T
he Chicago Abilities Expo brings you life-changing opportunities. It could be the products and tech. It could be the chance to play quad rugby or scale at adaptive climbing wall. It could be the workshops or connections you make with others in the disability community. It's free so join us and register today.
Abilities Expo brings you thousands of game-changing products, services and technologies all under one roof. Regardless of the type and level of your disability, we strive to provide the resources you need to exceed your own expectations and thrive.
Attend free, info-packed workshops on issues that matter to you. Get tips on financial planning, making your home more accessible, traveling with a disability and how medical cannabis can help a variety of conditions. There's more, check it out!
Find your new favorite pastime at Abilities Expo! Try such inclusive activities as adaptive sports, dance, assistance animals and so much more for the kids of all ages! If something sparks your interest, you can find out how to engage year-round.
There is just so much to see and do at Abilities Expo. Here are a few opportunities you don't want to let pass you by.
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up. Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
Whatever your ability, YOU can conquer the completely inclusive climbing wall! With adaptive equipment and some expert coaching from Paralympian Mark Wellman, the summit will be within your reach.
They aren't just adorable, miniature horses can also perform a variety of tasks as service and therapy animals. See for yourself. You'll never forget the connection you make with these empathetic animals.
The tech out there is mind-blowing and can supercharge your independence. But we know that price tag can be overwhelming. Attend the Help Hope Live workshop to unlock your fundraising potential.
Don’t miss our life-enhancing exhibits, dynamic workshops and fun events for kids of all ages!
Check back 3 months before the Expo for our exciting 2023 line-up.
In our efforts to ensure a positive show experience, Abilities Expo endeavors to accommodate the disability community with a host of special show services including loaner scooters, sign language interpretation, free wheelchair, captioning services for the workshop and so much more!
Free loaner scooters are available during show hours on a first come, first served basis. Is your wheelchair in need of a tune-up? Swing by the Free Wheelchair Repair Pavilion for minor maintenance.
American Sign Language interpretation services will be available for those who need translation. All workshops are captioned through CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services.
Large print versions of the exhibitor list and the events/workshops schedule will be available by request at the registration counters.
Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent.
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up. Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
All About Service Dogs
Miniature Therapy Horses
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids
Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with many different disabilities. Find out the many ways service dogs can help achieve independence in people's lives—from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money! Service dogs are available for many different types of disability, including vision and hearing loss, mobility, autism and seizure/allergy alert. Learn about funding support, the process to acquire a dog and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Presented by: Jodie Diegel, RN, MBA, SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
Curious about how horses can help people with disabilities? Bring your questions! Miniature horses have been gaining attention for their strengths as therapy animals. This is your chance to meet some "mini's"! Learn why they are called horses (and not ponies) as well as the types of tasks they can perform as service and therapy animals. Time is included to meet the equine staff who will be visiting with their human counterparts.
Dancing is great for the body, and even better for spirit!
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up. Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
Presented by: Momentum Dance Studio
Join Momentum Dance Studio for a performance of some of their most recent Adaptive Dance works. Momentum Dance Studio has 3 Rhythm Works Integrative Dance-certified teachers, and the studio has been teaching adaptive dance for 13 years. Their upcoming summer program includes dance styles such as hip hop, tap and rhythm, lyrical and jazz. Momentum has worked with students of all ages and abilities and takes the time to understand each dancer's individual needs.
The sidelines are no place for you so take your pick from a variety of interactive, adaptive sports. You'll get the blood pumping, improve fitness and build confidence…
and the fun factor is off the charts!
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up. Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
Presented by: Spirit Wolves: the 2021 US National Adaptive Abilities Team, representing USA Cheer and the International Cheer Union
Discover the new sport of Adaptive Cheer/ParaCheer! Adaptive Cheer/ParaCheer brings two kinds of athletes together: those with disabilities—or "with limitations," according to USA Cheer—and those without. Cheerleading, by nature, pushes boundaries and questions limitations, and these athletes are doing just that, modifying stunts, and adjusting routines to create something new. ParaCheer Spirit Wolves will showcase their skills with a demonstration. Then you are invited to try it for yourselves with the US Nationals Team! Bring your cheer!
