See you at the EXPO!

April 11, 2012

On Saturday, April 21, we will be hosting our very first Adapted Sports, Rec & Living EXPO right here at Helen Hayes Hospital. I am excited to let everyone know that there will be a terrific group of approximately 50 exhibitors filling our first floor with all types of informational displays. The event is really a great opportunity to come out and see what’s new and what’s available to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, seniors, and their family members, friends and caregivers.

Exhibitors run the gamut, from wheelchair manufacturers, to organizations that produce and adapt specialty chairs for sports and other activities. Vehicle and van conversions, lifts and ramps, adapted clothing and other products will be on display. Representatives from a number or not-for-profit organization will also be on hand, including the national MS Society, Challenged Athletes Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence. The latest therapies from Push to Walk and Restorative Therapies will be represented, as well as the hospital’s own specialty services, such as our Center for Rehabilitation Technology and Prosthetic Orthotic Center. Aiko Thompson, PhD, who heads up neurology and spinal cord research here at HHH will be here to talk about what she’s working on and opportunities to participate in research studies.

Another highlight of the event is that we get to showcase the amazing Adapted Sports & Rec Program that we run at HHH. We have an array of sports clinics and events coming up this summer, and you can learn all about them at the Expo. From golf and cycling, to waterskiing, horseback riding and sailing, there is truly something for everyone. And if you need some special equipment or adaptation to get out there and participate- we’ll show you all kinds of things – right at the Expo!

And if all this doesn’t convince you to come- you may want to be there to go to one of the many workshops that will be ongoing throughout the day. Or, you may want to take a chance to win one of over 15 great raffle prizes, including a large screen television.

I’ll be at the event, eager to share info about all of our upcoming sports events. I sincerely hope to meet you there- Saturday April 21, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. See you at the EXPO!

-Matthew Castelluccio

Adapted Sports Coordinator & Peer Mentor