The speaker line-up and full schedule have been announced for the debut Abilities International Accessibility Conference 2026, taking place March 26–27, 2026, at Long Beach Convention Center. This dedicated two-day event is designed specifically for complex rehab technology (CRT) professionals.
The event will host over 600 industry professionals, offering the opportunity to earn up to 10 hours of IACET-approved CEUs. Attendees will learn from 30 industry experts through plenary sessions, workshops, and RESNA scientific paper platform and posters, while benefiting from high-level networking, collaboration and business coaching.
The event offers a world-class line-up with three distinct content tracks curated to bridge the gap between clinical expertise, technical innovation, and business strategy – Adapted Living, Business Optimization, and Improved Patient Outcomes.
A selection of thought-leaders featured have been highlighted below and a full list of speakers for the Los Angeles conference can be found here.
- Rachel Hibbs, DPT, NCS, ATP/SMS (University of Pittsburgh): Focuses on wheelchair skills and programming.
- R. Lee Kirby, MD (Dalhousie University): Specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Tamara Kittleson, OTR/L, ATP/SMS: Executive Director of the Clinician Task Force, speaking on disability language and 24-hour posture care.
- Lindsey Morris & Fuzexia Guo: Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.
- Wayne Grau: Executive Director of NCART, discussing policy and complex rehab technology.
- Dan Fedor: Director of Billing and Reimbursement at U.S. Rehab, leading a workshop on navigating mobility claims and documentation.
- Jean Minkel: PT, ATP, esteemed clinician well recognized for her work in Assistive Technology. Senior Vice President of Rehab and Mobility Services for Independence Care System and co-editor, with Michelle Lange, of the newly revised textbook, Seating and Wheeled Mobility – a Clinical Resource Guide. Jean will be sharing years of expertise on interdisciplinary collaboration in equipment evaluation.
- Lisa Hilborn: MA, CAPE Director of Outdoor Adventures, Wheelchair Sports and Recreational Therapy at Casa Colina Hospital & Centers for Healthcare, sharing clinical guidance around adaptive sport.
Attendees can choose from three designated tracks:
Improving Patient Outcomes
Tailored for OTs, PTs, ATPs, and medical professionals, this track offers evidence-based sessions to deepen clinical expertise and earn IACET-approved CEUs. Explore innovative assessments, best practices, and intervention strategies designed to enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Topics covered in this track will include:
- Manual wheelchair skills: propulsion strategies, turning and indoor mobility, wheelies plus curb negotiation, and advanced outdoor mobility skills.
- Power wheelchairs, sessions will cover indoor and outdoor mobility.
- Wheelchair evaluations – tricks to ensure the best outcomes plus manual wheelchair setup, adjustment and impact on function.
- 24 hour posture care management – theory & lab
- Supported standing mobility
- Pediatric seating care
- Role and responsibility of the CRT Supplier Professional
- Pathway to professional practice in CRT Supply, the iNRRTS CRT Supplier Certificate Program
- Leveraging Technology to enhance ATP-Referring Clinician Collaboration
The expert-led workshops and interactive discussions support clinicians in advancing their skills, meeting certification requirements, and staying current with evolving standards in complex rehab technology. More topics to be announced from RESNA, further information can be found here.
Business Optimization
This comprehensive two-day track empowers CRT stakeholders to maximize efficiency and market impact. Through a blend of coaching and peer-led discussion, attendees will tackle critical issues ranging from supply chain disruption to workforce development with real-world challenges such as:
- A Fine Line, ATP Assessment and Wheelchair Evaluation Process
- The Survey Says, Stop CRT Denials
- ATP Gateway – preparing to become an ATP
- Referral Based Marketing
- CRT Benchmarking
- Seat Elevation – Getting it paid
- State of the CRT Industry
- Navigating Insurance appeals and approvals
Unmissable peer networking opportunities, hands-on learning, and expert advice will allow participants to sharpen their competitive edge and improve business efficiencies.
Adapted Living
Sponsored by Fora Travel
This track allows participants to explore innovative, practical solutions that empower individuals with disabilities, improving their daily lives.
Sessions will include: Alternative Drive Controls, Travel in a wheelchair, Service dogs, Finance and grants and Accessible overseas travel with more topics to be announced from RESNA – further information can be found here.
Katy Roberts, Managing Director of the Abilities Portfolio comments: “By bridging the gap between clinicians, executives, and end-users, this conference creates a unique ecosystem for innovation. It is the first large-scale U.S. gathering to bring the full spectrum of the CRT industry together, making it an essential date for every professional in the field.”
Co-located alongside the renowned Abilities Expo, the professional conference is scheduled for the Thursday and Friday before the main doors open to the public. As an added benefit, delegates enjoy optional free admission to the Expo throughout the weekend.
Further to the inaugural Log Angeles conference, two more Abilities International Accessibility Conferences are taking place in 2026, one in New York (April 30 – May 1) and the other in Chicago (June 11-12). Prospective delegates should act now to secure Standard Tickets to the LA conference in March before the price transitions to ‘Late Tickets’, the most expensive option.
