Thanks for the great show! See you next year on July 8-10, 2011!
Chicagoland Abilities Expo Breaks Attendance Records
The much-anticipated Chicagoland Abilities Expo—held on July 9-11, 2010 at the Schaumburg Convention Center—enjoyed an 80% increase in attendance over the 2009 Schaumburg, Illinois debut. By the close of the event, 2,659 adult visitors had registered to see the latest products and services, learn from dynamic workshops and engage in fun events and activities. Counting non-registered children under the age of 18, (estimated at an additional 25%) the total number of visitors to the Expo was more than 3,300.
Some, like Shelly Loose, came for the networking opportunities. “I just wanted to come and kind of socialize with some of the other people with disabilities. Hear their stories, hear what they’re doing; what products work for them, what products don’t work for them,” she said. “That kind of networking is just invaluable.”
“Everyone was thrilled with the experience,” said President and CEO David Korse. “It was our pleasure to bring so many members of the community of people with disabilities together and we look forward to coming back to Chicago next summer.”
For more information about the 2010 Chicagoland Abilities Expo, click on the following links:
Stay tuned to www.abilitiesexpo.com/chicago for details on next year’s show, which be take place on July 8-10, 2011.
Products & Services
In the vein of a superstore, the Expo featured a wide variety of products to appeal to people of all ages encompassing the full spectrum of disabilities. There were wheelchairs that climb stairs, adaptive clothing, home modification devices, daily living aids, medical equipment and much more from the more than 120 vendors. "It's very helpful because everything is in one place," said Dave Schoot, the father of two children with muscular dystrophy, who was interested in accessible vans. "It's a good resource."
Assistive Technology Pavilion
The University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development was proud to sponsor the Assistive Technology Pavilion Interactive Demo Lab and put breakthrough technologies directly in the hands of the people that need them.
Participants had the rare opportunity to test drive a multitude of devices—from low-cost low-tech to super-sophisticated hardware and software—to see which best addressed their circumstances. There were augmentative communication equipment, computer access tools and even alternative driver controls for power wheelchairs.
Workshops
Attendees gave the workshop program high marks, as they soaked up all of the info that expert presenters gave them on finances, exercise, recreation, maximizing the potential of a child with CP and how to select the right vehicle. The sessions on travel and home modifications received especially rave reviews.
Events & Activities
Abilities Expo continued its trademark of balancing a wealth of education and product information with entertaining events and activities. Onlookers were riveted by the very-physical quad rugby demonstration as players “smash[ed] stereotypes one hit at a time.” People also discovered that assistance dogs are not just for people with low vision. These talented canines—all obtained from rescue organizations or retired from breeders—demonstrated that they can be indispensable for those with autism, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, anxiety and hearing loss. Attendees also engaged in therapeutic dance, learned how to play pool from a wheelchair with a semi-professional pool player, watched a man best his table tennis opponents though he plays holding the racquet in his mouth, laughed out load to the comedy and musical stylings of funny man B.J. Davis and so much more.
The Wheelchair Super X Fun Course Challenge
Expo goers were in for a wild ride as they pitted their skills against the twists, turns and bumps of the Wheelchair Super X Fun Course, a self-paced wheelchair obstacle course.
Unable to resist the lure of competition and the sheer fun of it all, show owners David Korse and Lew Shomer challenged each other to a race. Both finished the course in 30 seconds flat, setting the stage for a re-match in Houston!
