Tom Scott
Editor

For America’s disability and aging population, the path toward independence is riddled with obstacles. But beyond our day-to-day challenges, there’s a world of opportunity that can help many individuals maximize their potential.

United Spinal Association’s 2010 Independence Expo at Suffolk County Community College held on Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th in Brentwood, New York empowered attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to beat the challenges.

The Expo’s exhibit floor was buzzing with interaction between attendees and representatives from a wide-range of leading companies and organizations that assist the disability and aging community. For many seeking the latest in research, technology, and products and services to improve independence, the Expo offered a treasure trove of information.

Attendees got an up-close and personal look at “The Conquest”, an extreme adapted motorcycle-based tricycle with front engine and rear wheel drive on display outside the venue.

The American Legion showed off a dragon boat to promote participation among veterans and other individuals with disabilities in the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing which originated in China over 200 years ago but has emerged in modern times as an international competition.

The Suffolk County Board of Elections gave attendees the opportunity to test drive the county’s new accessible voting machines, which enable people with a wide range of disabilities to vote with minimal assistance. By law, at least one of these devices must be at every polling place in New York State by Election Day 2010.

Assistive Dynamics Corp demonstrated the power of its iArm robotic manipulator, designed to compensate for lost arm or hand function and to serve as an aid to daily activities.

For the fashion forward, Jordan Silver of Ag Apparel featured her line of “clothing with no boundaries” which incorporates universal design elements that makes fashion fun and functional.

Contemporary workshops and demonstrations covering accessible travel, universal design, housing, veterans issues, fitness, nutrition, and assistive technology–to name a few–showed individuals battling various disability-related issues that their goals were attainable.

During a workshop on neurotechnology, Jennifer French, executive director of the Neurotech Network, introduced participants to some of the latest devices designed to improve the lives of individuals with various neurological conditions. One such device displayed during the workshop was the RT 300, developed by Restorative Therapies. It is the only technology that utilizes functional electrical stimulation (a rehabilitation technique whereby electrical currents stimulate nerves to evoke muscle contractions) cycling for arms and legs to help relax muscle spasms, prevent or retard disuse atrophy, increase blood circulation and maintain or increase range of motion.

Workshops on universal design were also well attended, offering tips on improving the accessibility of kitchens, bathrooms, and other living areas. Home access was also the theme for several exhibitors, including Home Free Home, which provides pro bono architectural support for home modifications; Amramp, which offers inexpensive modular-designed ramps for sale or rent to fit almost any home; Sure Hands Lift, a stabile transfer device; and Acquatic, featuring an accessible line of nearly 40 universal design showers and baths.

Mary Peterson, CTC, accessible travel consultant for United Spinal’s Able to Travel program and Michael Artz, business development manager for Northeast-Long Island/Queens Royal Caribbean provided a detailed overview of accessible travel options for people with disabilities and highlighted some of the rights of travelers with disabilities, whether staying at a hotel or traveling on a cruise or by air.

Leading neurologist Dr. Atul Patel presented information on proper treatment options for individuals living with upper limb spasticity, which affects people with various disabilities and disorders, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke.

Richard Doscher, RD, clinical dietitian at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center discussed how to modify recipes to create healthier meals, the current recommendations on exercise, and tips to increasing physical activity.

A majority of attendees departed with renewed confidence. Martha Levy, of Brentwood, and her husband Geoffrey came out to learn more about converting their vehicle to make it more accessible.

“We’ve attended other events that cater to people with disabilities, but this is the first one that really opened our eyes to what’s out there,” Ms. Levy said.

There were also many self-advocates on hand. Veronica Leon attended some of the advocacy workshops that took place during the 2-day event which was free and open to the public, to learn new ways to advocate for her daughter who is living with a disability.

“Knowledge is power. You never stop learning. And that’s basically what brought me to this event,” said Leon as she addressed her fellow attendees during a workshop on advocacy. “If you are living with a disability and you do not receive the proper services and supports it can be overwhelming. But I did it; I did it for my daughter and many other parents who feel powerless. It took me years and I suffered through physical and mental hardships, but I did not give up.”

“On behalf of United Spinal, I would like to thank everyone involved, including all of our amazing attendees who shared their opinions and experiences with us, as well as our sponsors and vendors for another successful year hosting the Independence Expo in Long Island, New York,” said Marlene Perkins, United Spinal’s VP of Corporate and Donor Relations.

“This event has such a positive impact on the disability and aging community. The most rewarding aspect for me is hearing from participants on how much they learned and took away from the Expo. Events such as this provide a clear example that the Independence Expo truly introduces many to a new world of opportunities.”