Disability Support Groups at Paraquad
Living with a disability is something that you can only understand from lived experiences. Support groups at Paraquad provide a platform for individuals to exchange knowledge about their disability and share coping techniques for independence. Beyond that, our disability support groups offer social support — each session is a place where you can feel like you belong.
As an organization that helps people with disabilities, Paraquad hosts five support groups. Read on to learn more about each.
Living Well in the Community
Open to all people with disabilities, Living Well in the Community is a support group geared toward increasing independence and learning to advocate for yourself. Our participants focus on developing self-esteem, self-advocacy and other independent living skills.
This support group is the only one available off-site. We recently moved our sessions to a disability housing project to ensure all interested participants can attend, especially those without access to reliable transportation.
This program is made possible through funding by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. With their support, this program has served participants for nearly 15 years. Though we are the only center in the area providing multiple disability support groups, we are actively mentoring other organizations that help people with disabilities start similar programs.
Spinal Cord Support Group
Located at the Orthwein Center, the Spinal Cord Support Group is the longest-running support group specific to one kind of disability. Participants are self-directed, meaning they decide how the group runs, what they talk about and what activities they plan. Participants are currently focused on getting out in the community. This year, the group played games at Main Event, shared drinks at Modern Brewery and played card games together.
The Spinal Cord Support Group meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center. Currently, there are 23 active members — but the group is always open to new participants.
Stroke Support Group
The Stroke Support Group is one of Paraquad’s newer disability support groups. It’s exclusive to adults who have experienced a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Participants usually spend time talking about their experiences living with a stroke and a resulting disability to help others.
This group is helpful for those who recently experienced a stroke or brain injury. More experienced members provide support and advice on how to deal with challenges as they arise. In a notable example, one member realized that a new member had not been shown how to get back into their wheelchair in their interactions. To teach them, participants got down on the floor from their wheelchairs and demonstrated how they could get back in their chairs firsthand.
The Stroke Support Group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month in the Stephen A. Orthwein Center.
MS Support Group
One of our newest disability support groups is the MS Support Group. This group was created in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Society because no MS support groups were available consistently in St. Louis. Paraquad was happy to fill the gap.
The MS Support Group is self-directed, with participants deciding what they want to do or talk about each session. So far, sessions have primarily focused on providing support to newly diagnosed individuals. With six initial members, the group is searching for more people interested in joining. The group meets on the first and third Monday of every month in the Stephen A. Orthwein Center.
Adult Diagnosed Autism Support Group
Over 5.4 million U.S. adults have a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, but many may receive their diagnosis later in life. Disability support groups offer the perfect chance to support individuals as they process the complex feelings that come with a new diagnosis — that’s why Paraquad established the Adult Diagnosed Autism Support Group.
Participants engage in discussions about their life experiences, such as the lack of services and support throughout their childhood. They lean on each other as they come to terms with their diagnosis and share tips, strategies and techniques that help them navigate daily interactions.
The group’s virtual format allows more people to join outside of St. Louis and its surrounding counties. Participants meet online on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Explore Disability Support Groups at Paraquad
Paraquad’s disability support groups have been a great resource for people with disabilities in the St. Louis area. As an organization that helps people with disabilities, we’re always looking for new ways to expand our network and positively impact others.
If you are interested in joining one of the support groups above, contact Kiland Sampa at ksampa@paraquad.org for more information. However, if there’s another group you’d like to see or facilitate, contact dhaessig@paraquad.org to share your ideas.
