On Saturday, I attended the Abilities Expo in New Jersey. As a learning and development professional, it is always exciting to attend events where I am able to connect with others and learn something new that I will be able to share with others.

One of the booths that caught my eye, was the New Jersey  Disability Rights, a federally funded non-profit organization that advocates for people with disabilities in New Jersey by promoting public awareness, and providing education, and technical assistance.

As a conference/expo attendee, I tried to only pick up information which I felt I could be incorporate in my trainings and blog. For instance, I noticed a bulletin on assistive technology for persons with low vision. As a trainer on developmental disabilities topics, I though it might be useful to incorporate some of the information in the bulletin on the devices that are available for reading, using a computer and daily living activities.

The ARC of New Jersey, an affiliation of the ARC of the United States, displayed some literature on many of their programs including, a Criminal Justice Advocacy Program, designed to help the courts and corrections system to work with people with development disabilities and a family advocacy program, which helps families with of individuals with developmental disabilities help navigate the system.

Overall, I had an inspiring day in meeting new people, and learning something new in the process.