People With Disabilities Experience Their Possibilities at Abilities Expo in Atlanta, Georgia

/PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals are expected to attend Abilities Expo on Friday, October 15, through Sunday, October 17, 2010 at the Cobb Galleria 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, political forums, events and activities to appeal to the full spectrum of people with disabilities, from children to seniors and everyone in between. Visitors will also get on board the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour and receive six essential health screenings (cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure and more) for free. Complimentary rental scooters and wheelchair repair will also be available onsite during show hours and there will be free shuttle rides to and from the CCT Cumberland Mall bus stop.

"Abilities Expo's distinguished 31-year track record of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through technology, education and networking will continue in the Atlanta area," said David Korse, president and CEO of Abilities Expo. "Between the adaptive sports demonstrations, 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 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. This pavilion is anchored by the Shepherd Center and Georgia Tech, who are sponsoring an Interactive Demo Lab. This lab will not only feature an array of breakthrough and next-generation 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, health reform, fair housing, the criteria to getting the best accessible vehicle and that is just for starters.

Adaptive Sports, Comedy, Dancing and More!

Abilities Expo does not merely inform, it engages and it entertains. Attendees can test their skills in a number of interactive, adaptive sports. They'll also enjoy canine assistance demos and get to hone their dance moves. To round it out, there will be music, comedy, a technology showcase, face painting for kids and an Artist Market showcasing the works of local artists with disabilities.

Celebrity Encounters (Saturday, October 16)

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 sponsored by the "Open Arms: Raising Awareness of Upper Limb Spasticity" educational campaign.

Fans will also enjoy the original hip hop jams and motivational speaking of 4 Wheel City, a band whose artists leverage their musical talents and life experience to inspire others with disabilities not to abandon their dreams.

Political Candidate Forum

Candidates for statewide Georgia office, including attorney general and commissioner of the department of labor, will speak out about their political platforms and answer questions at Abilities Expo on Friday, October 15 at 11:00 am. The audience will include the board of directors of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Centers for Independent Living from across the state and individuals from the community of people with disabilities.

Give Back to the Community

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too (FODAC) will be accepting tax-deductable donations of mobility aids, daily living devices and medical equipment which they will refurbish and recycle for others with disabilities who are in need. Attendees may drop their donations off at the loading dock before they proceed into the Expo.

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