Jackson Heights, NY–– Dalmingo the Flamingo will make a live appearance at this year’s North American Spinal Cord Injury Conference and Disability Expo (NASCICDE) August 27-29 in Orlando, Florida, hosted by the United Spinal Association.

Dalmingo the Flamingo is the primary character in a book about a genetically challenged flamingo that is born black and white, but doesn’t turn to pink like the other flamingos. He’s different from the rest and is often teased about his looks—just as children and adult humans are different in many ways and are sometimes ridiculed about their appearance. As Dalmingo meets new friends, he learns that anyone can enjoy life—despite the differences one may have, compared to his/her peers. This educational book helps to teach children and adults about being different, unique and how very special they are.

Edmund H. Gatley, the author, is a wheelchair-user and has a spinal cord disability. After years in the corporate management field, he decided to open a tropical bird pet store and became interested in the study of flamingos—which led him to publish the Dalmingo children’s book. Mr. Gatley is an entrepreneur and has been writing for several years. He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and also served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era.

NASCICDE will be held at the luxurious Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL. To register, visit www.sciconference.org or call 1-800-404-2898. Special travel discounts are available including discounted airfare and car rental fees, reduced ticketing fees, and discounts on area attractions.

United Spinal Association is a national membership organization committed to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injuries or disorders. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to any individual with these disabilities, regardless of age. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org.