By: Gabe Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor
“Supercharge your independence”, Abilities Expo. If you haven’t attended an Abilities Expo, add that to you bucket list! The Abilities Expo is a free three-day event that takes place in seven U.S. cities each year. It includes workshops and access to learn from community-based organizations about their services, along with products and programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Abilities Expo for the first time in person in Pheonix, Arizona along with Scott Cormack, Executive Vice President, School Health, one of our partners, David Geslak, President and Founder, Exercise Connection and met up with David Cranny, Territory Manager, School Health while in Phoenix as well.
Excited to share highlights from my time at the expo:
- Learned from many exhibitors’ showcasing adaptive equipment, including skis, bikes, power wheelchairs and transport chairs for everyday use, travel, and even off-roading suitable for various terrains and weather.
- Watched attendees and teams participate in recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, such as rock wall climbing, wheelchair football, and various workouts.
- Listened to representatives share product details that support with massage, incontinence, home remodels, lift systems, bathroom supports, modified vehicles and more.
While at the Expo, Scott and I participated in an adaptive workout class led by W.O.W. Wheelchair Fitness. Certified personal trainer, Justin Graham leads these high impact workouts in person in Arizona and online through zoom available to the public at large. Justin is energetic, motivating, and positive. I regularly participate in this class each weekday online, so I was excited to meet Justin in person. Scott and I both had a great time and even broke a sweat during the intense workout!
The organization that manufactures the power wheelchair I use, had a booth at the expo. I enjoyed visiting them to discuss features of their new power wheelchairs. I’m planning to get a new one in the next few months, and it was helpful to see the newer models in person. While speaking with the representatives, I mentioned some vibration from my tires when I kick up the speed. Here is the best part…they had an onsite shop set up to fix wheelchair issues and provide replacement parts – at no cost!
I had four wheels and a piece that holds my armrest pad in place replaced. Not only was this service at no cost,
but I was able to stay in my chair, and it was lightning fast. They completed these replacements in under 15 minutes. Typical service requests through insurance and vendors combined can take months with all the authorizations and process. I felt like I was a race car driver pulling in with the pit stop crew. What a generous offering that truly is lifechanging for many fellow wheelchair users.
Overall, this was an informative experience with memorable moments. I will definitely attend next year in Long Beach, California!
Have you been to this Expo or have suggestions about similar offerings? Have any comments on Access
Angle articles or ideas for future topics? Feel free to reach out to me at gryan@schoolhealth.com.
