Capabilities Out and About

We often wonder where on earth Pam's travels around metro Denver take her on behalf of Capabilities. Pam fills us in with her blog on some of the details on the who, what, where and how of her recent days. She brings back valuable information that informs our product selections and helps each of us bring better service to our customers and colleagues in the health care world. Staying connected to the many who serve our elders and those with disabilities, as well as communicating and meeting customers and would-be customers every day, keeps all of us at Capabilities so clear about our purpose. We are here to be part of something bigger, to help solve life's challenges. For me and the staff, we are so grateful to Pam for her huge network of colleagues, her affable ways that make meeting new people easy for her, and her passion for the mission that is Capabilities.

We talk so much about our great store that sometimes we forget to mention how much of a community presence we have! It is very important for Kathryn and me to show our support for all the wonderful communities and groups that help support us.

For example, over the past two months, I have been busy presenting topics of interest to our colleagues at retirement communities. Along with Mary Lilley from Right at Home, I talked to a group of residents at St. Andrew’s Village, an independent living retirement community in Denver, about home safety and what to look out for to avoid accidents. Mary brought ice cream, an inducement that I’m sure attracted many. She then hosted a wine and cheese social a few weeks later for the assisted living group at St. Andrew's where I had the chance to speak to a different group on these important topics.

In April I brought our traveling Capabilities' collection of products to the Resource Fair co-hosted by Home Instead, an in-home care company, and Columbine West residential community for their residents. Since I always take a variety of interesting gadgets for people to look at, my table is usually crowded. How else will people find out what is out there to make their life more comfortable! Thanks to Amy Santorelli from Home Instead for inviting Capabilities.

I exhibited at the Talk Yourself into Action Vision Fair held by Center for People with Disabilities in mi-May in Boulder. The day was a combination of speakers and resources. As usual, our table was a hit with the variety of gadgets and assistive aids we show. An event like this draws many individuals (and their families) who experience low vision as a result of macular degeneration, cataracts, or other situations that cause low vision. Macular degeneration is especially prevalent in those over age 75.

On Saturday, May 30, the National Federation of the Blind of Northern Colorado held their Vision Fair in Greeley. It was great to be able to join other vendors and meet the chapter members of the NFB. They provided the seniors in the area with food, drink, door prizes and awards. Our collection of low vision products is among the largest in the greater metro area. As you know, we also sponsor regular low vision seminars throughout the year, featuring experts in the many fields of vision and related diseases, as well as the latest products available.

Next week we will again be providing the wheelchairs for Salute To Seniors, an annual event hosted by the Colorado Gerontological Society, held this year on June 3, with performances by Shirley Jones. The theme for the day is the ‘50s so if you are attending, check out the costumes and booths. Stop by our booth and say hi and have some chocolate.

Occasionally, my travels take us to celebrate with a competitor! Kathryn and I were pleased to participate in annual festivities celebrating Accessible Systems, a company that specializes in home modification. The company has its walk-in storefront and offices in a house in a Littleton neighborhood. While we do compete with this company for some business, we also refer to them for projects too big and extensive for our growing business. It is a delight to be part of a community of so many caring people who share so much in common with us about the greater good.

As you can tell by my busy schedule, we are always eager to display, attend events, and support our colleagues in the industry. Let me know if you would like to offer any of our presentations to your groups. Kathryn and I both love to do that! And, take it from the many who flock around our table, we do have some of the coolest stuff around!