Written by: Emily Flynn;

Ability Tools Information and Advocacy Specialist

Ability Tools recently attended the Bay Area Abilities Expo in San Jose and it was an awesome success!

For the third time, Ability Tools was lucky enough to hold the AT showcase space. This meant that we were able to provide demonstration of many different device to the attendees and promote our statewide device loan program where we loan out devices for FREE for thirty days! 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 training’s, Reuse programs, AT Advocacy, Information & Referral, and more!

I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing individuals and their families at the expo. Some tried out our many devices available for loan and some inquired about volunteer opportunities within our program. We were specifically able to help a wonderful family by loaning them a device to them right then and there at the expo…full story coming soon to Ability Tools Weekly.

Ability Tools also had the chance to meet other organizations and companies while participating in the Bay Area Abilities Expo. Some of my favorites this year were Accomable and FireFly by Lackey.

Accomable

This UK based company has worked with tourist boards in the UK and abroad, and with an adventurous nature, Co-Founders Martyn and Srin have travelled all over the world and experienced some bumps along the road. This is where the idea for Accomable developed. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if all accessible properties were listed in one place, with detailed access information about the property, the locality and services available? So here it is, Accomable!

Firefly by Leckey 

This Ireland based company produces the Scooot mobility rider. Scooot was launched in December 2015 and provides an early experience of independence for lots of kids with mobility challenges. It frees them to explore their home, play with pals, chase big brothers and race little sisters without any help.