On Saturday, Oct. 27, NSU will host The Expo 2018, a celebration of people with disabilities in South Florida. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Don Taft University Center, the Noël P. Brown Sports Center and the Alvin Sherman Library.
This year’s theme is Navigating Your Journey. According to their website, the event provides an amazing opportunity to have fun and learn about services, resources, products and information.
“It covers many things, but the target audience is individuals with disabilities, whether it be physical disabilities, emotional or developmental disabilities,” said Arlene Giczkowski, from the college of medical sciences. “[The event] gives them an opportunity to learn about a variety of resources and services in South Florida, mainly Broward county.”
Representatives that offer services like interpreting, mental health counselling, adaptive equipment and more will be present at the event for anyone who is looking for resources they can use locally. Additionally, there will be seminars about different disability-related topics, a fashion show in which all of the designers and models have disabilities, entertainment and performers, a talent show, an art exhibit featuring art by those with disabilities and a wheelchair basketball competition. The basketball competition will also continue on into Sunday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m..
“It’s important for community awareness, for NSU students’ awareness, it is a great event to just come out and experience the fashion show, and the talent show, it’s an entertaining day,” said Giczkowski.
“Anybody that has an interest or has a person in their life that is affected should definitely come out and see. Everybody walks away with learning something new or seeing something they never expected.” -Arlene Giczkowski
The theme of The Expo 2018 gives attendees an opportunity to enter in raffles as well. Upon entry to the event, participants will be given a “passport,” and can get stamps at different booths throughout the event. Afterwards, the passport can be used to enter in raffles to win prizes.
“Anybody that has any kind of interest or [knows] an individual, friend or family member that has some type of disability [should come to the event], there is all kinds of resources at this event for them. Whether it be just for informational purposes or if they need some kind assistance, there are agencies there that can help them,” explained Giczkowski. “Anybody that has an interest or has a person in their life that is affected should definitely come out and see. Everybody walks away with learning something new or seeing something they never expected.”
The event is free, family-friendly and open to the public. Garage parking will be accessible at no cost. For more information regarding the event, visit http://www.theexpofl.com/. For inquiries about volunteering for the event, reach out to NSU’s Office of Student Disability Services for details.
