WACOSA Wins Prestigious Recognition

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud area program that helps people with disabilities live independently and have a better quality of life has been honored.

WACOSA received the 2021 Life Enrichment Award for its Connect Academy program from the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation.

WACOSA Executive Director Steve Howard told KNSI News how he felt when he heard the organization had won.

“We were absolutely ecstatic. It was such an honor to be chosen. You know, there are so many incredible providers throughout the state of Minnesota that are a part of MOHR. And so when we were selected out of that group of individuals, we were just pretty excited about it.”

The Connect Academy Program teaches people with disabilities by using advanced video and studio equipment to connect with people who stayed home during the pandemic.

WACOSA Facebook

Howard talked about why WACOSA says using technology is something everyone needs to learn.

“If you’re not media and technology literate in the community nowadays, you really can’t take full advantage of what is available. If you go to a library, you need to learn how to scan a card on a reader and access things online and all of those things. ”

WACOSA members can choose online courses offering adaptive technology, self-advocacy, theater, and health and wellness.

Students can learn coding, animation, online safety tips, and social media use.

In the future, there are plans for students to build and write code for robots and learn how to fly drones.

Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation President Julie Johnson says WACOSA was deserving of the award.

“This year, we looked at providers and how did they respond to the pandemic. During this difficult time, what did people do to go above and beyond and really make sure that they were living true to their mission, and this program that WACOSA has is absolutely amazing. So it’s kind of a shining star that hopefully, other people will reproduce something similar.”

WACOSA Facebook

Program users can also take advantage of a virtual job explorers class to take video equipment to a business for an interview.

WACOSA operates a thrift store and a shredding company, and other services to provide jobs and training for people with disabilities.

WACOSA is one of nearly 100 members of MOHR.

The association advocates for and supports its nonprofit members, providing meaningful services to persons with disabilities and communities across Minnesota.

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