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Sponsored by: Coloplast
The Adaptive Climbing Wall is open to people of all abilities! There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and he is the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Come climb the wall using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and adaptive sports gear. Climbing has tremendous benefits—building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength and improving flexibility.
Presented by: Adaptive Sports Program, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Learn about the benefits of and how you can get started with adaptive cycling. See and try several adaptive bikes and find out how the equipment supports various disabilities. This sport is a great way to engage in cardiovascular and strength training fitness. It works for both recreational and competitive riders of all ability levels. Find out how you can get involved with adaptive cycling in the Chicago region via the Adaptive Cycling Program at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Presented by: Jackie Gadd, Accessible Yoga Ambassador and Owner, BYOMyoga
Join accessible yoga instructor Jackie Gadd for an adaptive yoga class of gentle stretching and strengthening, with explanations of body-appropriate adjustments and/or use of applicable props. We'll begin with centering, flow through easy-to-follow (and remember) sequences, and close with meditation/relaxation to refresh both the body and mind. Jackie will share tips for finding adaptive yoga in your community and how yoga can benefit everyone.
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Test drive the Ainsley's Angels athletic ride-along experience for anyone who would otherwise not be able to experience endurance events. Ainsley's Angels creates "Angel Teams" by pairing Athlete-riders with runners to compete in endurance events and road races. The Athlete rider is the core of the team and pulls the runner across the finish line with smiles, cheers and spirit. Visit the Ainsley's Angels of America booth to sign up! A limited number of race experience times are available on each day of the Expo.
Presented by: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Wheelchair basketball is played by individuals with varying physical disabilities that precludes them from playing competitive stand-up basketball. One of the misconceptions of wheelchair basketball is that you must use a chair for everyday mobility to play the sport.; In fact, many wheelchair basketball athletes are ambulatory. Come try the sport! Experience a sports chair, learn skills, and find out how you can start playing!
Presented by: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Wheelchair football is usually played on a standard basketball court and follows similar rules to the able-bodied game of American football - with modifications. Players build quick, powerful movements, as well as cardiovascular and muscular strength. Join members of the GLASA Bears to try this sport! GLASA Bears is a team in the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) - the first-of-its-kind football league for adults with disabilities to reach their highest potential through a competitive, fast-paced team sport. All are welcome to try and sports chairs will be available!
Presented by: Chicago Bears Wheelchair Rugby Team
Wheelchair rugby is often described as a combination of football, hockey and basketball in a wheelchair. Any individual with impairments in three or more extremities may be eligible to play. This may include but is not limited to spinal cord injury, post-polio and cerebral palsy. Enjoy a demo of this dynamic sport and even try it out for yourself!
Presented by: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Adaptive tennis follows generally the same rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis Federation, except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Tennis improves hand-eye coordination, strength, and concentration. Come try this exciting sport! All are welcome. Sports chairs will be available!
The area's most celebrated artists with disabilities will feature an eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry. From paintings to photos to poetry and more, their amazing works will be available for appreciation and purchase.
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up. Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
Artfully Gifted is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports and promotes artists with disabilities. The organization provides an avenue for disabled artists to show and sell their work. Artfully Gifted is currently located at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education at Roosevelt (ICRE-R) in Chicago.
In addition to housing the Artfully Gifted Storefront, ICRE-R offers two programs aimed at improving the independent functioning and facilitating vocational outcomes for people with disabilities. The first program is a residential program for transition-aged youth with physical disabilities; the second program is a day program called the Vocational Initiative Program (VIP) that includes individuals with a wide variety of disabilities, autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, as well as physical disabilities. Artfully Gifted works with both programs to provide comprehensive services for artists like the individuals featured at this year`s Expo.
David's interest in wildlife and nature photography began at the age of 13 and has been his passion for the last 42 years. Not even his 1981 motorcycle accident which left him a triplegic could distract him from one of the great loves of his life. Able only to move his right arm, David shoots photos with the help of a utility frame to hold his camera and sipping tube to take the picture. His one functioning hand never has to leave the focusing ring. David also does all his own processing, mat cutting and frame building. For more information, visit Naturally Farber Photos at www.naturallyfarberphotos.com.
