Abilities Expo, the Nation's Largest Event for People With Disabilities and Their Caregivers, is Coming to Los Angeles April 15-17

LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals are expected to attend Abilities Expo on Friday, April 15, through Sunday, April 17, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Admission is free and show hours will be Friday 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

Abilities Expo has put together an impressive line-up of exhibits, celebrities, workshops, experts, events and activities to appeal to the full spectrum of people with disabilities, from children to seniors and everyone in between. In addition, there will be free hearing screenings onsite (limited appointments available). Complimentary loaner scooters and wheelchair repair will also be available onsite during show hours.

"It is our privilege to provide this forum for the Community of people with disabilities in Southern California to come together and gain access to life-enhancing technologies, education and resources," said David Korse, president and CEO of Abilities Expo. "Between the adaptive events, the interactive assistive technology pavilion, the dynamic workshops and the thousands of products and services on display…this is a must-attend for everyone in the Community."

The Latest Products and Services

Attendees will experience cutting-edge products and services for people with a wide range of disabilities. They will find mobility products, medical equipment, home accessories, essential services, low-cost daily living aids, products for people with visual and auditory impairments and much more. The Assistive Technology Pavilion will feature the latest AT products for people with wide ranges of physical, sensory and developmental disabilities and is anchored by the Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) AT Showcase. The showcase will not only feature an array of breakthrough assistive technologies, it will allow Expo visitors to experience them hands-on.

Relevant Workshops

A series of compelling workshops which address pressing disability issues will be offered free-of-charge to all attendees. Sessions will focus on travel, healthcare, social interactions, fitness, computer accessibility, finances and that is just for starters.

Adaptive Sports, Dancing and More!

Abilities Expo does not merely inform, it engages and it entertains. Attendees of all abilities can test their skills on a fun wheelchair obstacle course, enjoy canine assistance demos, play adaptive sports and learn to wheelchair dance ballroom-style. For the kids, there will be adaptive pinball, face painting and visits from Norky the Peneagle and Patches the Balloon-making Clown. To round it out, there will be the coronation of Ms. Wheelchair California and an Artist Market showcasing the works of local artists with disabilities.

Celebrity Encounters

Famed actor, television icon and best-selling author Henry Winkler will share his personal story about his mother's struggle with upper limb spasticity in a compelling workshop entitled Understanding Upper Limb Spasticity on April 16.

Dr. David Kipper, medical expert, radio celebrity and doctor-to-the-stars, will answer your health-related questions in the Q&A workshop Ask The Doctor on April 16.

Angela Madsen, Paralympian and World Record Holder for Rowing, will show off her ocean rowing boat, RowofLife, and introduce attendees to the exciting sport of adaptive rowing.

Give Back to the Community

Abilities Expo participants can bring their old cell phones, iPhones, iPods or iPads to donate to the Gift a Voice Project, a program that refurbishes or recycles this equipment so that they can be used by people with communication disabilities.

For more information, visit www.abilitiesexpo.com/losangeles.  

SOURCE Abilities Expo