Event Coverage
Abilities Expo: Empowering Message & Increased Attendance
EDISON, N.J. — The Abilities Expo New York Metro show, held April 21-23, aimed to improve the lives of people with disabilities through technology, events and interaction, but it also delivered a loud message about the need for accessibility and advocacy.
Rap artist Tap Waterz sang about the 4 Wheel City Movement 4 Improvement, an initiative to make large metropolitan cities wheelchair accessible, especially in clubs and stadiums.
Paralyzed from a gunshot wound in 1987, rap artist Professir X also sang about the need to find a cure for spinal cord injury.
Attendance numbers for three days totaled 10,648. To entertain that larger crowd, activities included the therapeutic touch of Indian head massages for children with disabilities; wheelchair basketball sponsored by Brookhaven Wheelchair Basketball; and several intense games of quad rugby played by the United Spinal Jets and Keith Cavill of the documentary "Murderball."
"The New Jersey Abilities Expo was very successful for Permobil," says Barry Steelman, the company?s director of marketing. "Our booth traffic was heavier than years past, and the number of leads was higher as well. Even with the inclement weather, our booth attendance exceeded our expectations." Freedom Concepts and Permobil co-sponsored this year's show.
Exhibitor Judy Seidmeyer, R.Ph., president of Care Giver Support Products, LLC says, "We had great opportunities to meet up with many new dealers and distributors for our portable showers, which will make it easier for seniors and individuals with disabilities to benefit from our new products. We are excited about the upcoming Abilities Expo in Southern California as well."
Abilities Expo 2006 Show Schedule:
- Southern Calif., June 16-18, Anaheim Convention Center
- Detroit Metro, Aug. 18-20, Rock Financial Showplace
- Northern Calif., Nov. 3-5, Santa Clara Convention Center
- Texas (Houston), Dec 1-3, George R. Brown Convention Center
For more information, visit www.abilitiesexpo.com.
This article originally appeared in the June 2006 issue of Mobility Management.