United Spinal's 2011 Independence Expo-Orlando for People with Disabilities: Celebrating Active Living

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association presents the 2011 Independence Expo–Orlando, the region's premier lifestyle-enhancing Expo for people with disabilities of all ages, exploring health, mobility, work, and travel.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/MM82757LOGO)

The Independence Expo–Orlando is free and open to the public. It will be held on Friday, September 23rd & Saturday, September 24th at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in Orlando, Florida.

Interactive workshops and demonstrations on contemporary disability-related topics designed to educate and liberate will be conducted throughout the event and include among others:

• State of the Art in Accessible Vans
• Cutting-Edge Wheelchair Design & Technology
• Neurotechnology and Restoring Function
• Making Your Home Accessible and Stylish
• Fitness, Exercise and Nutrition
• How to Select a Good Caregiver
• Clothing and Fashion Accessories for Youth and Women with Disabilities

The Independence Expo also features more than 80 Vendor Exhibits that offer the perfect opportunity to see and try products that enhance ability and sustain mobility featuring:

Able to Travel accessible travel agency and Royal Caribbean will help attendees plan the vacation of their dreams, including trips to Israel, Galapagos, Ireland and the Amazon, as well as a host of Caribbean Cruises.

New Horizons will host live demonstrations with their highly trained service dogs that help children and adults using wheelchairs discover greater independence.

Allsup, Inc., which prides itself on making the Social Security disability process less confusing, less intimidating and more convenient for people with disabilities, will provide valuable information on filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare eligibility. The first 500 people that visit Allsup on the exhibit floor at Booth 508 will receive a free gift.

UsersFirst will offer strategies and resources for people with disabilities to get wheelchairs, mobility scooters and seating systems that's right for them, so they can live the lives they choose.

A special performance by Damon Rozier, a "Sit-Down" wheelchair comedian who has appeared at major New York comedy clubs including the Improv, the Laugh Factory, Caroline's, and Stand-Up New York, will be on Saturday.

Registration is at http://www.IndependenceExpo.org or by calling toll free 800-404-2898 and automatically enters attendees in a free raffle drawing to win many great prizes held throughout the 2-day event.  On-site registration and free parking is also available. Expo doors open 10 a.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Primary sponsors are Permobil, National Spinal Cord injury Association, New Mobility Magazine, UsersFirst, Able to Travel, and VetsFirst.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Available Topic Experts: For information on the listed experts, click appropriate link.
Marlene Harmon-Perkins - http://www.profnetconnect.com/marlene_harmon-perkins
Paul Tobin - http://www.profnetconnect.com/paul_tobin
Kleo J. King - http://www.profnetconnect.com/kleo_j._king

SOURCE United Spinal Association