2nd Annual Ability Explosion Happening Now On South Beach

A weeklong showcase of the abilities of people with disabilities blasted off, for everyone, at the second annual Ability Explosion on sunny South Beach yesterday. Besides last night's musical performances, Ability Explosion will feature a dining-in-the-dark event, a comedy show and much more.

"The purpose of the Ability Explosion is to gather all of us, and to share and enjoy our experience together," says R.David New, Chairman of the Miami Beach Disability Awareness COmmittee and Ability Explosion organizer. "We also want to exhibit the vast and varied abilities of people with disabilities, while providing viable solutions for challenges, whether physical, visual, hearing or intellectual."

"The Ability Explosion is a celebration like South Florida has never seen," New said."It's a way of fostering understanding and having fun, Florida-style, at the same time!" Many of the people featured in the events have physical, visual, hearing or intellectual disabilities. American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be available at all events.

Schedule
Lights Out Miami Beach
A Dining in the Dark Experience Oct. 20; schedules vary by restaurant.
Lights Out Miami Beach is a unique simulation that teaches people what its like to experience the tastes, the sounds and the energy of a great restaurant without ever seeing it. Everyone from the guests to the wait staff will face their own challenges while discovering how they would all adapt to losing their sense of sight in a dynamic environment. (Wait staff will be using night-vision goggles for safety!) Participating restaurants include 660 at the Angler's, BLT at the BETSY Hotel, Catch 10, Escopazzo, Gotham Steak at the Fontainebleau Hotel, Indomania (Sold Out!), Joe's Stone Crab, The National Hotel, Ola at the Sanctuary Hotel, Quattro, Red the Steakhouse and Smith & Wollensky. Contact each restaurant for availability and reservations.

Resource and Technology Expo at the Convention Center
Oct. 21, 11am-4pm
Hundreds of exhibitors representing corporations and the public sector will converge on the Miami Beach Convention Center, showcasting the latest technologies and products designed to improve the lives of people living with disabilities. The expo includes an art exhibit and events geared especially toward children.

Comedy Festival
Oct. 21, 8pm
The Colony Theater, Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Enjoy some of the amusing perspectives that people living with disabilities are able to share based on how they interpret the world around them. The Comedy Festival is a lighthearted way for the community at large to see the world through the lens of the disabled, fostering better understanding and acceptance. The Comedy Festival will include performances by Lonnie Bruhn, Kyle Grooms, Brian Fischler, Art Metrano, Jerry Rosenberg and Tim Grill.

Taping of "Cooking Without Looking" TV Show
Oct. 22, 3pm
The Betsy South Beach
"Cooking without Looking" is the first TV show ever produced especially for blind/visually impaired people. Guest "chefs" who are blind or visually challenged crate their culinary specialties, giving tips on how to cool/bake, stay safe and have fun in the kitchen with visual impairment.

Crunch 5k Run
Oct. 23, 8:30am 13th and Washington Ave., Miami Beach
Everyone is invited to compete in the Crunch 5k Run taking place in beautiful South Beach and managed by Split Second Timing. Enjoy the sun and the sites while helping people living with disabilities.

Celebrity Gala and Fashion Show Extravaganza
Oct. 23, 7pm-10pm
Miami Beach Golf Club
Celebrate the close of Ability Explosion at a gala cocktail reception and fashion show at the beautiful and centrally located Miami Beach Golf Club on Alton Road. The Cocktail Party and Fashion Show is the climax of Ability Explosion week, featuring designs from Petit Pois by Viviana G. Complimentary hors'deouvers and cocktails will be served at 7:00pm and the fashion show will begin at 8:30pm.

Aquabilities Explosion- A Watersports Extravaganza!
Oct. 24, 1pm-4pm
Shake-A-Leg Miami, 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove
Set sail on a wet and wild adventure at the Coconut Grove water sports center of Shake-A-Leg Miami. Celebrate freedom in the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay with youth and adults with special needs. Enjoy fun boating activities for everyone!