As we gear up for the Abilities Expo in San Jose in November we were pleased to see that the city is celebrating its 5^th annual Disability Awareness Day on October 12^th from 9am to 2pm. The day features free workshops, Paralympics sports demonstrations, live music, over 70 vendor tables and several celebrity guest appearances. The mission of the Disability Awareness Day is to build an integrated community by empowering people with differing abilities to overcome barriers through access to resources, education and employment opportunities and increasing appreciation of people with differing disabilities by showcasing their talents and gifts.

Some of the workshop topics at the event include learning how children and adults with special needs can use iPads to improve their daily lives, applying for, and appealing denials of, Social Security (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits and Conservatorship: protecting loved ones with developmental disabilities. Each workshop is designed to empower people with disabilities and provide valuable information and resources that can have a profound impact on their quality of life.

This year the event will also feature several celebrity guest appearances including Chelsie Hill and Mia Schaikewitz from “Push Girls”, Ali Stroke of “The Glee Project” and local radio personalities Lissa Kreisler and Sam Van Zandt of KBAY radio. The event will take place in the City Hall Rotunda and Plaza at 200 E. Santa Clara St. For more information visit the Disability Awareness Day website here.