We had a fabulous three days in Boston meeting new friends and seeing old ones. We displayed the VMI Toyota Sienna Access360 van, the VMI Honda Odyssey Northstar and Dodge Grand Caravan Northstar.
Boston Abilities Expo
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Category Archives: VA Boston
Boston Abilities Expo– Event for People with Abilities–Makes Boston Debut September 20-22
Abilities Expo–the Nation’s Leading Event for People with Abilities–Boston September 20-22
BOSTON, August 22, 2013 /VMiNewswire/ — VMi New England’s community of people with disabilities—which also includes families, caregivers, seniors, wounded veterans and healthcare professionals—welcomes the much-anticipated return of the Abilities Expo Boston on September 20-22, 2013 at The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Admission is free.
Abilities Expo has enjoyed tremendous success in bringing life-enhancing products and services, education, resources and fun to people with disabilities in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and San Jose each year.
The Abilities Expo Boston will feature an impressive line-up of exhibits, celebrities, workshops, events and activities to appeal to people of all ages with the full spectrum of disabilities—including physical, learning, developmental and sensory disabilities.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to bring Abilities Expo to Boston,” said David Korse, president and CEO of Abilities Expo. “We can’t wait help people explore the possibilities and open their eyes to all the things they can do.”
The Latest Products and Services
Attendees will experience cutting-edge products and services for people with a wide range of disabilities. They will find mobility products, devices for people with developmental disabilities, medical equipment, home accessories, essential services, low-cost daily living aids, products for people with sensory impairments and much more.
Relevant Workshops
A series of compelling workshops which address pressing disability issues will be offered free-of-charge to all attendees. Sessions will focus on travel, emergency preparedness, therapeutic recreation, thriving as a parent of a unique child, home accessibility, finding the correct mobility device and that is just for starters.
Sports, Instruction, Dancing and More!
Abilities Expo does not merely inform, it engages and it entertains. Attendees of all levels of ability will learn the latest hip hop dance moves and play a host of adaptive sports like rowing, power soccer and more. And the kids will love the face painting!
Meet the Animals
Animals have become an intrinsic part of the community of people with disabilities. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent. Expo-goers will enjoy assistance dog demos, and learn how service monkeys can help people with special needs.
Celebrity Encounters
Meet Chelsie Hill, co-founder of the dance sensation Team Hotwheelz and one of the dynamic divas of Push Girls, Sundance Channel’s award-winning, boundary-breaking docu-series that traces the lives of four women in Hollywood who happen to be in wheelchairs.
Jennifer French, silver medalist for Sailing at the 2012 Paralympian Games and the 2013 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, will conduct a workshop and book signing for her new autobiography, On My Feet Again.
Come to VMi New England’s Mobility Center were every day is a Ability Expo
Heroes Remembered: The 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice
Saturday, July 27, 2013 – 00:00
Our “Heroes Remembered” event will honor and recognize all Korean War Veterans on the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on the National Mall at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC. The event start time is to be determined. Please continue to check back on this site, as additional information will be provided. To receive an official invitation, please provide your mailing address by clicking HERE.
National Korean War Veterans Memorial
Washington, DC
United States
See map: Google Maps
2013 PVA Games – Tampa, FL
VMI was a sponsor at the PVA National Veteran Wheelchair Games held in Tampa, FL in July, 2013.
VMI and Toyota Motor Sales USA Announce “Star Spangled Salute” Van Giveaway for Disabled U.S. Vets
VMI and Toyota Motor Sales USA Announce “Star Spangled Salute” Van Giveaway for Disabled U.S. Vets
Vantage Mobility International (VMI) and Toyota Motor Sales USA have teamed up for the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute, a national contest to give America’s disabled military veterans the chance to win a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE with VMI’s Access360 In-floor Ramp Conversion. The online contest will run March 13 to November 10, 2013, and is open to all disabled U.S. Veterans. The winner will be randomly drawn on Veteran’s Day, November 11. The Star Spangled Salute contest is a part of VMI’s Operation Independence program.
“We established Operation Independence in 2011 to help educate our disabled military service men and women about federal grants and mobility options available to them,” said Doug Eaton, president of Vantage Mobility International. “We wanted to support a group of people who have sacrificed so much for this country. So we were excited when Toyota Motor Sales USA agreed to donate a Sienna SE for the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest.”
All disabled veterans are eligible to enter the Star Spangled Salute contest. The winner, who will be randomly drawn on November 11, 2013, will receive a new Sienna SE, which was donated by Toyota Motor Sales USA and features the Access 360 In-floor Ramp Conversion system that is being donated by VMI. To enter the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest and for contest rules, terms and conditions.
“Toyota has been a longtime supporter of Paralyzed Veterans of America and we are excited to benefit one of our country’s disabled veterans through VMI’s Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest,” said Mark Oldenburg, Toyota’s national fleet marketing, mobility and strategic planning manager. “We appreciate the opportunity to put such a deserving individual behind the wheel of the Toyota Sienna.”
Operation Independence is a national program developed by VMI and the VMI Select Dealer Network and is supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America. A portion of the Operation Independence program is to educate veterans about Federal Grant 21-4502, which is available to disabled U.S. veterans. To learn more about the program and grant, veterans can visit www.pva.org/vmi.
Earlier this year, former Air Force Lieutenant General John F. Regni accepted a position on the VMI Board of Advisors. “Access to reliable transportation is critical for wounded warriors who are reclaiming their independence,” said General Regni. “A VMI converted Toyota Sienna will give them the mobility to secure a job, take care of their family and travel to the doctor. It is truly live-changing for a disabled veteran.”
ABOUT VANTAGE MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL
Vantage Mobility International is a manufacturer and distributor of the most innovative, reliable, highest quality and easily accessible transportation in the world. Their full line of products include domestic and import minivan conversions, full-size van conversions, platform lifts, scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats.
ABOUT TOYOTA
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. There are nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the U.S. which sold more than 2 million vehicles in 2012. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals over $26 billion.