By Tommy McCardle |Staff Writer|
The 10th annual Inland Empire Disabilities Expo showcased new and innovative technologies to alleviate challenges the disabled community faces.
The expo was on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. Many vendors had tables set up with brochures, mini games to win prizes, and some demonstrations of devices.
Outside of the main hall were vendors as well, including a small food court and petting zoo with a donkey.
One of the main attractions at the expo was the Restorative Therapies 300 Functional Electrical Stimulation (RT300 FES) cycle.
“FES is a rehabilitation technique where by electrical current stimulates your nerves to evoke muscle contractions,” said sales rep for Restorative Therapies, Brett Martin.
It is a progressive rehabilitation therapy machine that can play a key role in protecting health through .
Martin mentioned the benefits of using FES include halting and reversal of muscle atrophy, relaxation of spasms, increased range of motions, and improvements in circulation.
Currently there are two ways to obtain a RT300 cycle. The first is by trialing a cycle at a clinic and the other is by obtaining a prescription from a licensed physician.
An attention grabber was the WHILL Model M power wheelchair. The Model M features a simplistic beauty and revolutionary design.
Many may have seen the WHILL before, but never realized it. The WHILL’s Model A was featured in the film “Batman V Superman.”
WHILL Model M is 4-wheel drive with all directional front wheels.The front wheels are composed of 24 small rollers to create one large wheel. The top speed of WHILL Model M is 5.5mph with a range of 15.12 miles and It is powered by two 12 v 50Ah rechargeable batteries.
If a user transfers to furniture and does not want the chair near them, they can control the chair via a bluetooth app on a mobile device.
There is also a camp dedicated to those with special needs called Camp Paivika, which opened in 1947, it is one of the first camps to be fully accessible.
Camper’s medical care is important at Camp Paivika. The camp is staffed by registered nurses.
“Some medical care regiments for campers include diabetic management, catheter/ostomy care, and breathing treatments,” said Jessica Morrison, camper services coordinator.
Camp Paivika is about creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
“Theater is fun because I get to dress up and create my own skit,” said camper Ally.
Caregiving Referral Services IE (CRS.IE) was also represented. CRS.IE provides medical and non-medial support for assisted & independent living, in home care, hospice care, home health, and more.
“We are a full service, private-duty agency committed to meeting the needs of our clients and their families,” said Laura Magana, executive director.
CRS.IE also offers incontinence supplies and resources for private or insurance pay.
Mark Goffeney, a musician born without arms, made a special appearance playing guitar with his feet.
Goffeney, known as “Big Toe,” has been featured in FOX Television’s commercial entitled “Feet” in 2000.
Also the expo was a session of Adaptive Zumba which is designed to include those with disabilities to dance and increase range of motion.
In the past it seemed as if the only options for those with disabilities were which color to choose for a wheelchair.
The disabled community have come a long way in such a short time; lets hope this continues on.
Leave a Reply