Whether it’s being able to pursue your dream job or getting to rent your first apartment, it can be easy to take independence for granted. However, for many people in our community, accessibility is challenging because of 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, providing resources that offer them more choice and greater opportunities for independence.
“Our purpose at Paraquad is to partner with people with disabilities to build their best lives,” explains Aimee Wehmeier, the nonprofit’s president. “That is best accomplished by creating an inclusive community. One of the biggest barriers to access I see is low expectations. We want to shine a light on people’s value, so they can have the opportunity to live a typical life and participate in the world just as everyone else does.”
From independent living and employment to assistive devices and personal care attendants, Paraquad works with people to help them achieve personal goals, access resources and take advantage of new opportunities. “We offer a hub of resources,” 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.
The effectiveness of Paraquad’s programming is evident through the success of its participants. Donna Carpenter has been working with the nonprofit for six years. Thanks to the opportunities to access resources and exercise at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center, she’s experienced a tangible improvement to her quality of life. “Paraquad has changed my life in so many positive ways,” she notes. “After 31 years of living with multiple sclerosis, I’ve been able to improve my wellbeing and regain my independence.”
Paraquad relies on community support to make its mission possible. Its largest annual fundraiser is the Shine the Light gala. This year’s event is Sept. 8 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, and the nonprofit’s goal is to raise $350,000. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the people who are affected by disability,” Wehmeier says. “One of the things that sets Paraquad apart is that most of our board and staff have disabilities, so our mission and what we do has a major impact both professionally and personally. The gala provides the chance for people with and without disabilities to come together to support something amazing.”
Along with hearing the stories of Paraquad participants and learning more about its mission, guests at the gala can look forward to live music, dancing and activities, including a fund-a-need campaign. “People can learn exactly how their dollars are being used,” Wehmeier notes. “Shine the Light gives us the opportunity to share the impact Paraquad has. The evening is always high energy and a lot of fun. It’s really a celebration of the magic that comes with making a change in St. Louis.”
Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education and advocacy. Its Shine the Light gala is Sept. 8 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: Anna Corbitt, Allison Engelsmann, Donna Carpenter. For more information, call 314.289.4200 or visit paraquad.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Paraquad participant Donna Carpenter and committee chair Allison Engelsmann
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
