Abilities Expo, the nation's largest event for people with disabilities and their caregivers, is coming to the Chicago Area, June 29 - July 1, 2012

CHICAGO, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals are expected to attend Abilities Expo on June 29 – July 1, 2012 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Admission is free and show hours will be Friday 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

Abilities Expo has put together an impressive line-up of exhibits, workshops, celebrities, events and activities to appeal to people of all ages with the full spectrum of disabilities—including physical, learning, development and sensory disabilities. In addition, there will be free hearing screenings onsite. Complimentary loaner scooters, wheelchair repair and even a power chair charging station will also be available onsite during show hours.

"We are thrilled to play a part in helping the Community of people with disabilities in the Chicago area," said David Korse, president and CEO of Abilities Expo. "The Expo provides people of all ages and abilities access to life-enhancing technologies, education, resources and fun. Most of all, it's a celebration of what you can do, not what you can't."

The Latest Products and Services

Attendees will experience cutting-edge products and services for people with a wide range of disabilities. They will find mobility products, devices for people with developmental disabilities, medical equipment, home accessories, essential services, low-cost daily living aids, products for people with sensory impairments and much more. The Assistive Technology Pavilion will feature the latest AT products for people to experience 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, home modifications, fitness, PT for kids, music therapy, finding the correct mobility device and that is just for starters.

Adaptive Sports, Dancing, Art and More!

Abilities Expo does not merely inform, it engages and it entertains. Attendees can learn some hip-hop dancing moves and play a host of different adaptive sports. And the kids will love the face painting and an adaptive art activity especially created to accommodate all levels of ability.

Meet the Animals

Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent. Expo-goers will enjoy assistance dog demos, and see first-hand how horses help people with disabilities.

Celebrity Encounters

On June 30, attendees will meet the stars and get a sneak peek at an upcoming episode of the Push Girls, a new docu-series from the Sundance Channel which traces the lives of four dynamic women in Hollywood who happen to be in wheelchairs.

Angela Ruzicka, author of the popular Wendy on Wheels series, will feature her latest book, Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand, at the Expo on June 30. She will read to participants in the Kid's Workshop and engage her young audience in a discussion of a very relevant issue--bullying.

The star and directors of Beyond the Chair will be at the Expo on June 29 to answer questions about the documentary film and Andrew Shelley's experience backpacking around the world in his all-terrain power wheelchair.

Give Back to the Community

Abilities Expo participants can bring their old cell phones, iPhones, iPods or iPads to donate to the Gift a Voice Project, a program that refurbishes or recycles this equipment so that they can be used by people with communication disabilities.

For more information, visit www.abilitiesexpo.com/chicago.

Website: www.abilitiesexpo.com

SOURCE Abilities Expo