Abilities Expo: Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities

By Stacey Bucklin

We recently posted an “In the News” story from CNN about assistive technology called“Rule Your Computer with a Head-Mounted Laser Beam.” The product intrigued me (who doesn’t love laser beams?), but what really piqued my interest was the event where it was featured, something called the Abilities Expo. I did a little digging and couldn’t resist sharing this resource with the CP Family Network community.
 

THE Event for People with Disabilities

The Abilities Expo, presented by Abilities365.com, plugs itself as “THE event for people with disabilities.” They even have programs targeted specifically for kids. Registration is FREE and grants you access to exhibitors offering the latest products and services, the opportunity to participate in free workshops, and world-class events and activities for all ages.

Their website states “For the past three decades, we’ve dedicated ourselves to making a better life for the 1 in 6 Americans with disabilities. This unique forum brings the Community together to learn, network and be empowered.” Expo exhibitors cater to children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers, offering products such as:

• Assistive technology
• Daily living aids
• Medical equipment
• Mobility products
• Essential services

This video from www.karenkain.com seems to sum up the Expo pretty well. Karen is a Parent Ambassador for the 2013 Abilities Expos and has been attending the events for 17 years!

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Upcoming Expos

Abilities Expo events are held across the United States (and even abroad!) every few months. Chances are there’s an Expo coming to a city near you. Here’s a list of upcoming events:

• NY Metro – May 3-5, 2013
• Chicago – June 28-30, 2013
• Houston – August 2-4, 2013
• Boston – September 20-22, 2013
• Singapore – November 8-10, 2013
• San Jose – November 22-24, 2013
• Los Angeles – February 28-March 2, 2014
• Atlanta – March 14-16, 2014

Share Your Story

Have you been to an Abilities Expo or a similar event designed to serve people with disabilities? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 

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