Inaugural expo will highlight products, services

  • Published
  • By Amy Rollins
  • Skywrighter Staff

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Individuals who are able bodied and those with disabilities will benefit from the information presented at an inaugural expo at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, to be held Oct. 23 at the USO Community Center, Bldg. 1222, Kittyhawk Center, Area A, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The expo is being held in observance of October as the 72nd National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Reflecting the important role disability plays in workforce diversity, this year’s NDEAM theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.”

NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

The expo will bring outside companies, organizations and subject matter experts to display and discuss how technology is advancing to help individuals with disabilities. Information may range from vehicle modification to service animals to prosthetic devices and more, said John Hixenbaugh, NDEAM committee member.

“We’re holding the expo so people can network and gain needed information,” he said. “Disabilities aren’t necessarily immediately apparent – they can be related to the brain, sight or hearing, for example.

“This should help all kinds of people – you don’t have to be a service member or a veteran to see someone who may have a special product or training you need,” Hixenbaugh added. “There has been tremendous interest and a lot of positive reaction for this.”

Health screenings also may be offered.

For more information, contact Hixenbaugh at John.Hixenbaugh@afit.edu.