The Abilities Expo — a national show series for consumers with disabilities, their caregivers and families — has added an event in Houston, bringing the total number of 2005 shows to six.
The newly added event, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, will run from Fri., Sept. 30, through Sun., Oct. 2. The Abilities Expo series kicks off with the New York Metro show in Edison, N.J., April 15-17, and continues with Southern California (June 3-5); Metro Detroit (Aug. 26-28); Chicago Metro (Sept. 16-18); and Northern California (Nov. 18-20). The Detroit show was added in 2004, following a decision by the show series’ parent company, Advanstar Communications, not to hold events in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and New England, which had been show sites in previous years.
Each three-day Abilities Expo combines professional- and consumer-level educational courses with an exhibit hall that focuses largely on mobility and accessibility solutions. Exhibitors include not only wheelchair, ADL and automotive access manufacturers, but also local mobility and rehab dealers. While there is a small admission fee, consumers can obtain vouchers for free admission by logging on to www.abilitiesexpo.com. The Web site also includes information on exhibitors, new products and show hours.