BOSTON, Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- People with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals that are going to attend Abilities Expo (#AbilitiesExpo) on September 16-18, 2016 at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center (Hall C) 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. Attendees can also join Conversation Circles on such pressing disability issues as: travel, paratransit, relationships and more.
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 Boston 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.
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 Easter Seals, 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, living with chronic pain, bionics, alternative pediatric therapies and that is just for starters. Caregiver Day on September 18 offers workshops geared for loved ones to ensure that they stay healthy as well.
Sports, Dancing, Cosplay and Other Disability-focused Activities
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 sled hockey, power soccer, rugby, basketball and tennis. They learn the latest dance moves from Push Girl and fan-favorite Auti Angel, and release those happy hormones through therapeutic yoga. The Adaptive Gaming Pavilion opens up the virtual world of gaming to the community using clever adaptive controls. There is also be special instruction on manual wheelchair skills for people of all abilities. If you have never hopped a curb or popped a wheelie, now is your chance to learn. Kids love the face painting, 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 learn how these four-legged friends can improve quality of life. There will also be a workshop where Expo-goers can learn if monkey helpers are right for them.
For more information, visit http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/boston.
SOURCE Abilities Expo