Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (November 18, 2015) – The ABILITIES event will be held this Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Dutchess Community College – Falcon Hall in Poughkeepsie, NY. The event will bring together “Resources to Adapt, Support and Enrich Life” for children and adults with any disabilityA traditional term that generally means a person has a condition that makes it difficult for them to do things that those without disabilities can do. While we try to minimize use of this term because it emphasizes people’s limitations rather than strengths, it is sometimes necessary for diagnostic and funding purposes. More whether it be developmental, intellectual, physical, mental or other. Admission to the expo is free and open to the public. There is abundant accessible parking available, with easy access to Falcon Hall (Gymnasium).
Businesses and organizations with unique services or products that meet the everyday needs and interests of families, individuals or caregivers for those with any disabilityA traditional term that generally means a person has a condition that makes it difficult for them to do things that those without disabilities can do. While we try to minimize use of this term because it emphasizes people’s limitations rather than strengths, it is sometimes necessary for diagnostic and funding purposes. More will be on hand. Exhibitors include:
- Able Newspaper
- Camp Huntington
- Central Hudson Gas & Electric
- Challenger Leagues (Wappingers, LaGrange and other local leagues)
- Down SyndromeA genetic condition with certain physical features and usually mild intellectual disability. Many people with Down Syndrome have overcome obstacles in life to become very successful and independent. More Association Hudson Valley
- Dutchess Community College
- Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health
- Dutchess County Government – “Think DifferentlyThe Dutchess County initiative designed to make our community more inclusive and accepting of children and adults with special needs (Learn more about this initiative). More”
- Dutchess County Public Transit (LOOP, Dial-A-Ride & Paratransit)
- Enabling Devices
- Julie’s Jungle
- Keri Petersen from SECONNY (Special EducationThe process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. We believe all children and adults can benefit from quality education. More Consulting NY)
- KeyBank
- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
- Marist College
- MidHudson Regional Hospital
- NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)The state office that administers programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including but not limited to Service Coordination/Care Coordination, Community Habilitation, Respite, Employment Services, Adult Day Services and Residential Services. More & Taconic
Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) - P & D Remodeling
- Pain Relief 4 U Now NY
- Poughkeepsie Galleria
- Special Olympics New York Winter Games
- The Seeing Eye
- Two by Two Zoo
- Walkway over the Hudson
“The concept behind this first ABILITIES expo was to bring together resources which adapt, support and enrich the specific interests and needs of those with disabilities,” said Abilities First Chief Advancement Officer Melissa McCoy. “The location and event is specifically tailored to be a welcoming and accessible outing and experience for children and adults. We look forward to seeing our neighbors enjoying the expo and its potential resource for individuals and families.”
ABILITIES will be informational but also fun for the entire family with sensory activities, the traveling zoo from Two by Two Zoo, and demonstrations from seeing eye dogs and the Challenger Leagues. Rascal, the official mascot of the Hudson Valley Renegades will make a special appearance.
The event is spearheaded by Abilities First, but is a collaboration with regional not-for- profits, county and state government, and industry agencies interested in bringing awareness of valuable recreational, adaptive, entertainment and life resources for children and adults who may need special accommodations.
Abilities First is a not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the community, as well as over 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities through educational, vocational, residential, and habilitationThe acquisition of certain skills required for a self-sufficient life. More services throughout the Hudson Valley region. This expo will support the organization’s mission of providing people with disabilities and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integrationThe practice of including people with special needs in all aspects of typical community life. Abilities First believes that if integration occurs naturally in a setting (e.g., classroom, place of work, residential neighborhood, etc.), the ratio of people with disabilities to those without should approximate what is found in the total population. That is, less than or equal to 20% people with disabilities. More and acceptance by others through educationThe process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. We believe all children and adults can benefit from quality education. More, exploration and experience.
The ABILITIES event is sponsored by Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie Galleria, and Central Hudson.