Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2016

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by Emily Flynn, Ability Tools
picture of Emily and Kevin and Rosemarie with an Ability Tools banner in the backgroud and a table with laptops on it.

Emily Flynn taking a selfie with Kevin and Rosemarie in the background of the Ability Tools Tech Exhibit at Abilities Expo in Los Angeles.

The recent Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2016 was a great success for Ability Tools!

Ability Tools was lucky enough to be able to set up their table in the AT showcase section for the second year in a row.  This means we had enough table space to be able to show off the many devices we have available for FREE thirty day loans from our Device Lending Libraries. Having these devices available for demonstration made our booth very popular. Moreover, not only were we able to demonstrate some cool AT devices that we have available for people, we also had the chance to talk about the many other services we offer statewide for Californians with disabilities, such as online and in-person trainings, Reuse programs, AT Advocacy, Information & Referral, and more!

One of my favorite parts of participating in the Abilities Expo is connecting with all of the other organizations involved and seeing the new and upcoming devices that are available.

Emily and Andrew smiling both wearting black shirts and have name tags on

Emily wtih Andrew Skinner, founder of the Triumph Foundation

We have been working with the amazing Triumph Foundation and so  I was thrilled to actually meet the founders, Andrew and Kristen Skinner, in person at the event. Having already felt like I knew them via email and phone calls, getting to actually talk to them in person was a real treat and it made me very happy! The Triumph Foundation’s mission is to help individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries to triumph over their disability and to inspire them to keep moving forward with their lives by pushing themselves to get better every day. They also work to minimize the obstacles that one faces after suffering Spinal Cord Injury, specializing in galvanizing and restoring lives after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The cornerstone of their outreach is giving newly injured people “Care Baskets” that are like tool-kits which provide information and resources about the many organizations, assistance programs, and activities that exist to help people with an SCI with their new beginning and to enable them to keep living their lives to the fullest potential.  Furthermore, they are also involved within the SCI community by taking leadership roles in support groups, helping people plan home modifications for wheelchair accessibility, assisting people with financial constraints to get needed equipment, supplies and services through their Keep Moving Forward grant program, expanding Disabled Sports & Fitness opportunities, and providing mentorship & advocacy.

I also had an amazing experience with learning about and driving my first Trikaroo ever!

What is a Trikaroo, you ask? Excellent question.

Emily and another woman rigding a 2 person scooter with a basket on it

Emily riding the Trikaroo Boomer

A Trikaroo is an electric mobility device. At Abilities Expo, I got the opportunity to drive the Trikaroo Boomer which is the first two passenger tandem mobility scooter that can fit through a standard doorway. The Trikaroo Boomer can travel pretty fast too, at speeds of up to 16 mph.  It also has a 500 pound load capacity!  With an average charge costing a person as little as 9 cents, you can go a distance of 40 miles with the Boomer.  I was impressed!

This year’s LA Abilities Expo was a wonderful experience for Ability Tools. I cannot wait the San Jose Abilities Expo in November!

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