BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than two dozen small business owners, organizations, authors, and public speakers are taking part in the 2019 Exceptional Experiences (E2) expo this weekend at the Museum of disABILITY History.
It's Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The expo is free and open to the public and is for people of all abilities.
Participants will have tables set up with information, and there are also going to be classes, demonstrations, and seminars throughout the day.
The goal is to highlight the accomplishments of Western New Yorkers with disabilities and showcase resources that are available to the disabled community. The event also aims to connect people of all abilities via volunteer opportunities and advocacy groups.
Expo co-organizer Nick Heilig will be there talking about his blog, Full Access Travel, which rates different local businesses and public venues for accessibility.
"It's important for everybody to recognize what people with disabilities can do, and see what they are doing, the wonderful things they have put together," said Heilig.
Engelic Everett is a motivational speaker and author who has Down Syndrome. She will be at the expo to talk about her first book about bullying, which she wrote in 2016. She's also finishing her second book.
Everett likes to focus on her different abilities, rather than her disability.
"Everyone is unique in their own way. I'm unique in my own way," said Everett. "You can do anything you want to do. Follow your heart and do not let people tell you you can't achieve anything."
Marty Gregoire has cerebral palsy and started a charity to help others with CP. Footsteps of WNY is dedicated to providing funding to families who need special therapy or equipment that insurance doesn't cover.
Gregoire is also the author of a book called "Kyle and the Cape of Courage."
"When you look at the word, we all have a disability. And some people shy away from that word, but what we do have is 'this' ability. That's the way we decide to look at it," said Gregoire.