SAN MARCOS - When Cal State San Marcos professor Elizabeth Bigham gave birth to a baby girl with Down's Syndrome 22 years ago, she was unaware of the many hurdles she would face in the years ahead. It didn't take her long, though, to learn that it was extremely empowering to know where she could find help.

Bigham hopes to pass on some of that knowledge to people with disabilities and their families on Wednesday, when the university's Nu Upsilon honor society hosts the region's first Recreation and Wellness Expo for special needs people.

The free event, which is also designed to educate community members about people with disabilities, will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at the university's Clarke Field House.

Parents are encouraged to bring their special-needs children and young adults to the expo, which will mix practical information with opportunities for fun. More than 40 agencies, organizations and vendors will be represented at the event, which will include demonstrations, hands-on activities, physical fitness opportunities, health-care information and recreation offerings.

Bigham said Monday that most people have no idea how difficult routine, day-to-day tasks can be for people who are disabled and those who care for them. Bigham obtained a doctorate in psycho-physiological connections so she could help her daughter, Shelly, develop her skills to the highest level possible.

Citing her own experience in trying to enroll her daughter in a dance class as an example of such difficulties, Bigham said not every instructor is prepared to take on a special-needs student.

Many people are fearful or uncomfortable around those with disabilities, which is often a problem, said Bigham. And yet the latest census found that 11 percent to 12 percent of San Diego County residents identified themselves as having a disability, she said.

Patti Staack, the mother of a 21-year-old who has been developmentally delayed since she contacted meningitis as a toddler, said she was also frustrated when she tried to find support and information. But things got better, she said, when she began talking to the parents of other special-needs children.

"That parent-to-parent network is most valuable," she said. "It's unbelievable because we've all been there - we've all been stuck in that position of 'where do I go now.' "

That's why expo on Wednesday April 2 is so important, she added.

"I think it will provide leads and outreach for other parents of other special-needs children," Staack said. "And hopefully they can get involved with the different organizations early on, 'cause that is very important to our children's development."

University spokesman George Cagala said that 300 families who have at least one disabled person in their households are expected at the expo. Those who attend will have a chance to hear from Jason Hinkle, a 31-year-old documentary filmmaker diagnosed with ataxia in the early 1990s. The disorder makes it difficult to coordinate voluntary muscle movements, leading to slurred speech, difficulty walking and other physical problems.

"I just think it'll open up doors," he said about the event. "People can learn what exactly is out in the community, what exactly is out there for people with disabilities."

- Contact staff writer Andrea Moss at (760) 739-6654 or amoss@nctimes.com.