Inventions to make life easier for people with disabilities were the focus of the ''Show Your Ability'' disability equipment expo in the Edgar Centre yesterday. The national show of disability equipment followed expos in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Christchurch.
''The origin of this is you can get catalogues from suppliers, but you want to have a touch and play,'' convener and occupational therapist David Guest, of Hamilton, said.
''This is the only opportunity for clients and specialists to see the entire range of equipment available and to experience the equipment first-hand. We're very lucky in New Zealand - we get the pick of the crop.''
More than 40 suppliers had their wares and services on display and explained and demonstrated models to the public. One of the stars of the show was a $27,000 Swiss-made Levo C3 wheelchair which can raise and lower a passenger in seconds. There was also a Segway converted to a sit-down model and wheelchairs for playing rugby, tennis, basketball and bowls.
