Abilities Expo Chicagoland Enjoys Record Attendance—81% Increase Over 2009

People with disabilities experience their possibilities
at Abilities Expo Chicagoland

TeleStik ® PORTABLE REACHERS

Post the latest new about your product or service to AbilitiesExpo.com

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Abilities Expo Chicagoland Enjoys Record Attendance—81% Increase Over 2009

July 14, 2010, Chicago, IL – Abilities Expo—the nation’s leading exhibition for people with disabilities—was held this past weekend on July 9-11 at the Schaumburg Convention Center just west of Chicago, where there was an increase in attendance by 81% over the same show introduced to Schaumburg in 2009. In addition, exhibitor participation was also increased by 30% over last year. Admission was free.

By the end of the day, Sunday, 2,659 unique 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.

“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.” In fact, one excited attendee termed the experience a “Disability Wonderland."

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."

The workshops addressing critical issues for people with disabilities included presentations on home modifications and travel.

Abilities Expo continued its trademark of balancing a wealth of education and product information with fun 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 were able to learn how to play pool from a wheelchair with a semi-professional pool player and test their skills on the Super X Fun Course, a self-paced wheelchair obstacle course with challenging twists, turns and bumps.

In addition, expo-goers, particularly seniors, took full advantage of free health screenings offered by the Walgreen/AARP Wellness Tour.

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."

People with disabilities experience their possibilities
at Abilities Expo Chicagoland

Abilities Expo is on July 9-11, 2010 at the Schaumburg Convention Center

Chicago, IL – Thousands of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals are expected to attend Abilities Expo on Friday, July 9, through Sunday, July 11, 2010 at the Schaumburg 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, 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 6 essential health screenings (cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure and more) for FREE! Complimentary rental scooters will available onsite during show hours.

“Abilities Expo’s distinguished 31-year track record of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through technology, education and networking will continue in Chicagoland,” 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 expecting cutting-edge products and services for people with all types of disabilities will not be disappointed. 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 new Assistive Technology Pavilion will feature the latest AT products for people with wide ranges of physical and developmental disabilities. This pavilion is anchored by the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development, who is sponsoring an Interactive Demo Lab. This lab will not only feature an array of breakthrough 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, fitness, finances, home modifications, the criteria to getting the best accessible vehicle and that is just for starters.

Super X Fun Course, Comedy, Dancing and More!
Abilities Expo does not merely inform, it engages and it entertains. Attendees can test their maneuvering skills on the twists, turns and bumps of the Super X Fun Course, a fun obstacle course designed for wheelchairs. They’ll also enjoy the comedy and musical stylings of funny man B.J. Davis and step outside the domain of traditional treatments for the therapeutic value of dance. To round it out, there will be interactive adaptive sports, canine assistance demos, face painting and an Artist Market showcasing the works of local artists with disabilities.

For more information, schedules and directions, visit www.abilitiesexpo.com/chicago.  

TeleStik ® PORTABLE REACHERS: The Lightest, Smallest, Most Portable Reacher in the World The Ultimate Wheelchair or Scooter Accessory No Triggers, No Levers to Squeeze!

TeleStik® was awarded the “Best Product of Show” at Autonomic 2008 in Paris, France. TeleStik Portable Reachers are the lightest, smallest, most portable reachers in the world. TeleStik is the ultimate wheelchair or
scooter accessory and the ideal travel companion.

No triggers, no levers to squeeze. From arthritis to MS to high-level quadriplegia, TeleStik is the only reacher for those with limited hand strength. In fact, TeleStik is the first reacher that high-level quadriplegics can truly operate.
An accessory strap (quad cuff) is available for TeleStik Model TS3040.

Less the 8 inches long, TeleStik easily fits in a fanny pack, saddlebag or purse. And when you need that extra reach, TeleStik extends from 8 inches to 34 inches or anywhere in between. TeleStik models range in weight from 2.3 ounces to 5.3 ounces.

Unlike than traditional “trigger-action” reachers that operate through sheer hand strength, TeleStik features unique “pick-up” mechanisms. TeleStik utilizes ergonomic hooks and super strong magnets. However, what really makes TeleStik unique is its adhesive disk.

TeleStik’s adhesive disk is delicate enough to pick up paper, yet is powerful enough to pick up full bottles of water, cell phones, remote controls, etc. When picking up lighter items, (ie: pencils, pens, paper), you simply touch the item gently with the adhesive disk and you’ve got it.

The adhesive will not damage the item you are picking up or leave any residue. TeleStik’s adhesive disk is washable and replaceable.

After numerous uses, the adhesive disk will attract lint and dust and its effectiveness will lessen. Simply remove the adhesive (it is attached by Velcro®) and wash it with mild soap and warm water. When the adhesive disk dries, it is rejuvenated and is very “sticky” again. The adhesive disk will last up to two years.

When picking up items weighing up to one pound (ie: cell phones, remote controls, cans of soup), touch the item, press gently, leave it on the item for 2 seconds and you’ve got it. Since one doesn’t have to squeeze a trigger or press hard to operate, TeleStik is very effective for those with limited hand and shoulder strength.

If you drop a box of pins or paper clips, the magnet is ideal to vacuum up the mess. If you drop your keys, one only has to get within 1/2 inch of the keys and the super powerful magnet will pull the keys in. The magnet will pick up most ferrous items weighing up to one pound. It will pick up the cans of soup and tuna in the kitchen for you too.

The hooks are handy to pull clothing towards you or from the dryer, great for pushing elevator buttons, opening up kitchen cupboard doors, dragging something from under a fridge, desk or bed and much, much more.

The population size of persons with disabilities who cannot operate the traditional “trigger-action” reacher is substantial. For many, squeezing or sustaining a squeeze with the traditional reacher is not possible. In general, persons with cramped hands, smaller hands or children, persons with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, quadriplegia, ALS and many, many others cannot use traditional reachers. TeleStik is also helpful for those with cognitive issues and/or for those who simply want a truly portable reacher.

In addition, unlike traditional reachers, TeleStik has "length-flexibility". Instead of working with a fixed length of 26" or 34", TeleStik can be extended from 8" to 34" or anywhere in between. This is much more user friendly and a big advantage when operating.

A great travel companion, take TeleStik wherever you go. It’s perfect for home, office, school or travel. Reach the unreachable with TeleStik®.

Post the latest new about your product or service to AbilitiesExpo.com

Abilities Expo works closely with dozens of trade media partners and the general consumer media in each market we serve. We cordially invite exhibitors to post news about their products and services and welcome media registrants to attend one of the Abilities Expo events.

• Event press announcements
• Exhibitor and sponsor press announcements
• Press registration
• Public relations opportunities for exhibitors

For questions & PR/media inquiries, please contact:
Kevaleen Lara
310.210.3138
klara@shomex.com