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A Showcase of Resources for Enrichment & Inclusion

For more information, to register as a vendor or to become a sponsor, contact 845.485.9803 ext. 1223 or info@abilitiesfirstny.org.

SHOWCASE IS POSTPONED effective March 9, 2020

In the past years, Abilities First has looked forward to bringing the Abilities First Showcase for Enrichment and Inclusion to over 2,500 attendees. Given the growing concerns and precautions surrounding COVID-19, and with the interest of our vendors and community as our priority, we have made the decision to postpone this year’s Showcase event scheduled for this Saturday, March 14th at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall, to a later date which is to be determined. 

While we hate to postpone, we are most interested in making these resources and experiences available to those who need and look forward to them, at a more appropriate time.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to the community enjoying this annual activity.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@abilitiesfirstny.org.

ABILITIES FIRST: A Showcase of Resources for Enrichment & Inclusion will bring together resources and unique services or products that meet the everyday needs and interests of families, individuals or caregivers for those of any age with any disability whether it be developmental, intellectual, physical, mental or other as well.

Other activities include performances, demonstrations, sensory-friendly movies, meet-and-greets, and other special events.

Admission to the showcase is free and open to the public. Easily accessible, with plenty of handicap parking available.

Check back for more updates and the list of vendors.

All proceeds from the 2020 Showcase will support the mission of Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY. Abilities First, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides services to enrich the lives of children and adults in our communities. Our Federal ID number is 14-146742. The Foundation for Abilities First NY, Inc. is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to garner the financial resources necessary to meet the programmatic interests and to assure the sustainability of the mission of Abilities First, Inc. Our Federal ID number is 83-3116304.

For more information, to register as a vendor or to become a sponsor, contact 845.485.9803 ext. 1223 or info@abilitiesfirstny.org.

SCHEDULE

(Subject to Change)
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM SENSORY-SENSITIVE EARLY OPENING: Morning activities for children with special needs and their families in a sensory-sensitive environment
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM SHOWCASE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Performances, demonstrations, and other special events to be announced.
10:00 AM Sensory Yoga for Kids (near Center Court)
10:00 AM Cover Kid Contest Photoshoot for the Hudson Valley Parent's "My Abilities Are SUPER" Contest (near Target)
10:00 AM Sensory-Friendly Movies, Courtesy of Regal's "My Way Matinee" Program -- Movies include "Onward" (PG) and "Sonic the Hedgehog"
12:00 PM Welcome Remarks by Abilities First President & CEO, Dr. Jeffery Fox, Grand Marshal William Eugene Van Ornum, Jr., and additional representatives (Center Court)
12:30 PM Abilities First School FLASH MOB! (Center Court)
1:00 PM Ms. Wheelchair and Junior Miss Wheelchair of New York (Center Court)
1:15 PM Robotics Demonstration by MOVIA Robotics, Inc. (www.moviarobotics.com) (Center Court)
1:45 PM Sports Demonstration by Ali Adaptive Sports & Fitness (www.aliadaptive.com) (Center Court)
TBA Check back soon for more activities!

Hudson Valley Parent's

My Abilities Are Super 2020 Cover Kid Search

My Abilities Are Super 2020 Cover Kid Search

Hudson Valley Parent is looking for kids with special needs, ages 2-16 years old, to appear on their magazine covers in 2020-2021. Pre-register on the Hudson Valley Parent website to reserve your free time slot at the Showcase Event (new date TBA) between 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Once your child’s time slot is confirmed, visit the Hudson Valley Parent booth in the hallway next to DSW (towards Regal) at the Showcase Event. Each registered child receives a free professional photo session with cover kid photographers, including Mike Bloom, and will have a free “mock cover” emailed to their parent 4-6 weeks after the event.

On March 23rd, photos will be posted on hvparent.com and voting will be open until March 29. Friends and family will vote on the top 5 winners to be featured in a photo spread and HV Parent’s panel of judges will choose one winner.  For additional details, visit the HV Parent website.

REGISTER

JOIN US FOR THESE FUN ACTIVITIES

SHOWCASE IS POSTPONED effective March 9, 2020
In the past years, Abilities First has looked forward to bringing the Abilities First Showcase for Enrichment and Inclusion to over 2,500 attendees. Given the growing concerns and precautions surrounding COVID-19, and with the interest of our vendors and community as our priority, we have made the decision to postpone this year’s Showcase event scheduled for this Saturday, March 14th at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall, to a later date which is to be determined. 

9:30 AM
Early Opening in a Sensory-Sensitive Environment (mall is not open yet)

10:00 AM
SHOWCASE OPENS

10:00 AM
Sensory Yoga for Kids (near Center Court)

Cover Kid Contest Photoshoot for the Hudson Valley Parent Magazine‘s “My Abilities are SUPER” 2020 Cover Kid Search (near Target)

Sensory-Friendly Movies courtesy of Regal’s “My Way Matinee” Program – Screening Onward (PG) and Sonic the Hedgehog

12:00 PM
Welcoming Remarks from: Abilities First President & CEO, Dr. Jeffery Fox; Grand Marshal, William Eugene Van Ornum, Jr.; and additional representatives (Center Court)

12:30 PM
Abilities First School FLASH MOB! (Center Court)

1:00 PM
Ms. Wheelchair and Miss Junior Wheelchair of New York

1:15 PM
Robotics Demonstration by MOVIA Robotics, Inc.

1:45 PM
Sport Demonstration by Ali Adaptive Sports & Fitness

& more to be announced!

Reception Tickets are Available

Abilities First is looking for vendors with resources to adapt, support and enrich life in the following categories: entertainment, recreation, sports, travel, adaptive equipment and repairs, furnishings, legal, transportation, and specialized medical providers. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Contact us at 845.485.9803, ext. 1223, or email info@abilitiesfirstny.org.

Live Auction & Proxy Bidding

Here's your chance to take advantage of our amazing live auction items with a proxy bid and help support the Foundation for Abilities First mission. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

Event Host: POUGHKEEPSIE GALLERIA, A PYRAMID PROPERTY

Poughkeepsie Galleria, a Pyramid Management Group company, will receive the 2019 Commitment to Community Award

Media Partner: HV PARENT

Presentation Hub Sponsor: MOVIA Robotics Inc.

MOVIA Robotics Inc.

Endorsed by: Think DIFFERENTLY

Think DIFFRENTLY

Vendors & Resources

Ali Adaptive - Autism Directory Service, Inc. - Canine Companions for Independence - ClearCaptions - CTECH - Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley - Dutchess Community College Academy of Music - Dutchess County Public Transit - Enabling Devices - Horses for a Change - Hudson Valley Parent - Making Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship Inc. - MOVIA ROBOTICS, INC. - NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs - Odyssey Church - Open Doors Educational Advocates - Orange County Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Department - Poughkeepsie Galleria - Rise and Shine Together - Special Olympics New York - SRDD Law - Taconic Resources for Independence - The Center for Prevention of Child Abuse - Think DIFFERENTLY (Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services) - Town of Wappinger Little League Challenger League - UnitedHealthcare - Zylofone Studios - Check back frequently for an updated list!

In-Kind Supporters

Highway Displays, Inc. - Hudson Valley Parent Magazine - Able Newspaper

Join us!