ACSA Disability Expo highlights lifestyle solutions

"This expo is growing in popularity and scope as the country's premier forum for disability-related interests," says Bette McNaughton, organiser of the event. Now in its eighth year, the ACSA Disability Trade and Lifestyle Expo and Conference showcases disability lifestyle solutions to people with disabilities, their families, friends, caregivers and corporates.

The ACSA Disability Trade and Lifestyle Expo features the latest products and services for people with any type of disability.

What's New in 2012

"The expo also offers a wide variety of healthcare and lifestyle solutions for the elderly and similar fragile communities," adds McNaughton. "Several new components have been added this year to give the expo a completely new face, including a new 'Planning for Retirement' expo." This encompasses property developments, retirement homes, hobbies, investments, financial packages and travel options, and is designed to showcase opportunities and lifestyle choices for people planning retirement.

"Life does not end when you retire," says McNaughton. "There is synergy in Disability and Retirement; the one option services the other. Visitors attend the expo to investigate the latest products, services and therapies designed to assist people with disabilities, and also to explore retirement options available for people with disabilities."
The Conference component of the ACSA Disability Expo takes place in the same hall as the exhibition, so delegates will not be far away from the trade show and the exhibitors. Last year the ACSA Disability Expo and Conference attracted 200 delegates and 1 500 visitors, and more are expected this year.

The event showcases various lifestyle choices for people with disabilities.

On Saturday 8 September the expo will host several discussions with disability sector celebrities in the sports arena. A big screen TV will also display highlights of the Paralympics. There will also be a 'Creative Retirement Seminar' on Saturday in the conference hall.

Thursday 6 September will serve as a trade day for the expo. "We encourage all our exhibitors to invite their trade visitors, says McNaughton. "They will have the chance to book a breakaway room in the sports area, to which they can invite their customers to a 45 minute talk on a launch of a new product or any other exciting news they would like to share".

Pan African Health

Hospitals are highly relevant to the Disability sector, and the Pan African Health trade show has been running alongside the ACSA Disability Expo for seven years. Pan African Health promotes the medical industry, medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry throughout Africa. It will host an Operational Hospital Management Workshop in the conference hall alongside the expo, attracting hospital management personnel from around the country.

The show is a ‘one stop shop’ for exploring options and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Fitness for All

The last attraction is a Fitness and Health section, showcasing products and systems for health shops and their customers.

ACSA Disability Conference

The ACSA Disability Conference takes place on 6 and 7 September - more details will be announced soon. The conference is endorsed by the South African Disability Alliance.

Media Partners this year are Rolling Inspiration, Plus 50 and SABC 1.

The ACSA Disability Trade & Lifestyle Expo will include entertainment and lifestyle choices; adapted vehicles; assisted daily living equipment and service (ADLS); communication aids; computers; easy reach devices; emergency medical supplies; hand cycles; hearing aids; hospital furniture; mobility aids; occupational products; patient handling devices; physio equipment; products and aids for the deaf and blind; prosthetic artificial limbs; showering devices / building products; sports equipment; training institutions; walking sticks; wheelchairs; wheelchair clothing and, much more!

For more information on exhibiting at or visiting the show, contact:

Bette McNaughton - Event Director. Tel (+27) 11 784 4279. E-mail: moc.stnatlusnocriaf@cmetteb. Website: www.fairconsultants.com

For more information on the ACSA Disability Conference, contact:

Catherine Larkin - CVLC: Tel: (+27) 11 789-7327. E-mail: az.oc.clvc@enirehtac