Page 15 - Mobility Management, June 2017

mm beat
Event Coverage
2017 Abilities Expo Kicks Off American Tour in Southern California
LOS ANGELES — The 2017 Abilities Expo series debuted north of the border in Toronto in January, but Southern California was still first up on the calendar for the American venues that this year include Edison, N.J. (May), Chicago (June), Houston (August), Boston (September), Northern California (October) and Washington, D.C. (December).
As always, this consumer-targeted event is part education, part technology and part reunion of families and friends. Exhibitors reported strong traffic numbers
in the hall, while Abilities Expo CEO/President David
Korse reported that the show series is working hard on expanding educational offerings and CEUs to clinicians who attend.
It was indeed abilities, rather than disabilities, that were in the spotlight in Los Angeles. From elite wheelchair athletes and dancers to talented artists displaying their work, the Los Angeles Convention Center exhibit hall
had something for everyone. For more information on upcoming venues, visit abilitiesexpo.com. m
— Photos & story by Laurie Watanabe
Convaid’s booth included plenty Abilities Expo’s David Korse of comfortable, supportive seat- was hands-on during the ing, courtesy of the R82 Scallop in event — at one point even an array of colors and sizes. helping with scooter delivery
and retrievals.
In wheelchair fencing, sports chairs are secured to the floor, and athletes use balance, upper-body strength and intricate strate- gies to do battle.
A bagpiper got the Abilities Expo off to a spirited and musical opening.
Bodypoint’s Aeromesh positioning accessories are designed to allow air, water and soap (in the shower) to pass right through.
We miss you, Ernie! In the always buzz- ing Colours Wheelchair booth, friends signed a get- well banner for Colours’ VP of Sales Ernie Espinoza, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident in December.
MobilityMgmt.com
MOBILITY MANAGEMENT | JUNE 2017 15