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Take 294 South or 94 East. Take 90 (Northwest Toll way) West. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Take I-90 (Northwest Toll way) West from Chicago. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Exit airport and take I-90 (Northwest Toll way East. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Take I-90 (Northwest Toll way) East. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road
Take 294-N - Merge on 290 West. Exit on Algonquin Road- turn right/ West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
For maps and directions, please visit google.
To access complimentary parking, enter the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center (RSHCC) and proceed to the convention center entrance located on the East end of the complex by following the posted signage. If you would like to drop of any passengers before you park, please do so at the entrance facing North and just to the East of the ballroom entrance. Then proceed to the outdoor lot all around the building.
Self Parking is free. If you would prefer to valet your vehicle, the costs are $13 for daytime valet and $17 for overnight.
Map of Schaumburg Convention Center
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace Suburban Bus and Pace ADA Paratransit. Please visit https://www.rtachicago.org to plan your itinerary.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. Click here for details on accessible transit. Please visit https://www.transitchicago.com/ to plan your itinerary.
Metra provides accessible travel all over Chicagoland and most of its stations are wheelchair accessible. Click here for details. Please visit www.metrarail.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the Schaumburg Convention Center is the Arlington Park station on the Metro Union Pacific Northwest line.
Paratransit service is the general term for a reservation-based or "demand-response" service in which a passenger must reserve a ride in advance. Unlike fixed-route service, in which buses travel the same route in a regular pattern and pick up any waiting passengers, paratransit vehicles make only pre-arranged trips for riders who are eligible for the particular service. To apply for paratransit certification, click here.
Trips are only provided at the same times and within the same geographic areas as fixed route. Pace operates this service across the entire six-county region, including Chicago. Once certified, access this directory of reservation phone numbers to book your paratransit ride. Please click here for details and fares.
All Pace fixed routes are accessible for persons who use mobility aids and service is available in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. Please visit www.pacebus.com to plan your itinerary.
Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) is provided by the Village of Schaumburg and Pace's Suburban Bus Division. Schaumburg's signature transit service has evolved over the years into one of the few community-operated bus services in the Chicagoland that provides door-to-door access to any location in Schaumburg. To schedule a ride using DART, call 847-352-8097. Rides can be reserved on the same day as travel, at least 90 minutes prior to your desired pick-up time. Each bus can accommodate two wheelchairs. There is no service on Sundays.
The Village of Schaumburg provides free accessible service from the Woodfield Mall to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The trolley runs during show hours every 20 minutes on Saturday and every 30 minutes on Friday and Sunday. The Woodfield Mall stop is located on the lower level between Nordstrom and J.C. Penney. This may be a viable option for those travelling to Abilities Expo via public transportation and are having issues with the timing of the Pace Bus. Please visit the Woodfield Trolley website for more information or call (847) 923-3880.
If you are traveling to the Expo from Chicago, here is an itinerary consider:
Local disability activists spearhead Abilities Expo's community outreach initiatives.
Kim Brown is a Senior Business Analyst for Commonwealth Edison for eight years. Prior to coming to ComEd, Kim worked for Chicago Public Schools as a Teacher and Reading Coach. Kim is also the former State Coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Illinois Program as well as Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2012.
Mike Ervin is a writer and disability rights activist living in Chicago. His plays have been produced in theaters across America.
Vanessa Harris, P.E. is an able-bodied/disabled licensed professional engineer and artist who creates short documentaries which can be seen at Fun 4 the Disabled to inspire joy for disabled and non-disabled persons alike about fun topics.
Chicago Ambassador
For some it would seem like an impossible situation being told that you would never walk again and not to bother, but for Vincenzo it was a challenge worth meeting head on. The former aspirations of becoming an EMT were a thing of the past as, after a fall and a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy, he was paralyzed on his whole right side. It would take around five years for Vincenzo to be able to gain enough function in his arm to use a manual wheelchair and begin his journey into a new life he never thought was possible.
National Disability Law Ambassador
Stephanie Woodward is a passionate Disability Rights activist and proud disabled person. She is the Director of Advocacy at the Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) a disability led, not-for-profit Corporation that works for national, state, and local systemic change to advance the rights of people with disabilities.
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