NSW Disability Inclusion Minister Kate Washington and Shadow Minister for Disability Inclusion Natasha Maclaren-Jones will do a walk-through at the ATSA Independent Living Expo on Thursday May 23, checking out the new assistive technology products and speaking with suppliers.
Also making an appearance on May 23 is New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns who will talk about his inspiring journey, from wheelchair to walking, at the Ottobock booth between 11.30am and 2pm.
In 2021 Cairns had a heart attack and following a stroke during surgery became paralysed from the waist down. He has undergone four open-heart surgeries and uses crutches and a wheelchair to get around. The 53-year-old recently posted a video that showed him walking for the first time without crutches.
Regarded as one of the best all-rounders in world cricket, Cairns played 279 matches for New Zealand across test, one-day and Twenty20 formats during his 17-year international career.
As well as over 140 disability product and services exhibitors there will be an opportunity to hear from international speakers who are presenting at the free seminar program for the first time in Sydney.
There is a Marveloo mobile accessible restroom, a quiet sensory zone, a track to test drive selected vehicles and manual wheelchairs available from the registration desk.
On May 29-30 the ATSA Expo goes to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank, also with international speakers and exhibitors of assistive technology, rehabilitation and disability equipment.
Photo: Chris Cairns