ANNUAL DISABILITY AND TALENT RESOURCE FAIR TO BE THIS WEEK

The fourth annual Disability Talent and Resource Fair will be held at West Park Mall Friday and Saturday.

The event is expected to draw participants from a five-state area. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day.

The event is co-sponsored by the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence and the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.

Purpose of the fair is to showcase products, services and resources available through the region for people who are physically disabled.

A number of support groups and agencies will operate information tables. The event also will feature disabled artists who will display arts and crafts.

Product displays include vendors for wheelchairs, scooters, van conversions, bed and mattress devices, and robotic chairs. A breathing device for allergy and asthma suffers also will be shown.

On Saturday, Support Dogs for the Handicapped of St. Louis will appear at center court with five specially trained dogs. The dogs will demonstrate the training that enables them to open doors, carry items and assist their masters with daily living.

An Electric Mobility wheelchair technician will be available both days to offer free battery checks on Electric Mobility scooters. A $25 cleanup and maintenance service will also be offered.

Saturday at 1 p.m., the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence will present special business Awards.

A one hour seminar, entitled "ADA...Education or Litigation," will be presented by Richard Powell, executive director of the Missouri Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Powell's presentation will address the implications of the new Americans with Disabilities Act, which will be enacted in 1992. He will discuss the effects of the law on small business, transportation, retail markets, educators and the disabled.

The ADA seminars will be offered Friday at 1, 5 and 7 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The seminars will be held at Venture Court. Reserved seating is available by calling in advance 334-1959.

Handicapped or disabled visitors to Friday and Saturday's event will find handicapped parking at all mall entrances, ramped curbs and an automatic door at the front entrance.