News

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Brings Access Expo to Thunder Bay for the First Time

Free community event connects people with disabilities, families and local organizations with adaptive equipment, accessible products and practical resources

THUNDER BAY, ON, September 10, 2026 – Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO) will host its first Thunder Bay Access Expo on Wednesday, September 23, at Urban Abbey. The free event will bring together people with disabilities, families, caregivers, community members and service providers to explore adaptive technologies, accessible products and local resources.

The Expo will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guests can meet exhibitors, learn about equipment and services, ask questions and connect with organizations serving the Thunder Bay community.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting will mark the inaugural event, with Lise Vaugeois, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North, and Scotland Morrison of Urban Abbey in attendance.

“Bringing Access Expo to Thunder Bay for the first time is an important opportunity to connect people directly with information, equipment and organizations that can support greater choice and independence,” said Michael Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. “The strength of the local community has shaped this event. We are grateful to the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors and community partners whose time, knowledge and support have made it possible. Their involvement creates space for people to share experiences, build relationships and find resources that respond to their goals.”

Access Expo reflects SCIO’s commitment to making relevant information and support available in communities across Ontario. By bringing exhibitors and community members together in one accessible setting, the event helps people learn about available options and make connections that can continue beyond the Expo.

SCIO thanks the event’s lead sponsor, Motion; premiere sponsor, White Macgillivray Lester LLP; accessibility sponsors; volunteers; exhibitors; Urban Abbey; and local community partners for helping bring the first Thunder Bay Access Expo to the region.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Urban Abbey, 308 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1B1

Parking: Public parking is available at the parkade at 270 Red River Road. Parking is not available at Urban Abbey.

Admission: Free; advance registration is encouraged

Event information and registration: https://www.sciontario.org/events/thunder-bay-access-expo/

About Spinal Cord Injury Ontario

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario is Ontario’s largest community of experts in spinal cord injury and navigating life with a mobility disability. For more than 80 years, SCIO has provided services and programs informed by lived experience, including peer support, service navigation, accessible employment services, advocacy and education. SCIO connects, supports and advocates for and with people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities across Ontario.

– 30 –

Media Contact

Amanda L. Davis
Director, Marketing & Communications
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
communications@sciontario.org
www.sciontario.org

 

 

 

 

 

ASK US

Not sure how we can help? Looking for answers? Complete the form below of email us at info@sciontario.org

SCIO - 80 Years of Impact

Share Your Story

Submit Story

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. file size: 100 MB.

Ways to Give

Interested in starting a fundraiser?

Get the Toolkit

Are you ready to kickstart your fundraiser? Fill out the form, and we’ll send you our comprehensive Fundraising Toolkit along with any other materials you might need.

two children selling homemade lemonade
Name(Required)

Join Our Community

Just say “Yes! Sign me up!” and you can improve accessibility in Ontario and help us serve, support and advocate for and with people with spinal cord injury and other disabilities.

There really is strength in numbers.

Join Us

Be Our Research Partner

Request to Promote Your Research Opportunity

Please complete this form and we will contact you after receipt to confirm participation, obtain complete details about your study including any supporting materials, and answer any questions.

Be Our Research Partner

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Newsletter Consent

A Marketing and Communications team member will follow up shortly to coordinate promotion.