1963

Max Starkloff entered a nursing home after a debilitating car accident.

1970

After beginning a search for services to help him move from a nursing home, Starkloff starts working on accessible housing. Paraquad is born.

1971

Paraquad’s first grant is funded by Morton D. May.
Access studies and consultations begin with area businesses.

1972

First curb cuts completed in St. Louis.

1973

The Rehab Act passes establishing the Rehabilitation Services Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Section 504 of the Rehab Act addresses Civil Rights issues.

1975

Starkloff moves from the nursing home into his own home.
Education of All Handicapped Children Act passes, requiring free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible. This law is now called Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) Act.

1977

St. Louis becomes the first city in the nation to have lift-equipped public buses.

1979

Paraquad officially becomes a Center for Independent Living and is one of the first 10 centers nationwide to receive federal funding.
The year also marks the beginning of Paraquad’s Peer Consultation Program, Information and Referral, and Community Education.

1980

Paraquad’s Deaf and Hard of hearing Program is formally established.

1980

An Ad Hoc Group of the first 10 federally funded Centers for Independent Living meet in St. Louis and form what would become the National Council on Independent Living.

1982

Paraquad’s Youth and Family Program is established.
Federal funding for Centers for Independent Living is abruptly revoked.

1983

Through the efforts of Senator Tom Eagleton (D-MO), federal funding for Centers for Independent Living is reinstated.

1984   

Missouri’s consumer-directed Personal Attendant Services Program is established in state law.

1985

Paraquad moves from their Laclede location to Castleman.

1987

Paraquad’s Youth and Family Program begins a Youth Group that includes disabled and non-disabled kids, a first of its kind in St. Louis.

1988

Missouri is one of the first states to establish Centers for Independent Living in state law and enact state funding.
The Fair Housing Act was amended to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities.

1989

Paraquad’s Career Options and Employment program begins.

1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is passed.

1991

Max and Colleen Starkloff receive the Distinguished Service Award from the President of the United States.

1993

Public Policy becomes an official department of Paraquad.

1995

Max and the Magic Pill, a documentary chronicling Starkloff’s battle for accessible transportation is produced by KMOV and is awarded an Emmy.

1996

Missouri passes legislation permanently allowing disabled voters to cast absentee ballots. Paraquad moves to its new location on Lindbergh in Creve Coeur. 

1998

Deaf Way Interpreting Services is established.

1999

College for Living merged with Paraquad. 
The United States Supreme Court rules that the unjustified isolation of people with disabilities is discrimination prohibited under the ADA in Olmstead v. L.C.

2002

Bob Funk succeeds Max Starkloff as Executive Director of Paraquad.

2005

Paraquad forms its newest service, “Assistive Technology Reutilization Program” to address Medicaid cuts impacting people with disabilities by providing access to durable medical equipment.

2006

Paraquad moves to its new location on Oakland Avenue in the City of St. Louis.

2009

College for Living celebrates 30 years of service to people with developmental disabilities.
Proposition A passes in St. Louis County, restoring cuts to bus service and Call-A- Ride.