Jim Ward says he chose to kick off his Road to Freedom campaign at the World Congress on Disabilities & Expo (WCD) - and return in November - because he sees the WCD as "one of the largest events for people with disabilities and all who are affected: family members, friends, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and educators."

The world's smallest wheelchair was featured by Mobility 4 Kids at the Innovative Products Inc. booth.

William Schwaninger, president/CEO of WCD Expo Inc., added, "Adaptive race cars, stair-climbing wheelchairs, robotic wheelchair/conversion vans, revolutionary new urine disposal systems - and hundreds of PTs, OTs, and family members attended our conference program.  The sports and recreation activity center again was a favorite destination, and the Disabilities Career Fair gave job-seekers and employers a chance to explore new relationships.  WCD Expo will return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Nov.2-4."

"Another winner was an exhibit showcasing the works of professional artists with disabilities," said Schwaninger.  "It appeared in conjunction with All About Art at MossRehab, an international juried exhibit and sale by artists with disabilities held at MossRehab Einstein, in Elkins Park.  Some of the world’s leading physicians and healthcare experts provided state-of-the-art solutions and therapies, while individuals who have conquered countless obstacles inspire others to defy difficulty and thrive," he said.

Among the items displayed were:

• Viziflex Seels Inc., of Hackensack, NJ, offered its Keyguards for computer users with limited motor skills - and those of us who are messy and munch while on the computer and drop pieces of potato chips between the keys.
• Independence Technology, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Co., introduced its iBOT 4000 model, which allows the user to maneuver easily when seated at a table or desk and during entry and exit.  The iBOT climbs stairs with or without assistance and moves over many types of terrain.
• Freedom Lift unveiled its automatic transport and retrieval system (ATRS).  Its proof of concept was presented at WCD in 2005.  The product allows individuals to transfer from power wheelchair to driver's seat of a minivan.  The power seat returns automatically to the back of the vehicle, docked and stored for transport.
• The world's smallest wheelchair was featured by Mobility 4 Kids at the Innovative Products Inc. booth.  The customized wheelchair allows kids to go from sitting to standing.  Innovative Products' youngest customer was 23 months old.
• NDI Medical introduced ODFS Foot Drop Stimulator, an external neuromuscular stimulator new to the U.S.  The ODFS provides ankle dorsiflexion in individuals with dropped foot after upper motor neuron lesions, such as stroke and MS.  It is a brace-free alternative.
• Rifton Equipment showed its Rifton Anchor, which provides hand and arm stabilization for increased function.  The Anchor helps children and young adults have success with activities such as eating, working, or playing.
• Shake-A-Leg Inc. exhibited its residential therapy program for individuals with spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.  It combines traditional and non-traditional therapies with adaptive recreation/sports modules to assist participants in reaching independence and community involvement.
• Flexiciser International exhibited its second generation of durable medical equipment, which provides movement therapy for physically challenged individuals.  The products were created by Ken Richardson to assist his father who had Parkinson's disease.
• KeepingPace showed how two mothers with children who have cerebral palsy found a solution that provides functional, durable, comfortable, and fashionable shoes for youngsters who need specialty footwear designed for children's bracing.
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society offered programs and services to help individuals with MS and their family members, friends, employers, and colleagues better understand and manage the disease.
• Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania offered new materials concerning epilepsy and seizure disorders.
• American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation offered information on its Adapted Aquatics Credentialing course and Adapted Physical Activity Council workshops.
• The Benedictine School for individuals aged five to 21, who have cognitive disabilities, presented its educational programs.
• U-Can Do Inc. offered a look at an Adaptive Recreational Rehabilitative Device that looks like a pinball machine, but actually allows a person with physical disability to compete in a game as an equal with others.
• MossRehab exhibited pieces from its permanent collection of works by professional artists with disabilities.

For a complete list of exhibits, symposiums and presentations, visit www.wcdexpo.com.

Ford Mustang modified for racing by the disabled on display on the Expo floor at the World Congress on Disabilities.