The STAR Association is a volunteer driven non-profit (501C3). Creating health equity is a community wide issue. We are pleased to have many organizations in our community join us in a collaborative effort to reach this goal. Many have worked together for years in the Health Consortium to educate health professional to serve our communities. The STAR Association works with University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, Viterbo University, Western College, Mayo Clinic Health System, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse County Aging and Disability Center, and La Crosse County Veterans Service Office.
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As part of our unique relationship with area colleges and universities, students in programs such as:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Therapeutic recreation
- Recreation management
- Adaptive physical education
- Exercise and Sport science
- Marketing
- Music
- Dance
will have practical opportunities to hone their skills and help community members while earning college credit.
Mission convergence
People with disabilities often need help using equipment and doing exercise. Health science students at UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University and Western Technical College need opportunities for clinical experience. Working together benefits everyone and we make our community healthier. Student mentors allow many individuals the assistance they need to be able to safely enjoy physical activity. At STAR the learning experiences of students benefit the members of our community.
The HEALTH SCIENCE INTER PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH CENTER is housed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and part of a multidisciplinary consortium researching the impact of exercise on the health of individuals with disabilities. The lab is a collaborative effort of 14 national and international universities. Students and faculty members collaborate with STAR Programs to bring greater understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities.
“The therapeutic recreation program at UW-La Crosse wholeheartedly supports STAR Center of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Center will offer needed adaptive recreation and sports programs in addition to therapeutic service to children and adults living in the Coulee Region. Students majoring in therapeutic recreation will have opportunities to practice clinical skills in a community setting."