By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director, FCVA
Friendship Circle of Virginia celebrated a milestone on Sunday, Jan. 7th, as they hosted their first-ever Disability Expo in partnership with the Weinstein JCC, and generously sponsored by Markel.
The event brought together 40 exhibitors to the JCC, offering a diverse range of services and equipment catering to individuals from birth through senior citizens, filling a critical need to find resources in the community and creating a platform for connection and support.
Almost 200 attendees, including individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, gathered at the Disability Expo, showcasing the growing need for families to find the information and resources they need to support their loved ones in the community.
The Expo featured a wide array of exhibitors, each providing unique services and products aimed at enhancing the lives of those with disabilities and mental health conditions. From adaptive technologies to support services, the event addressed a comprehensive spectrum of needs, highlighting the diverse and evolving landscape of disability care.
The success of the event was evident, with positive feedback pouring in from both exhibitors and attendees alike, all expressing the importance of continuing this event in the future.
Friendship Circle’s Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Kranz-Ciment, pointed out that “Trying to find services and resources for an individual with support and medical needs is hard enough. Adding multiple needs or requiring support for both children and aging parents can be overwhelming and families don’t always know who to turn to, so events like the Disability Expo are critical.”
She continued, “The families who walked through the expo hadn’t heard of at least half the exhibitors in attendance, and they need these services,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
The Weinstein JCC is committed to inclusion and the expo aligns with their mission, that is why the decision to work with Friendship Circle in creating the Disability Expo was a natural partnership.
The JCC’s Director of Inclusion and Support Services, Andrea Costanzo, added “It was wonderful to connect with so many new people and service providers all in the same space. I am looking forward to next year’s Expo!”
As the Disability Expo paves the way for increased awareness and collaboration, Friendship Circle of Virginia remains committed to its mission of fostering inclusivity and friendship within the community.
The event stands as a testament to the power of collective efforts in creating a more accessible and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities, showcasing the potential for positive change in the years to come.
Visit FCVA.org to learn more about how Friendship Circle facilitates friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities via their free programs enriching lives and building an inclusive community one friendship at a time. Please consider joining our monthly giving circle to help support this nonprofit and the important work they are doing in our community. friendshipcircleva.org/donate.
