By George, I think Minneapolis is onto something!
They have announced an upcoming Abilities Expo That will take place from Sept. 7-9, 2007.
A variety of organizations on both the national and local levels will be present at the expo to showcase the latest in daily living aids, athletic equipment, mobility products, computer ware, and assistive technology. The products will be displayed in a manner that will allow attendees to see, test and compare the items.
Check out the press release below for an extensive listing of planned activities. The organizers of this event have put a lot of thought into bringing together a large group of products that can assist people with disabilities. Where else can one find Microsoft hosting the assistive technology pavilion, Liberty bikes designed for those with disabilities, the Paragolfer outdoor wheelchair, and even a fashion show with designs for wheelchairs?
I think the organizers have done their homework to gather just the right collection of resources for this event. There is certainly a lot of potential here. The organizers present an expo that would probably do well in any large city. It is definitely a model worth emulating.
At the bottom of the press release, I noticed that the organizers of this event have
their own web site,
where I learned they have also presented the Abilities Expo earlier this year in San Antonio, New York, and Southern California. There is some information specific to the upcoming Minneapolis expo on this site, as well as the ability to print a free admission ticket.
August 30, 2007 02:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Dozens of Special Events Scheduled for Abilities Expo/ Minneapolis Including Kids Day Set for Saturday, September 8th
Microsoft Corporation to Sponsor Assistive Technology Pavilion
Abilities Expo
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time Abilities Expo will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from Friday, September 7 and continue through Sunday, September 9, 2007. This three-day event is the one show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of people with disabilities, senior citizens, their families & caregivers, as well as healthcare and education professionals.
“There will be many local and national organizations who will be showcasing everything from computers to athletic equipment and mobility products to daily living aids - all conveniently displayed to see, test and compare,” said Veronica Gonnello, Show Manager for Abilities Expo. “We welcome persons with disabilities and their caretakers to join us to see all of the latest products; participate in exciting activities and hear from dozens of industry experts.”
Show Highlights include:
• Kids Day will take place on Saturday, September 8th and will feature several organizations offering activities specifically geared towards children living with a disability. Activities include sports demonstrations, a fashion show and much much more.
• Assistive Technology Pavilion Sponsored by Microsoft Technology will be showcasing the newest in assistive technology in booth 405 as well as hosting multiple FREE workshops. Partners include GW Micro
www.gwmicro.com
Somatic Digital
www.somaticdigital.com
and ViewPlus Technologies
www.viewplus.com
• Active Living Magazine will be giving away 2500 FREE BLAST cards and prizes in their Booth 202. Prizes include Golf XPress Single Rider Car – ($6,995); Automobility Hand Controls – ($1,000); TotinBonez Golf Clubs – ($499); Eureka Tent – ($429); Foot Flush – ($360); Epiphany Design – ($300); Yves Rocher Gift Basket – ($110); and Lasher Sport - T-shirts and Hats.
• Golf Pavilion: Includes clinics, products and prizes Sponsored by United States Golf Association, ParaBaseTec GMBH and Pat MacDonald, US Table Tennis Champion and US Pro Golfer who will also be hosting Table Tennis demonstrations and Team Registration sign ups.
• A Fashion show: Lulu's Designs co/sponsored by PowerPlay Manufacturing will be hosting a fashion show with designs for wheelchairs.
• Fast Paced Sports include: Hockey: Sponsored by Power Hockey and Xtreme Medical; Basketball and Power Soccer: Sponsored by The Courage Center; Quad Rugby: Sponsored by Coloplast and the Minnesota North Stars; Football: Sponsored by Xtreme Medical
• Stationary sports and events: Attendees can also test the ParaGolfer (outdoor wheelchair with Standup function), Sponsored by Parabasetec. There will also be Fitness Clinics with the Vitaglide: Sponsored by RehaMed International.
• TRIKES AND BIKES: Liberator Trikes (booth 326) will be showcasing the “Liberator”. This unique motorcycle was designed for the physically challenged rider or driver
www.liberatortrikes.com
• Safety Features (booth 227)
www.safetyfeatures.com
will highlight their special features allowing people to control their bike at low speeds. With a flip of a switch, two extra wheels provide stability
and confidence.
Attendees will have a chance to discover and learn about new products and services all conveniently displayed to see, test and compare. Exhibiting companies include Microsoft and their assistive technology partners, Cummings Mobility Conversions, Permobil, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Courage Center, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, National Spinal Cord Injury Association, American Association of Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy and, many local organizations from Minnesota.
The educational curriculum focuses on relevant topics addressing life today for individuals with disabilities, their family and caregivers. The comprehensive workshop programs will consist of consumer and professional tracks, with certificates of participation available to students, and education and healthcare professionals.
Special show services will be available for attendees including Complimentary Wheelchair Repair. Loaner Wheelchairs will be available. For People with Visual Impairments, there will be special workshops and exhibitor information handouts available in large type. For People with Hearing Impairments, there will be a sign language interpreter available to assist persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, for a reasonable length of time per person.
On-site admission to Abilities Expo is $5; children under 12 are free. You may visit
www.abilitiesexpo.com
to print out the coupon for FREE admission. Requested information must be filled out for this free admission form to be valid.
WHEN: Friday, September 7, 2007, 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday, September 8, 2007, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, September 9, 2007, 11 am - 4 pm
WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
PRODUCED & Questex Media Group
MANAGED BY: 800-385-3085
www.abilitiesexpo.com
Contacts
Media Relations for Abilities Expo
Amy Riemer, 978-475-4441
amy@riemercommunications.com
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2 comments:
It seems a little strange to me that the announcement of the expo came on the second, and the expo itself on the seventh. I hope it goes well for them.
-Aaron Marks
I questioned that late date for the press release myself. I would hope that they did some earlier marketing. I do wish them success. While I can't make it there, I'd love to have been able to check it out for myself.
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