The Town of Huntington is preparing for its first-annual All Abilities Expo, a community event designed to connect families with disabilities to vital resources. The expo, set for Saturday, May 31, is calling on vendors to participate and help make the event a success by offering information and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
“The mission is simple,” Councilwoman Theresa Mari told South Shore Press. “We want to bridge the gap between childhood support and long-term success for individuals of all abilities. The All Abilities Expo will provide parents, caregivers and individuals with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their futures.”
The expo will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heckscher Park.
Mari’s legislative aide, Michelle Wright, said the goal is to provide one-stop convenience for parents looking for programs for their children with special needs. Particularly important, she said, are opportunities offered before or after regular school hours.
Nearly 25 programs have already pledged to participate in the expo, “but we’re hoping to double that,” Wright said.
The vendors range from local groups to national organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. Local groups include Huntington Youth Bureau; ELIJA Farm in South Huntington, which provides jobs for individuals with special needs; Valhallan Esports Training in Huntington, offering therapeutic gaming activities for children and adults; and Millennium, a Huntington provider of occupational, physical and speech therapy. Other participants include Autism Cares Partners in Plainview and Family Center for Achievement in Garden City, according to Wright.
“I’m so grateful to the businesses, organizations and volunteers who are making this event possible,” Mari said. “Together, we are creating a more inclusive, informed and supportive community.”
With one in four children having special needs, Wright told South Shore Press, “There’s definitely a lot of programs out there, but I think the hardest thing is researching it and finding it. So, that’s really why we wanted to do this fair, where we could be a one-stop shop, basically.”
The fair benefits vendors as well, offering an opportunity to connect with the special needs community, showcase products or services, and network with professionals in the field.
“Every individual deserves access to opportunities that allow them to thrive, no matter their ability,” Mari said. “This expo is about opening doors, building connections and showing families that they are not alone in this journey.”
For more information, contact Wright at 631-351-3173.