News Release

 In Orlando:
 Improving Life for the Disabled and the Aging

(New York, July 30, 2009) -- United Spinal Association's (www.UnitedSpinal.org) 2009 Independence Expo in Orlando is the region's premiere lifestyle-enhancing Expo designed to promote active living and independence for individuals with disabilities and aging Americans.

The 3rd Annual Independence Expo will be held on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in Orlando, FL. 

At the opening ribbon cutting ceremony, a proclamation by Orange County Mayor, Richard T. Crotty, declaring August 7th & 8th as "Independence Expo Weekend" will be presented by Scott Boyd, Orange County Board of County Commissioners (district 1) and Samme Ripley, Director of the Orange County Office on Disability Services/ ADA, to Paul Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association.

Paul Tobin, President of United Spinal Association, the host organization for Independence Expo, says, "This event is an opportunity for us to showcase over 60 years of experience living independently with mobility impairment. Attendees can maintain or improve their quality of life, whether their mobility impairment is a result of a disability or the natural aging process. Simply put, we help people live on their own terms.  And since we are a non-profit, admission and many life-enhancing workshops are free to anyone who attends."

Pre-registration is at www.IndependenceExpo.org or by calling 800-404-2898 to receive 2 free gifts and a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of 100 door prizes including the grand prize of 2 free plane tickets to anywhere AirTran flies in the USA. Admission and parking are free. 

Free life-improving workshops and demonstrations on contemporary disability related topics designed to educate and liberate will be conducted both days and include among others:

• Employment
• Fitness, Exercise and Nutrition
• Social Security
• Sexuality
• Veterans Benefits (for the veteran and spouse/dependent)
• Living and Aging in place
• Accessible Travel
• Adaptive Sports
• Community Resources
• The Arts
• Self-Advocacy

The Independence Expo also features up to 100 Vendor Exhibits that offer the perfect opportunity to see and try products that can improve the quality of life for the disabled and for the aging.
 
The 2009 Independence Expo is hosted by United Spinal Association, the Nation's preeminent advocacy organization for people with disabilities and is sponsored by Permobil, TiLite, Mid Florida Chapter of the National MS Society, Voice News and New Mobility magazine.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) non-profit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post polio.  It has played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.  Membership is free and is open to all individuals with spinal cord disorders.  United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many US cities.

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Media contacts:

Ahvi Spindell      Cary Castle
Media Relations Services    United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association     (718) 803-3782, ext. 7301
212-580-4567      ccastle@unitedspinal.org
ASpin4Eiscom@aol.com