ADVISORY/ Abilities Expo/Chicago Metro to Open This Weekend; The Abilities Expo Kicks-Off Today, Friday, August 16 and Runs Through Sunday, August 18, 2002.

Business Editors and Health/Medical Writers

ADVISORY...for Friday - Sunday (August 16 - 18)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Abilities Expo/Chicago Metro:

WHAT:

Abilities Expo/Chicago Metro is opening today at the Donald E.
Stephens Convention Center, in Rosemont, IL and running through
Sunday, August 18, 2002. Abilities Expo/Chicago Metro is the one show
dedicated to educating and improving the lives of people with
disabilities, senior citizens, their families & caregivers, as well as
healthcare and education professionals. The exhibit floor and
educational program will provide attendees a chance to discover and
learn about new products and services - from personal care products to
sports/recreation equipment and mobility products to daily living aids
- all conveniently displayed to see, test and compare.

Attendees will be able to enjoy first-hand:

    --  Sports demonstrations by the U.S. Electric Wheelchair Hockey
        Association, who will be on-site demonstrating
        PowerHockey(TM). In addition, there will be presentations on
        Kayaking, Adaptive Climbing, and Hiking/Rolling from Moving
        Mountains(TM), an organization that is bringing outdoor
        adventure to Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. Dates and
        times of presentations will be available on-site.

    --  Several artists with disabilities will demonstrate their
        talents including Michael Kouchavlis showcasing sculpture and
        paintings; David Farber will exhibit his photos of wildlife,
        Robert Thome will showcase his mouth-painted creations in a
        variety of mediums, Lynn Mullin will display her sewing and
        embroidery, and Esteban Millan will showcase his sculpted
        pottery and paintings.

    --  The latest products introduced to this $1 billion market
        including, lifts, wheelchairs, toys, vans, clothing, support
        services, 3-wheel scooters, computers, sports and exercise
        equipment, daily living aids, personal care products and much
        more.

    --  A conference program developed by Stanley D. Klein, PhD, a
        licensed clinical psychologist and co-editor of You Will Dream
        New Dreams. The educational curriculum is designed to discuss
        and touch on issues and challenges and address them in a
        healthy and productive way. Topics will include Planning: the
        Key to Successful Travel, Accessible educational information
        technology, Self Advocacy: Tools, tips and tricks, How to
        provide for your child with a disability and still receive
        State benefits, How to participate more effectively in your
        child's individualized education program, Sex, lies, and
        disability, Inclusive ministry with youth with disabilities,
        Practical approaches to parenting children with disabilities,
        Diabetes and exercise, Bringing outdoor adventure to SCI
        rehabilitation, Health promotion through fitness at home and
        in the fitness center and much more.

WHEN & WERE
Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18, 2002
Friday & Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am  - 5:00pm
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL

PRODUCED & MANAGED BY:
Advanstar Communications, Inc.
440 Wheelers Farm Road, Milford, CT  06460
800-385-3085
http://www.abilitiesexpo.com