The largest independent living show in Scotland returns to Glasgow

Scotland’s largest disability lifestyle and independent living event returns to Glasgow’s SEC on 4 - 5 October 2017!

Article Source: Independent Living Scotland
Last Updated: 31 August 2017 12:52

Independent Living Scotland promises to be bigger and better than ever with more than 100 exhibitors offering advice and aids in mobility and rehabilitation.

Sally Magnusson, BBC Scotland journalist, author and founder of Playlist for Life, a charity which aims to bring music back into the lives of those living with dementia, will be at the SEC to officially open the event.

Now in its third year, the event will showcase the most innovative and inspirational products to aid independent living, from homecare to rehabilitation and mobility, providing visitors with the opportunity to meet key retailers, manufacturers and organisations who will offer the very best advice, choice and solutions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Mobile Virtual Dementia Tour and, new for 2017, the Autism Reality Experience, providing virtual reality experiences that will allow individuals to put themselves in the shoes of those living with these conditions and understand how it affects their day to day lives.

Set to welcome 2,500 visitors over the course of the two days, Independent Living Scotland is a free to attend event, aimed at those affected by a disability, their families, carers, older people and healthcare professionals. All visitors are entitled to free parking in the SEC surface level car park when they register in advance (T&Cs apply). Exhibitors for 2017 include Allied Mobility, Alzheimer Scotland Autochair, Fast Aid Medical and Mobility, Guide Dogs Scotland, Macklin Motors, Stanley Handling and Scottish Water.

Nearly one in five people of working age (1 million, or 19%) in Scotland are disabled[1] and one in 100 people are diagnosed with autism.[2] Recent figures show that 92,000 Scottish people suffer from dementia with more than 3,000 of these under the age of 65.[3]

BBC newsreader Sally Magnusson has in recent years revealed the agony of watching her own mother descend into dementia. The broadcaster’s mum Mamie Baird was diagnosed with the disease in 2009 and died three years later aged 86. Sally has since become an ambassador for raising awareness of the disease.

Sally Magnusson said: “I’m delighted to be opening this important event. Personal music has been shown to improve the experience of dementia in all sorts of ways and I’m looking forward to talking about the ways in which it has made life better for people - not least in my own family.”

Tsitsi Lynn Makuni at QD Events, organisers of Independent Living Scotland, said: “We are pleased to bring this event back to the SEC for another year and we have some fantastic exhibitors lined up to share their solutions and advice for assisting Scots with living independently. Our new Alzheimer’s Hub and Autism Awareness areas offer experiential elements that will allow people to empathise with those living with these conditions, making the event truly memorable.

“For those with disabilities seeking a greater level of independence and for carers seeking solutions to aid caregiving, we are confident the event will offer support, advice and everyday living solutions. We would advise anyone wishing to come along to register on the website.”

Independent Living Scotland will also offer healthcare professionals and students the chance to gain valuable knowledge and insight from experts and industry leaders, through an exclusive CPD seminar programme.