EXPO FOR DISABLED PLANNED

More than 40 vendors and exhibitors will meet Saturday in Cape Girardeau to showcase technology, equipment and services available to people with disabilities.

"Abilities Expo," an annual exhibit coordinated by Semo Alliance for Disability Independence, will begin at 9 a.m. at the Osage Community Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway. The Osage Centre is handicap accessible.

Cindy Lange, Alliance resource specialist and event coordinator, said the exposition will allow people with disabilities and friends to meet with others in similar situations.

"Sometimes it is hard to find resources if you don't even know they exist," Lange said. "How do you know where to even ask?"

Lange said the Alliance wants the exposition to be interesting and a place people can learn of agencies and groups that do things for people with disabilities."

Self-defense

The Cape Girardeau Police Department will instruct participants about self-defense, something Cpl. Kevin Orr said everyone should brush up on.

"One of the things we're going to do is teach ways to keep yourself safe, whether you're in the community, at home or out traveling," he said.

Some things police will talk about are aimed at anybody.

"If you follow some of these rules, you're going to be able to keep yourself safe most of the time," Orr said.

There are few incidences of criminals targeting people with disabilities in this area, Orr said, although evidence does indicate criminals sometimes target people because of their age.

"This is something that is good for all people to learn," he said. "It is always good for people to take note of their surroundings and keep themselves as safe as possible."

Arts for All

Arts for All, an opportunity for people with disabilities to make art and highlight their creative abilities, also will be available throughout the day.

Other exhibitors will have demonstrations, literature, videos and other resources for visitors.

The exposition, which lasts from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., is free to the public. Last year, more than 300 people attended the event.

Lange said the Abilities Expo is not just for people who have disabilities.

"Everyone should deal with people with disabilities," she said. "They're out, they're going to the malls. Everyone should learn about it. You never know when a friend or family member may need the resources."

EXPOSITION

What: Abilities Expo

Who: People with disabilities

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Osage Center