-art robotic and functional electrical stimulation equipment.
The center was made possible through the support of the Orthwein family and was named in honor of Stephen A. Orthwein, who incurred a spinal cord injury during a polo game. “The intention was to create a local resource for people with new or existing disabilities,” Wehmeier says. “There is so much incredible technology that can make exercise accessible to everyone, and people are enjoying using the center and making great progress with the goals they’ve set for themselves. It’s a valuable resource for the community.”
The Orthwein family will be honored with the Partner for Independence award at Paraquad’s Shine the Light gala. The event is Sept. 23 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, and Wehmeier says it is expected to be the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser yet. “It’s a time to share our story and celebrate together,” she notes. “It’s also a great way to recognize the Orthwein family and honor the legacy of Stephen. We’re so grateful for the support we receive. It makes our mission of equity and independence possible. Everyone wants to be part of a community, and together, we’re providing that opportunity to people with disabilities.”
Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education and advocacy. Its Shine the Light gala is Sept. 23 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: Anna Corbitt, Allison Englesmann, Ginny Orthwein, Aimee Wehmeier, Jerry Ehrlich, Melissa Brickey. For more information, call 314.289.4200 or visit paraquad.org.
Cover design by Cydney Moore
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: The Stephen A. Orthwein Center is a fully accessible fitness center.
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
