Abilities Expo DC Metro to Enhance Attendee Experience, December 2-4
Connect with Others in the New Meet Up Zone and Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities
DULLES, Va., Nov. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- People with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded vets and healthcare professionals attending Abilities Expo (#AbilitiesExpo) on December 2-4, 2016 at the Dulles Expo Center are eagerly anticipating the newest feature: The Abilities Meet Up Zone.
In the tradition of a town square, the Abilities Meet Up Zone is a dedicated area on the show floor where attendees can interact with peers. Regardless of an individual's need—whether they have a spinal cord injury from a recent accident, are parents to a child with autism or have a debilitating disease—he or she can meet other attendees, share experiences and get answers to his or her most urgent questions. In the Zone, attendees can also meet one-on-one with funding coaches about how to afford major purchases as well as get advice on how to combat chronic pain.
Admission to Abilities Expo is free, and show hours are Friday 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. The Zone is open 30 minutes after the show floor opens to 30 minutes prior to closing.
"In order to engage our community and provide them with a more experiential visit, we have created this Zone for attendees to interact with each other and meet one-on-one with experts knowledgeable about the types of disabilities they may have," said Abilities Expo Co-owner Lew Shomer. "It is the next step in enhancing the overall Expo experience for our attendees."
In addition to this exciting new feature, the DC Metro Abilities Expo features an impressive line-up of exhibits, workshops, celebrities and activities to appeal to people of all ages with the full spectrum of disabilities—including physical, learning, developmental and sensory disabilities.
"It's not just that we provide a forum that showcases essential technology to bridge the gap between ability and disability," said David Korse, president and CEO of Abilities Expo. "The Expo is always new and exciting with a host of all-inclusive, adaptive activities."
Complimentary loaner scooters and wheelchair repair are also available during show hours.
Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities
AbleThrive is launching the #ThisIsHowI campaign on December 3rd in the Meet Up Zone and around the world to commemorate this important day. They will take photos and 10-20 second videos featuring the innovations and adaptations that attendees have made in their lives and share them via social media.
The Latest Products and Services
Attendees experience cutting-edge products and services for people with a wide range of disabilities. They discover mobility products, devices for people with developmental disabilities, medical equipment, home accessories, essential services, low-cost daily living aids, products for seniors and equipment for people with sensory impairments and much more. The Assistive Technology Showcase, sponsored by Virginia Assistive Technology System, will also feature an array of devices for attendees to experience hands-on.
Relevant Workshops
A series of compelling workshops which address pressing disability issues are offered free-of-charge to all attendees. Sessions focus on travel, therapeutic cannabis, emergency preparedness, dancing, chronic pain, bionics and that is just for starters. Caregiver Day on December 4 offers workshops geared for loved ones to ensure that they stay healthy as well.
Sports, Dancing, Gaming and More
Abilities Expo does not merely inform, it engages and it entertains. Attendees of all levels of ability can test their skills with adaptive sports like slingshot golf, power soccer, wheelchair basketball and ride-along racing. They'll learn the latest moves from Push Girl and international dancing sensation Auti Angel, and open up the virtual world of gaming using clever adaptive controls at the Adaptive Gaming Pavilion. With special custom painting tools, kids of all abilities can express their inner artist and develop fine motor skills while they create your next refrigerator masterpiece. They'll love the facepainting, too!
Meet the Animals
Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent. Expo-goers can enjoy service dog demonstrations and horse therapy workshops, and learn how these four-legged friends can improve quality of life.
For more information, visit http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/dcmetro.
SOURCE Abilities Expo
Share this article