Two People With Ties to Courage Center Honored for Integration of Assistive Technology by Minnesota Star Program

MINNEAPOLIS, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Fourteen Minnesota citizens, educators and organizations, including two with ties to Courage Center are being recognized as champions of removing barriers to independence for people with disabilities. The fourth annual Awards for Excellence in Assistive Technology by the Minnesota STAR Program, will be presented on Tuesday, April 13, 1 p.m., in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.  A reception in the Great Hall follows.

The Minnesota STAR Program's "Awards for Excellence in Assistive Technology" honor individuals and groups who champion the removal of barriers to independence through the use of assistive technology (AT).  This year, two individuals, with ties to Courage Center are being honored.  They are:

Steve Quinn, Brooklyn Park, Minn., driving instructor, Courage Center. Honored for Lifetime Achievement. Quinn is an expert in assessing and working with assistive devices and controls which make driving more accessible for people with disabilities. He has worked at Courage Center for more than 32 years; 29 of them in the Drivers Assessment and Training program.

Roger Upcraft, Maple Lake, was the long-time program manager at Camp Courage. Upcraft is being honored as an Innovator for helping implement several camp sessions which encompass assistive technology (AAC camps for youth and adults) and a nationally renowned Literacy Camp.

STAR is Minnesota's Assistive Technology Act Program, administered through the Minnesota Department of Administration. The STAR program is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004 (P.L. 108-364). For more information about assistive technology and the STAR Program, visit the STAR website at www.starprogram.state.mn.us.

Courage Center is a nonprofit rehabilitation and resource center that advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence.  At Courage Center, we specialize in treating brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, autism, and disabilities experienced since birth.  Founded in 1928, Minneapolis-based Courage Center offers advanced technologies and innovation provided in part through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors. For more information visit www.CourageCenter.org.

SOURCE Courage Center