Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (November 2, 2015) – The ABILITIES event will be held on 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. whether it be developmental, intellectual, physical, mental or other. Admission to the expo is free and open to the public.

The ABILITIES Committee is seeking additional vendors 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., in the following categories: entertainment, recreation, sports, travel, adaptive equipment and repairs, furnishings, transportation, living/household, and specialized medical providers such as dentists, hearing aids, etc. The quantity of vendors in each specific category is limited and will be accepted on a first come basis. The ABILITIES event is sponsored by Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie Galleria, and Central Hudson.

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. 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. 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., exploration and experience.