Guest Blog: Abilities Expo Los Angeles February 22nd-24th 2019
Self-advocate and guest blogger Kim Hudson is back with us to share her experience at – and her favorite finds from – the LA Abilities Expo!
I attended the Abilities Expo on Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Each year there are hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of people attending this three-day event. As always, the exhibit hall was full of booths which included: several wheelchair manufacturers, wheelchair accessible automobiles, community organization serving people with disabilities, artists with disabilities showing their work, and small businesses employing people with disabilities.
There’s no way that I could describe everything I saw there. If you’re interested in a list of exhibitors from the expo you can visit the website: www.abilities.com for a complete list. I’m going to focus on 4 products and/or organizations that I found particularly interesting and innovative.
Many people with cerebral palsy have difficulty using computers, iPads, or cell phones because they have limited dexterity. Jabberwocky ACC is an assistive communication app enabling users with limited speech and dexterity to use an iPad with their head movements. A person can use their head to move the cursor and highlight words or keys on the iPad to type. This app is only available on the new iPad Pro; however, the developers are hoping that the new iPad mini which comes out in April will be compatible with the software as well. If you would like more information about Jabberwocky you can email: advocate@swiftable.org.
Zappos has become one of the largest online footwear companies in the USA. They have now started an adaptive shoe and clothing section of their company. The shoes in this section are easy to take on and off, they are often wider than traditional shoes, they have magnetic closures, zip closures, and/or Velcro closures. In addition, adaptive clothing such as jeans with elastic waist bands and tops with longer tails (so they don’t ride up) are available for sale. I was so impressed with the willingness of the Zappos sales people to listen to the needs and desires of their customers and strive to include new products on their site. I encourage you to visit: www.zappos.com/adaptive and check out all of the cool shoes and clothing that just might make your life a little bit easier.
So many people are looking for love on the Internet these days. Often times traditional dating sites are difficult for people with disabilities because there’s always a question of whether or not to reveal a disability in a dating profile. I’m married now, but when I was dating, I found that if I revealed my disability in a dating profile, I got very few responses. If I left my disability out of my dating profile, I got more responses, but once a perspective partner found out about my disability, they were no longer interested in dating me.
Love Ability is a new dating website for people with disabilities that provides a platform that welcomes all people with disabilities and provides an open and honest dating environment. 50% of the profits gained from memberships are also donated back to organizations that support the disability community. I invite anyone who is interested to take a look at www.LoveAbility.org.
I love to travel but traveling when you have a disability can be scary and challenging especially if you are traveling internationally. There is a new website that helps people with disabilities plan and book accessible travel experiences. Check it out at www.gowheeltheworld.com pack your bags and get ready for your next adventure!
The Abilities Expo Is also a wonderful place to meet and connect with people with disabilities. It’s one of the only places in the world where I feel part of a majority rather than a minority. I ran into at least five people that I haven’t seen in five years or more. I encourage all of you to go to the Expo next year so that you can feel a part of our vibrant, diverse community. I look forward to seeing you there!
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About Kim Hudson, MSW
I have Cerebral Palsy and I use an electric wheelchair to get around. I am a Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities and chronic health issues.
Read more from Kim and her husband Tom at https://www.loveonwheels.net/.