Chicago Expo Features
Here’s what we did in 2025. Stay tuned for the new 2026 line-up.
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Experience
Accessibility Help Desk, Provided compliments of Abilities ExpoThere will be American Sign Language interpretation services available to assist anyone requiring sign language translation at the Accessibility Help Desk in the Lobby in front of the Exhibit Hall. This is a complimentary service and is offered… Learn more
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Experience
Come climb on an indoor climbing wall! Adaptive climbing is possible for people of ALL abilities! Meet the best person to learn adaptive climbing from – Mark Wellman! Mark has a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is an adventure athlete, speaker, and author. Climb the… Learn more
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Experience
Meet the region’s artists with disabilities! Shop their eclectic mix of original, unforgettable art. Featuring photographs, paintings, graphic design, and more. Available for both appreciation and purchase. Artist Market sponsor Artfully Gifted Foundation was founded in 2013 for the purpose of supporting young entrepreneurs with… Learn more
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Experience
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! See and try a selection of assistive technology, with options for all disabilities. Ask questions and discuss recommendations to find the most appropriate technology for your abilities… Learn more
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Experience
A calm room is a dedicated space, open to anyone, for use to help them reset and calm their nervous system from the possible sensory overload from the crowds, music and food smells. By visiting this welcoming space for a few minutes, an individual can… Learn more
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Experience
Come on by to try a variety of adaptive sports! At the Sports Zone you’ll discover equipment and staff support so you can try several different sports. Featured sports will include boccia, cycling, and basketball. The Sports Zone is organized and presented by the Adaptive… Learn more
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Experience
Come paint, make art, and leave your mark! Kids love making art and so does the team from Zot Artz! Experience their one-of-a-kind art making tools! Stamp and paint with the Pogo Paint Poles. Spin, whirl, and twirl with the Give-It-a-Whirl! Create art with the… Learn more
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Experience
Ready for some sunshine, good vibes and serious accessible travel options? Ever considered beautiful South Florida? Visit Lauderdale invites you to the Beach Café at Abilities Expo—your laid-back spot to relax, recharge and learn more about Greater Fort Lauderdale, one of the most welcoming and inclusive… Learn more
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Experience
Provided compliments of Sunrise MedicalFree maintenance will be provided on a first come, first served basis by Sunrise Medical. This service will end one hour before the show ends each day. Learn more
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Experience
Provided compliments of Pride Mobility Pride Mobility is sponsoring complimentary loaner scooters on a first-come; first-served basis to any attendee 18 years or older for use on the Expo floor. A government-issued photo ID is required to participate in this offer. This service is available… Learn more
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Individuals with chronic medical conditions and long-term disabilities who have a permanent need for a wheelchair require a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of their physical, functional and environmental needs to allow clinicians and ATP suppliers to make appropriate Assistive Technology recommendations for a successful outcome. This… Learn more
![[CEU Session] Empowering Participation: Mobility Device Air Travel Considerations](https://cdn.abilities.com/uploads/sites/21/2025/03/ceu.jpg)
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From Red Tape to Real Care: How to Navigate Healthcare Hurdles Successfully” is an insightful workshop by Nurse Linda Schultz of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. In this session, participants will learn practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles in the healthcare system, such as… Learn more
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Individuals with chronic medical conditions and long-term disabilities who have a permanent need for a wheelchair require a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of their physical, functional and environmental needs to allow clinicians and ATP suppliers to make appropriate Assistive Technology recommendations for a successful outcome. This… Learn more
![[CEU Session] Transportation & Community: Participation Among Power Wheelchair Users](https://cdn.abilities.com/uploads/sites/21/2024/12/ceu-8002.jpg)
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In this workshop, accessible travel influencer Cory Lee will show you how to see the world as a wheelchair user. From learning about how to make air travel easier to booking truly accessible hotel rooms and finding wheelchair-friendly tour companies, you will be fully prepared for your next… Learn more
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How do I design a home that can be accessed by a wheelchair or other mobility device? How steep should a ramp be and does it need handrails? What type of door and threshold are required? How do I move between different levels? Whether you… Learn more
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Event
Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life. Assisting with all types of tasks, from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability to counting money, and more! Service dogs are available for people with many different disabilities, including vision and… Learn more
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This engaging and interactive workshop will showcase Greater Fort Lauderdale as a premier destination for accessible travel, highlighting the region’s beaches, attractions, hotels, and transportation options designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors with disabilities and their caregivers. Learn more
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Experience
Come Paint with Zot Artz! Zot Artz creates art experiences and art tools for everyone. Join us for an inclusive art making demonstration Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30pm. The centerpiece of the demonstration is a large floor mural painted with layers of… Learn more
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Event
Boccia a game of strategy and accuracy for anyone with a physical disability. It is played on a flat, smooth surface, where athletes must throw or roll colored balls as close as possible to the white target ball. Ask questions, talk to the coach, and try a… Learn more
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This presentation focuses on the process of getting a wheelchair. It is meant to empower the rider and family to be an active participant in the evaluation and fitting of the wheelchair. The goal is to explain the evaluation process in detail, including the team… Learn more
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Event
Ready to have a lot of fun and work out at the same time? Come experience a WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class! The class features movements for seated students and is taught by a seated instructor. Featuring elements of weight training, Zumba, and pom-pom dance. Standing… Learn more
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Workshop
Finding ways to experience the outdoors can be challenging for some people with disabilities. This could include a lack of access to adaptive equipment, finding accessible hiking trails, needing people to support your needs, or figuring out the logistics around outdoor travel. Throughout this session,… Learn more
