Paraquad

A message from our President and CEO, Latosha R. Fowlkes, LCSW, regarding yesterday's announcement by the Special School District

Today's announcement by the Special School District is an important step toward creating safer, more inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities.

While ending the use of seclusion rooms is a meaningful milestone, lasting change will require more than removing a physical space. It will require continued investment in evidence-based behavioral supports, staff training, individualized intervention plans, meaningful oversight, and strong partnerships with families. These are the kinds of reforms necessary to ensure students with disabilities receive the individualized supports they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, supportive, and respectful of their dignity. Students with disabilities should receive the individualized supports they need to succeed—not practices that isolate them from instruction or increase trauma.

Paraquad has partnered, and will continue to partner, with the Special School District in service of students and individuals with disabilities. We stand ready to support the District in the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies that promote safety, dignity, and positive outcomes for every student. Lasting change is built through collaboration, and we look forward to continuing that work alongside educators, families, and community partners.

Special School District of St. Louis County to eliminate seclusion rooms, supine restraints following DOJ investigation The announcement comes months after a federal report revealed widespread overuse of isolation and physical restraints in district schools.

Some of the most important moments in disability rights history happened right here in St. Louis.

Max Starkloff was a pioneering disability rights advocate and founder of Paraquad. After sustaining a spinal cord injury in an automobile accident, he dedicated his life to advancing the Independent Living Movement and ensuring people with disabilities had the opportunity to live independently and fully participate in their communities.

In 1970, Max and a group of fellow advocates founded Paraquad with a simple but powerful belief: people with disabilities should have control over their own lives and access to the services and support they choose.

That philosophy continues to guide our work today.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, we honor Max's legacy and the countless advocates who have helped make St. Louis a national leader in disability rights and independent living.

We're proud to carry that legacy forward every day by partnering with people with disabilities to build their best lives through services, advocacy, and community.

The Paraquad Connection for quarter 2 of 2026 is in inboxes now. If you didn’t get it, you can read it at https://conta.cc/3SmZ3FY.