Local DISABILITY Resource Expo serves as a testament to Champaign-Urbana’s commitment to ensure that East Central Illinois residents with disabilities can live life to the fullest
Annual DISABILITY Resource Expo promotes inclusion by helping provide a better quality of life for people with disabilities in Champaign County and surrounding communities
August,7 2023-(Urbana, IL)—The 14th Annual DISABILITY Resource Expo: Reaching Out for Answers is scheduled for Saturday, October 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820. It is FREE to attend.
“The Expo has been purpose driven since it began in 2007. The purpose of the Expo is to give people with disabilities and their loved ones easy access to the resources needed for a great quality of life. Champaign County is committed to remaining a diverse, inclusive community. Our annual DISABILITY Resource Expo is a testament to that. We are honored to hold the 14th annual Expo to show East Central Illinois residents with disabilities as well as their loved ones just how many resources East Central Illinois communities have that can help us live life to the fullest.” said Allison Boot, DISABILITY Resource Expo Co-Coordinator.
Up to 100 exhibitors will share information and answer questions regarding resources available to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Attendees will be able to seek advice regarding topics from health care to legal support, and everything in between. As always, the Expo is free and open to the public; any and all residents of East Central Illinois are encouraged and welcome to attend. Family friendly activities such as an interactive scavenger hunt and Halloween costume contest will be a part of the Expo this year to make it more family friendly and fun for all ages.
“My Co-Coordinator and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Champaign County Mental Health Board and the Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board for giving people with disabilities in Champaign County and surrounding communities access to the resources needed for a great quality of life. The Expo has been a project of the Champaign County Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Boards since it began. While the Expo is supported by many local organizations, it could not be held year after year without the generous support of both boards,” said Boot.
Many measures will be taken to ensure that the Expo can be enjoyed by all stress free. The Expo is being held at Market Place Mall for the second year in a row because of how accessible it is. A limited number of adaptive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers will be provided at the Expo for those who need them again this year. Moreover, alternative formats for exhibitor’s written materials such as large print, flash drives and Braille will also be available upon request. Lastly, additional wheelchair accessible parking will be set aside for the event.
“Champaign County is a beautifully diverse and inclusive community. We work hard to ensure that the Expo embodies the inclusive spirit of the community. We endeavor to show attendees with disabilities as well as their families that disabilities are not only accepted but also embraced by our community. Lastly, we strive to show attendees that the quality resources available in Champaign County and surrounding communities as well as the inclusive spirit of the area makes East Central Illinois a wonderful place for those with disabilities to live life to its fullest.” said Boot.
The Expo cannot happen each year without the kind support of East Central Illinois businesses and organizations. If you are interested in supporting the 2023 DISABILITY Resource Expo, please email Allison Boot at [email protected]. You can also schedule an interview or photo opportunity for the day of the Expo by sending an email or calling 217-722-5281. For more information, visit http://www.disabilityresourceexpo.org.
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