We’re really looking forward to attending the Kidz to Adultz Middle exhibition, #K2AM, at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry on 4th March!
Run by Disabled Living, it’s an event which gathers together lots of independent living and mobility equipment, gadgets, accessories & services! An opportunity to see and try out a variety of equipment and products (that you can normally only trawl though google to find!), from sensory toys to motability cars and vans!
As well as product stands like ours (from changing mats to wheelchairs, bibs to specialist beds) there will be stands from various support and funding organisations and charities, and clubs doing demos of inclusive and accessible activities to try out (wheelchair basketball, music groups…. all sorts of things!).
Throughout the day are seminars going on (which I have to admit , with so much else to see, I’ve never managed to find enough time in the day to attend!). This year kicks off with a seminar on Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) which looks particularly interesting to many of us with kids in education!
This will be my first visit to K2A with the Care Designs team, but my 4th as the mum of a disabled child!
On my first visit, my now 9 year old, daughter was just 3 years old and we were just beginning to grasp the extents of her disabilities, and were getting a feel for what support she would need as she grew. We didn’t know what to expect from the event, or what we’d get out of the day and, although we weren’t very focussed, we found it really informative. It opened our eyes to a much bigger range of products and services available, beyond what the local authority are able to advise.
On my most recent visit I went prepared with a few specific priorities, in addition to a general wander around to pick up new info and ideas.
When it comes to the more specialist items, we haven’t always found ideal solutions at the show, but it has always given us a much better idea of the variety of options, and a unique opportunity to compare and contrast. In some cases this can sometimes lead to arranging for a supplier to come and meet you at home, or visit school and your child’s physio, so that you can take it from there. Sometimes those specialist items can be funded, and loaned, by the Local Authority, or if not, you may find one of the organisations at the show is able to help to provide funding. Another great benefit of gathering lots of organisations in the same place at the same time!
It’s always lovely to meet visiting the show, or who are exhibiting at stands, who share our passion about buying, finding, designing and/or developing inclusive & accessible products with style. A tiring but, I’d say, definitely a worthwhile day out!
If you are coming along, do pop over and say hello at the Care Design’s stand (listed on the show guide under the parent company name Bibetta).
