For the Southern California event, Abilities Expo has appointed Ambassadors—members of the local community of people with disabilities—to spearhead community outreach initiatives. These individuals will meet face-to-face with rehab institutions, independent living centers, local manufacturers, service providers and local associations to generate excitement and increase attendance at each event.

Briana Walker
On a bright California Sunday afternoon, Briana Walker was driving on the 55 Freeway when she fainted at the wheel of her black Honda Accord and hit the cement median at seventy-five miles per hour. A young, aspiring dancer, Briana was determined to create an amazing life in spite of her new circumstances.

One year after her accident, Briana became the first female ever to be featured on the cover of Mobility Management magazine. Shortly thereafter, Briana became the Krypto Girl for Colours Wheelchairs. Her images have now been used globally on buses and billboards to change the face of disability.

Briana now enjoys skydiving, surfing, snow skiing, wakeboarding, competing in triathlons, bungee jumping and, most of all, dancing.

After meeting another Colours' model, Auti Angel who is also a dancer and a pioneer in the hip hop world, Briana learned to transform her wheelchair into a dance prop. Together, they created one of the first ever wheelchair hip hop dance teams to take the national spotlight.

Briana released her first book “Dance Anyway” in 2006 and she is currently working on a second book. In 2007, Briana became the new spokesperson for Overstock.com and her television commercials and print ads have been seen around the world.

Recently, Briana became the Team Manager for Colours Wheelchairs and she is always seeking out the best of the best to represent the Colours image. Colours is more than just a lifestyle…it’s an attitude!

She is also an Ambassador for Life Rolls On, a non-profit organization that exists to be a grassroots resource that provides hope and advocates for young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injury.

Speaking to groups all over the country, Briana Walker shares her contagious rebellion and inspiring courage with thousands. The message she takes to her audience is, “No matter what life throws at you, choose to dance anyway!”

Anthony R. Orefice III
At 19 years old, Anthony Orefice had the world at his finger tips. He loved to ride dirt bikes, surf, snow board, wake board, fish and work out. In November of 1993 just after Thanksgiving, his family went out of town while he stayed home to work. As this was the first time his parents left him home alone for an extended period of time, he thought what better time to have some friends over. A friend came over with his street bike which he and another friend took out for a ride late that night. After the friend fell off the back, Anthony was unable to maintain balance. The bike swerved off the road and he hit a telephone pole. He would soon learn that his life would not be the same.

Medical personnel had to resuscitate Anthony twice. Due to his internal and external injuries, he only had enough blood to keep his heart pumping. He remained in ICU for six weeks on life support. He was then transferred to several hospitals where he underwent nine surgeries over six months.

As a result of his accident, Anthony is a T4,T5,T6 – incomplete paraplegic. He was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet several others with spinal cord injuries who showed him a new way of life and have him hope. Today he still remains friends with many of those people that gave him hope and encouragement. He thanks God that they were sent to show him that his life would go on, but in a different way.

Anthony has learned much in the last 15 years living with a spinal cord injury. What was challenging in the beginning became easier in time. In 1999, he and three partners launched Xtreme Medical, a provider of urological supplies, rehabilitation equipment, wheelchairs and disability-related products. Today, they have more than 40 employees and operate nationally. What is especially unique about this company is its workforce—the majority are men and women with disabilities. Because the sales representatives are also end-users, they are exceptionally qualified to be of service and have distinguished themselves from rival medical supply companies. Anthony is also the owner of Wheelie Distribution and a Realtor for Keller Williams VIP properties.

He enjoys helping others with spinal cord injuries and various other disabilities. He tries to help them overcome some of the obstacles that he was able to conquer. When he is not working or volunteering, he likes spending time with his family.

Anthony feels that the last 15 years has been bonus time.  While he admits that some days present more challenges than others, he would not trade what he has learned.

NEVER SAY NEVER!