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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU to host unique expo for people with disabilities
The DisAbilities Expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE Fla. —- Michael Sayih didn’t know what to expect when he went to the DisAbilities Expo with his father last year. Then a 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Pines, Michael has been living with Cerebral Palsy his entire life, which often left him lonely and depressed.
His trip to the DisAbilities Expo changed his life in ways he could not have imagined. Through the Expo, which is held at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) annually, Michael learned how to apply for a service dog to serve as his companion and love him unconditionally. Since then, Michael’s life has changed dramatically.
“If it were not for the Disabilities Expo, Michael might still be in the same depressed and lonely state he was in before,” said his father, Jim Sayih, a fitness executive.
This year, the 31st DisAbilities Expo will continue to offer many opportunities for people like Michael and others. The event, which will be held at NSU on Saturday, Oct. 16, will provide health information, educational seminars, exhibits, sports, and more. The free event is open to people with disabilities, their family and friends, and the general public.
The Expo aims to provide the latest services, resources, products and information for individuals with developmental, sensory, emotional or physical disabilities. There will be over 60 exhibitors, as well as entertainment and educational activities.
Participants can browse local South Florida disability agencies, organizations and businesses that will provide services, programs, resources, free goodies and products for children, teens, adults and seniors with disabilities.
Activities for children will include musical performances, sign-language bingo, arts and crafts, shows, and appearances by pirates. Wheelchair basketball and recreational activities will also be a featured at the event.
Free seminars will address what’s next after high school for youth with disabilities and others on special needs planning, wills, trusts and guardianships. In addition to these two seminars, an ESE parent workshop and a disability literary session are featured, with renowned teen author and artist, Haley Moss, to do a book signing.
The expo is presented by NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, 2-1-1 Broward, Center for Independent Living, Paralyzed Veterans Association of Florida, Broward Family Life and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities as well as Broward County’s Libraries Division and Parks and Recreation Division. Additional Expo sponsors include Angels Services, Broward County School Board/Child Find, and Eppy Financial Group.
The Expo will be held at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library and Don Taft University Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which are located at its main Davie campus. For more information, please call 954-537-0211 or 954-735-0963 (TTY) for the hearing impaired.
Media Contact:
Ken Ma, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5408 (office), 954-830-4177 (cell), ken.ma@nova.edu