Abilities Expo "the US’s leading exhibition for people with disabilities, was held this past weekend on August 26-28 at Reliant Center, where there was an increase in attendance by 40% over the same show introduced to Houston in 2010.
In addition, exhibitor participation was also increased by 21% over last year. Admission was free.
By the end of the day, Sunday, 2,865 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 3,500.
“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 Houston next summer.”
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 look like tanks, adaptive clothing, home modification devices, daily living aids, medical equipment, products for people with sensory disabilities, devices to help those with communication impairments and much more from the nearly 140 vendors.
“Never have I shopped/researched and found so many answers so quickly. If only buying a car were as easy,” said Diane Neuman, the mother to a teenager recently diagnosed with a syndrome that will require mobility devices. “I am sitting at home this afternoon feeling very much like I have a very good grip on this new world we are preparing to navigate.”
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 adaptive sports demos, the assistance dogs and, especially, the presentation about how to connect to kids with autism through a new kind of therapeutic riding.
The Horse Boy Method was showcased on site with actual horses.
