More than 2000 people attended the 2014 PossABLE Ideas Expo in Maitland to seek help for family members with a disability and help their carers.
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The event at Maitland Showground attracted people from as far as the Blue Mountains, Coffs Harbour, Taree and Tasmania.
“Some people who came along had never received services of any kind,” the expo’s marketing and promotions manager Jenelle Becker.
“This was the first expo of its kind in Maitland and we were very pleased with the numbers. In spite of the heat on Friday, we had close to 2000 people along and the cooler weather on Saturday made conditions easier, with people staying longer.
“We were also able to give advice and help to family members whose loved ones had recently had a new diagnosis.
“People were looking for different options too. Some were transitioning from being at school to being at work and needed information.
“We were able to show them how a person could be made more ready for a work situation.”
Ms Becker said visitors had been impressed with the equipment available to them that was on display.
She paid tribute to RSPCA officials who talked to visitors about subsidised treatment for companion animals and about the desexing of their pets.
“People travelled from far and wide to be in Maitland on those two days, with a great diversity of visitors and the expo was embraced by the local community,” Ms Becker said.
“Visitors were also hungry for information about what the National Disability Insurance Scheme meant for them and I think the day was a very positive experience for all involved.”
Ms Becker said any visitors to the expo who wanted further information could phone 1800 029 904.