Achieve Band Receives Award

Members of Dance At Your Own Risk stand outside Acheive's entrance with MOHR President and Training Specialist Joe Loskota who is holding the award in his hands

Achieve Services’ resident band – Dance At Your Own Risk (DAYOR) – is a recipient of a 2020 Life Enrichment Award from The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) The award was presented by MOHR President Julie Johnson outside of Achieve on Monday.

DAYOR was formed in 2013. After doing some research, Training Specialist Joe Loskota found that music made by people with disabilities often included childish themes. He wanted to do something different. Using iPads and the Garage Band app, he made music accessible to anyone who is interested. The band does it all. They write the lyrics and music, record and sell original music, and perform for the public.

“It’s funny, it’s heart-wrenching, and personal. It’s just been a great experience,” said Loskota, “I feel like music creates such an incredible connection between people.”

Achieve staff and board members as well as DAYOR band members and their families gathered outside to receive the award. Pictured above from left to right: Mikayla, Katya, Julie, Anna, Brian, Joe, Josh, and Scott.