THE ACSA DISABILITY Expo & Conference 2008: INCORPORATING SPECIALISED HEALTHCARE FOR THE DISABLED
Now in its fourth year, Disability 2008 is the only established event in the country where people with disabilities (PWDs), their family members, their caregivers and service providers can go to access information on what resources are available for people with disabilities (PWDs). Disability 2008 is committed to improving the lives of those with developmental and physical disabilities, their families, colleagues and professionals who work with them.
Since its inception, the Disability Expo and Conference has grown steadily by 10% annually in terms of exhibitors, delegates and visitors. Disability 2007 was the first expo that featured sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, disabled golf and wheelchair tennis. This proved extremely popular and served to widen the appeal and showcase the sporting talents of PWDs. The event has taken place at Gallagher Estate since 2005 and continues to develop in stature and content.
Economic empowerment of people with disabilities (PWDs) is vital if our economy is to achieve sustained economic growth. To date PWDs have been marginalised and excluded from mainstream society. There are however opportunities for both the public sector and private sector to include this grouping in the workplace and in the broader community, which will benefit all stakeholders.
Disability 2008 provides an opportunity for employers and communities to learn about what tools and information are available to facilitate access of PWDs into the workplace and mainstream society.
The link between poverty and disability is well-known and extensively documented. The vicious cycle created by the barriers faced by people with disabilities (PWDs) wishing to enter the workplace can and need to be broken if equal opportunities are to be enjoyed by all. Estimates show that a significant number of South Africa's population have a disability. Of those over 95% of PWDs are unemployed. This is an alarming statistic that needs drastic attention if we are to empower PWDs.
STATISTICS FOR THE LAST THREE EVENTS 2007 -Total Visitors including Delegates: 1875 (excluding children or repeat visitors. One per family) 2006 -Total Visitors including Delegates: 2151 (gross) 2005 - Total Visitors including Delegates: 1015 (gross)
Exhibitors for the last three events 2007 -Exhibitors  69 (stands: 86, 691 m2) 2006 -Exhibitors  59 (stands: 67, 518 m2) 2005 -Exhibitors  67 (stands: 71, 488 m2)

PREVALENCE OF DISABILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Redressing of inequalities in South Africa since 1994 h a v e f o c u s e d o n e m p o w e rin g p r e vio u sly disadvantaged groups, including women, children and PWDs. The data collected in Census 2001 indicated that there were 2 255 982 people with various forms of disability. This is  5% of the total population.  Those who had post-secondary education had the lowest prevalence (3%) compared to those who had no schooling (10,5%), primary level (5,2%) and secondary level of education (3,9%). The prevalence of sight disability was the highest (32%) followed by physical disability (30%), hearing disability (20%), emotional disability (16%), intellectual disability (12%) and communication disability (7%).
The above findings show that PWDs have limited access to education and employment opportunities. Data collected in 2007 revealed that the number of PWDs increased to 6,7% of the population. Approximately 80% of PWDs live in developing countries which is why it's a sector of population that South Africa needs to focus on. Despite the large percentage of PWDs, few services and opportunities exist for people with disabilities to participate equally in society.
Disability 2008 aims to change this. A number of innovative products and services will be on show, all aimed at increasing accessibility for PWDs into mainstream society.

OBJECTIVES FOR DISABILITY 2008

1. To showcase products and services for PWDs - both locally and internationally -to both a trade audience and a disabled consumer audience.
2. To educate and inform the target audience on issues affecting PWDs such as disability grants, future legislation, self-empowerment, as well as sustainability.
3.  Achieve a higher market penetration by selecting more suitable media.
4. Showcase valuable and affordable solutions for PWDs.
5. Sponsor needy persons with disabilities to attend the conference free of charge.
   The date of Disability 2008 has been brought forward to September to facilitate international exhibitor participation, which in turn will bring more opportunities to PWD’s.

This will ensure a higher percentage of overseas speakers and exhibitors participating in both the conference and exhibition, so bringing new knowledge and products to South Africa

Visitor profile
Anyone involved in purchasing of equipment and
services, and all end users. This includes:
Government (Health, Education, Transport), Military,
Correctional Services, Private Clinics, Hospitals, Medical
Specialists, Orthopaedics, Physiotherapists, Sports
Industry, Shopping Centres, Old Age Homes, Dept of
Education, Special Schools, Aid Agencies & NGOs,
Employment Agencies, Pharmacists, Orthotists,
Orthopaedic Surgeons, Prothetists, Clinics & Hospitals,
Corporates, Rehabilitation Centres and Consumers,
especially black disabled consumers.

Exhibitor Profile
All suppliers of equipment & services for PWDs. The following sectors will be represented: Mobility Aids, Prosthetic artificial limbs, wheelchairs, walking sticks, Hospital furniture, emergency medical supplies (such as bandages, rubber gloves, condoms, products and aids for the Deaf and Blind, Communication Aids, Occupational products, Training Institutions, Physio Equipment, Adapted vehicles, ADL's (assisted daily living equipment & services, Showering devices/building products, sports equipment, hand cycles, patient handling devices (hoists etc), Hearing aids, Wheelchair clothing, Easy Reaches.

Association Support
ACSA Disability 2007 is supported by the following Associations: QASA (Quadriplegic Association of SA); SHAP (Self Help Association for Paraplegics); APD (Association of the Physically Disabled); MODE, other NGO's and UN Agencies; Seta; National Department of Health; Gauteng Department of Health; SANCB (South African Council for the Blind); DPSA (Disabled People of SA); DEAFSA (Deaf Federation of SA); NCPPDSA (National Council for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa); ILC (Independent Living Council); CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)
Stand Pricing (Excl VAT)
US$ 300 per m2 inclusive of full stand package:  i.e. Carpet, spot lights, shell scheme, 1 plug point, 1 table & 2 chairs.
2
6 m Stand - $ 1 800.00 excl VAT
2
9 m Stand - $ 2 700.00 excl VAT
2
12 m Stand -$ 3 600.00 excl VAT
2
18 m Stand - $ 5 400.00 excl VAT
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1. 1. Complete and fax the FAX BACK form to +27 (0) 21 713-3366
2. 2. Email us at sales@fairconsultants.com
3. 3. Or phone us on +27 (0)21 713-3360But do it NOW!

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