United Spinal's 2012 Independence Expo-Orlando for People with Disabilities

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Aug 14, 2012, 09:40 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association presents the 2012 Independence Expo–Orlando, the region's premier lifestyle-enhancing Expo for people with disabilities of all ages, exploring health, mobility, work, travel, and recreation.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/MM82757LOGO

The Independence Expo–Orlando is free and open to the public.

The Independence Expo-Orlando will be held on Friday, August 24th & Saturday, August 25th at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida.

"Explore Your Abilities" is this year's theme. Over 25 interactive workshops and demonstrations on contemporary disability-related topics designed to educate and liberate will be conducted throughout the event and include among others:

Finding the Right Mobility Equipment
Info on Cutting Edge Wheelchairs and Assistive Technology
Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users
Employment Advice and Resume Building
Making Your Home Accessible
Perspectives on Pregnancy & Parenting with a Disability
Self-Advocacy Tools

The Expo will also offer wheelchair sports and cooking demonstrations.

The Independence Expo-Orlando features more than 50 Vendor Exhibits (21 of which are new) that offer the perfect opportunity to see and try products that enhance ability and sustain mobility featuring:

Able to Travel accessible travel agency will provide attendees support in planning the vacation of their dreams, including accessible trips to Israel, Galapagos, Ireland and the Amazon, as well as a host of wheelchair-friendly Caribbean Cruises.

Walgreens will provide free blood pressure screenings, measuring of body mass index and counseling on any medication questions. Flu, Shingle, and Pneumonia Shots (Walgreens can bill most insurance plans) will also be available.

Permobil will showcase its latest line of mobility products, including innovative power wheelchair technology, seating systems, and accessories.

National MS Society/Mid Florida Chapter will share valuable resources and advocacy tips for people living with MS, as well as family members and caregivers.

UsersFirst will offer strategies and resources for people with disabilities to get wheelchairs, mobility scooters and seating systems that are right for them, so they can live the lives they choose.

Canine Companions for Independence will introduce attendees to some of their highly trained and lovable assistance dogs that play a big role in improving the lives of children and adults living with disabilities.

Register at http://www.independenceexpo.org/ or by calling toll free 800-404-2898. Attendees are automatically entered in a free raffle drawing to win many great prizes held throughout the 2-day event.

On-site registration and free parking is also available. Complimentary Wheelchair Accessible Van Service will be available from the hotel's parking lot to the main convention hall

Expo doors open 10 a.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Primary sponsors are Permobil, Allergan, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Available Topic Experts: For information on the listed experts, click appropriate link.

Paul Tobin - http://www.profnetconnect.com/paul_tobin

Anne Eubank - http://www.profnetconnect.com/Anne_Eubank

Marlene Harmon-Perkins - http://www.profnetconnect.com/marlene_harmon-perkins

SOURCE United Spinal Association