The third annual Special Needs Expo is bringing together people and businesses from all abilities, and this year’s guest speaker is Sean McElwee — a cast member on the Emmy-winning A&E show “Born This Way.”
The Expo, which is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Owensboro Convention Center, brings together non-profit organizations, state agencies and private businesses that support people with disabilities and their families. The event is free and open to the public.
Cindy Huston, Wendell Foster Technology and Resource Center director, said they look forward to collaborating with non-profit organizations, state agencies and private businesses to provide networking opportunities for those involved.
Some of the topics covered at the expo are adult day services, advocacy and support, assistive technology, early childhood education, employment, recreation, waivers and more.
The TV show “Born This Way” follows the lives of seven adults with Down Syndrome and their families, including McElwee.
Huston, who is also the parent of a 19-year son with Down Syndrome, said families across the country could relate to the stories from the people on the show — which reinforces the bond shared by everyone raising a child with a disability.
She said it was helpful to know how other parents were handling situations such as independent living, relationships, and helping them achieve their dreams.
McElwee will also be giving a keynote speech, doing meet-and-greets, and hosting a fashion show with models who will be wearing Seanese T-shirt designs.
“I design every shirt with a message and it’s my message,” McElwee said. “Nobody tells me what to say on my shirts. Let’s all laugh, because that’s my favorite thing, and I bet it’s your favorite thing too. Let your shirt speak for you. It’s about the positive message and shouting your value because you belong. You rock. Everyone is special and unique and breaks the mold.”
McElwee’s speech is titled “It Could Happen,” and in it he shares his dreams of being on TV, starting his own company, living independently, and traveling the world to encourage audiences to never give up on their dream.
He has a bucket list of visiting every state, and this will be his first trip to Kentucky.
