Dennis Quast

Quast, Dennis

Adult Vocational Services Dir

dquast@arc-css.org

217-857-3186, ext 233

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Dennis Quast was born in Effingham, Illinois.After graduating from Stewardson-Strawburg High School in 1973, he attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

During his college years, Dennis completed 150 hours of internship at a local community service agency where he taught self-help skills to children with disabilities.Dennis graduated EIU in 1977 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology with majors in Research and Parapsychology.In 1983 Dennis graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation and Administration.

In 1978 Dennis accepted a position of Assistant Workshop Supervisor at Effingham County Association for Retarded Citizens which since has been renamed ARC Community Support Systems.From this beginning, he was promoted to several positions in the agency including QMRP, Work Adjustment Counselor and Placement Coordinator, and Developmental Training Coordinator.During this time Dennis oversaw the construction of the Developmental Training Center and saw the program's enrollment increase from 32 individuals to it be current enrollment of 64 individuals who are receiving services at the facility.

In 1995 Dennis was appointed the Director of Adult Vocational Services.He oversees Vocational Evaluation, Developmental Training, Sheltered Employment and Supportive/Community Employment Services.His managerial responsibilities also include supervision of the QMRPs who provide services to adult consumers enrolled in the agency.

Dennis oversees the maintenance of the agency's six buildings and transportation fleet of 20 vehicles, as well as being the Safety Director for the agency.In addition, Dennis is a certified CPR/First Aid instructor for ARC/CSS staff and is Chairperson of the Quality Assurance Committee and Sex Education Committee, and is a member of the Intake/Admissions Committee.

During his tenure as Director of Adult Vocational Services, Dennis has strongly supported consumer advocacy and employment for individuals with disabilities.

Dennis lives in Effingham with three children - Shelby, Amanda, and Lucas