Families of kids with disabilities are probably all too familiar with the struggles of going shopping. They search high and low for clothing that’s accessible for a wheelchair user or switch-activated toys for a child with limited mobility.
That’s where the World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo comes in, one of the largest events of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. Thanks to Caring Communities, a small husband-and-wife team focused on serving the disability and senior communities, the expo is coming to Frederick County on May 17.
Families can browse an array of assistive technology, durable medical equipment and adaptive devices and clothing, “anything that people need,” says Mona Freedman, the executive director and founder of Caring Communities.
“Resources [for disabled children] are hard to find and fragmented,” says Freedman. “It’s difficult; you have to have a lot of detective skills to find the resources.”
Freedman, the mom of twin daughters, one of whom has a mild to moderate developmental disability, says families like hers have had to network with other families to find accessible equipment, specialized doctors and accurate information on disabilities.
“So we try to bring all these resources together for a one-stop shop so people can come together,” Freedman says.
One example of an adaptive device is a set of utensils that may have a larger grip for people who have difficulty with fine motor skills or limited hand or wrist strength. Another example is a handbag specially built to fit on a wheelchair handle or Velcro clothing for ease of access.
Other booths will showcase chair lifts or other household technology to help with mobility. Yet another booth features a specialist who works in pain relief.
“We are really pleased with the variety of vendors that we have coming to the Frederick [expo],” Freedman says. “We love coming into Frederick County; they’re friendly, they’re receptive and they want us to [come].”
The expo offers more than adaptive technology and gadgets — it’s a chance to build community.
“You don’t feel so alone,” Freedman says. “You’re meeting other people in the same situation.”
Freedman, a registered nurse and former pediatric nurse, will dress up as a fairy godmother and give out free glitter tattoos to young attendees. A face painter and balloon artist will also provide entertainment at the event.
Freedman urges anyone who loves someone with a disability — parents, caregivers or service providers — to check out the expo and maybe get an idea for an adaptive device that could allow children with disabilities to function better. Helping people is her calling, as Freedman and her husband have coordinate these expos for the past two decades without collecting a salary.
“It’s just so exciting,” Freedman says. “It’s such a good experience that we always come home feeling good, knowing we did a good job.”
The World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo will take place on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clarion Inn Frederick Event Center. Get a free pass at expo.caringcommunities.org/free-pass.
