People in Motion

If you or someone close to you has a disability, then you are already familiar with the hunger for information that is constantly within.

You want to know everything you can about the disability itself. But, more than that, you want to know all you can about everything that is "out there" to accommodate your disability. You want to know about services, products, technology, policy, transportation. Like anybody else, you want the greatest opportunity possible for a fulfilling, enjoyable lifestyle.

It is this quest for information that brings thousands of people to the People in Motion show every year. Held in Toronto, People in Motion is Canada’s largest annual event for people with disabilities. It features 150 exhibits and displays from product manufacturers and dealers, major
coporations, and government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations. With everything pertaining to a wide range of disabilities under one roof at one time, it makes it easy for consumers and professionals to see and compare products and services.

Whether you are investigating transfer devices, considering an accessible van, looking into voice recognition computer software, interested in the alternative formats offered by your library, exploring employment options, or finding out more about a specific disability organization, you
are likely to find what you need at People in Motion.

Although the show attracts newcomers every year, a large number of attendees are repeat visitors. Every year the show is different, and these people are eager to discover new technologies or service developments. They want to stay in touch with the information as it changes or is augmented.

And for many more, People in Motion is an annual opportunity to meet others in the disability community. It is a chance to check in with each other, to learn about their activities, and to engage in a little information-sharing, ’90s-style. The exhibitors themselves always find time to
make rounds of the other booths and say hello.

"People in Motion is for everyone," says chiropractor David Abbott, who, along with co-producer Ian Mellor, came up with the idea for the show seven years ago. "It is specifically focused towards individuals with disabilities, but it is an ideal place for therapists, health care
professionals and family members to educate and update themselves."

"The key, initially, was sourcing all the appropriate products and services," adds Ian Mellor, "but the effort has paid off and we now have a comprehensive database of companies and associations that is updated constantly. We have spent considerable time and effort ensuring that the experience is enjoyable and rewarding for those displaying as well. A strong working relationship has been developed with virtually all our exhibitors and this ultimately contributes to a more worthwhile event for everyone."

The People in Motion exhibition offers barrier-free facilities, free admission, and complimentary features such as first aid, attendant services and wheelchair repairs. Abbott and Mellor believe People in Motion should be safe, comfortable and accessible, and they take pains to ensure this is so.

The show is now in its seventh year. People in Motion 1996 will be held on Friday, May 31 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Saturday, June 1 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For more information, call (905) 455-4141.


"People in Motion is a great opportunity for our foundation to touch base with many others. We enjoy greeting familiar faces year after year, as well as making new contacts. Every spring we get many phonecalls to our office asking if we know when the next show is going to be."
-- Raymond D. Cohen, Publisher/Editor, Abilities

"It’s a well-organized show. There’s a good balance of employment and recreation opportunities, equipment manufacturers, and service providers. But, above all, it’s very consumer-oriented, and that’s evidenced by the number of people with disabilities who go. It’s a lot of fun!"
-- Hazel Self, Community Services Coordinator, Gage Transition to Independent Living

"I experienced quality, innovation and enthusiasm while visiting People in Motion in 1991 and 1992. This inspired me to participate the following year as an exhibitor. I have found David and Ian exceptionally committed to making this show welcoming, encouraging and challenging to people with disabilities and service providers."
-- Czeslaw Cimachowski, Adapt Ability

"I find attending this event to be a worthwhile professional development exercise. The key, I feel, is that consumers and professionals can actually see, touch and compare their many options. I look forward to this event every year and always encourage my clients and colleagues to attend."
-- Mike Arnold, Assistive and Ergonomic Technology Consultant