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Much of society wrongly believes people with disabilities cannot be valuable romantic partners. Shane and Hannah—who are married and run a prominent YouTube channel called Squirmy and Grubs—will share the hilarious ups and downs of their relationship to disprove this damaging concept. Can’t get enough… Learn more
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Do you feel like you’ve been spinning in circles, trying to help your child communicate? This presentation is your roadmap to becoming the confident, knowledgeable advocate your child needs. From navigating IEP disagreements to finding support in your community, you’ll discover that you already have… Learn more
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Workshop
Living with a disability can be expensive; your ABLE account can help! A new wheelchair. Therapy for your child with a disability. Cool new communications device. A modified van. Do you love all the products and services you see at the Abilities Expo but wonder… Learn more
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Event
Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life. Assisting with all types of tasks, from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability to counting money, and more! Service dogs are available for people with many different disabilities, including vision and… Learn more
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Experience
Face, arm and hand painting are great ways for children to dress up—no costume required! Kids delight in this opportunity to transform their appearance! Painting is complimentary and paints are approved professional face paints that will wash off with soap and water. Just for kids… Learn more
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What happens when my loved one either turns 18 or is no longer capable of making medical, personnel, or financial decisions on their own? How do I determine if conservatorship/guardianship is an appropriate option? In this session, we will discuss this popular planning topic and… Learn more
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Event
Join us for an adaptive dance performance by dancers from Momentum Dance Studio! Then it’s your turn to try a mini dance class, focusing on stretching, building inner core strength, and enjoying the movement and music of dance! The studio has been teaching adaptive dance… Learn more
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Workshop
Join Fora advisor, Aashima Ratti, to discuss top trends in the luxury accessible travel market. Learn more about Fora and accessible travel at https://www.foratravel.com/travel/accessible-travel or on Instagram. Learn more
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Experience
Come Paint with Zot Artz! Zot Artz creates art experiences and art tools for everyone. Join us for an inclusive art making demonstration Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30pm. The centerpiece of the demonstration is a large floor mural painted with layers of… Learn more
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Did you know horses can help people with disabilities?! It’s true! Horses help in many ways and miniature horses have been gaining attention for their strength as therapy animals. Come meet some “mini’s”! Learn why they are “horses” (not ponies) as well as the types… Learn more
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Event
Pickleball is currently one of the fastest growing sports and Adaptive Pickleball is no exception. Whether you have played before, are brand new to the sport, are looking to compete at a high level, or would like to play socially, pickleball is for you! Chat… Learn more
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Is it possible to live well with mental health challenges? Yes! This workshop focuses on finding your own way to your personal best, including tools for those who are struggling and options to manage your mental health. Cindy Kolbe shares how she was ashamed of her depression diagnosis–but… Learn more
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Fun Fitness is a great way to get you through 2025 and you don’t have to do it alone! Join W.O.W. for tips, tricks, and workouts to build a happier healthier YOU! Fitness is a journey and W.O.W. is here to help you stay Happy,… Learn more
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In this workshop, accessible travel influencer Cory Lee will show you how to see the world as a wheelchair user. From learning about how to make air travel easier to booking truly accessible hotel rooms and finding wheelchair-friendly tour companies, you will be fully prepared for your next… Learn more
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Event
Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life. Assisting with all types of tasks, from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability to counting money, and more! Service dogs are available for people with many different disabilities, including vision and… Learn more
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Is it easy to support kids? Rarely. Many of us have struggled to assist kids of all ages. When you add a disability to the mix, the challenges multiply. In this workshop, Cindy Kolbe shares helpful resources and valuable insights from moms across the country to… Learn more
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Experience
Face, arm and hand painting are great ways for children to dress up—no costume required! Kids delight in this opportunity to transform their appearance! Painting is complimentary and paints are approved professional face paints that will wash off with soap and water. Just for kids… Learn more
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Event
Come learn about sled hockey! Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception of some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades, and the players use two sticks instead of one. See the equipment, hear from coaches, ask questions,… Learn more
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Community mobility is a necessary element of day-to-day life, and important in ensuring our connection to school, work, leisure and social activities. The most common mode of transportation in the U.S. is a personal vehicle, and public transportation can be unreliable and often does not… Learn more
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Event
Ready to have a lot of fun and work out at the same time? Come experience a WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class! The class features movements for seated students and is taught by a seated instructor. Featuring elements of weight training, Zumba, and pom-pom dance. Standing… Learn more
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Experience
Come Paint with Zot Artz! Zot Artz creates art experiences and art tools for everyone. Join us for an inclusive art making demonstration Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30pm. The centerpiece of the demonstration is a large floor mural painted with layers of… Learn more
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Did you know that you can fundraise to cover the costs of everything you see at Abilities Expo? From power wheelchairs to accessible vehicles, from adaptive bikes to home modifications. And more! Help Hope Live wants to help make this happen! Come find out how… Learn more
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Do you feel like you’ve been spinning in circles, trying to help your child communicate? This presentation is your roadmap to becoming the confident, knowledgeable advocate your child needs. From navigating IEP disagreements to finding support in your community, you’ll discover that you already have… Learn more
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Join married couple and disability advocates Shane and Hannah Burcaw for an open audience Q&A session. Come ready with questions about their work as content creators, writing books, and their interabled love story. Can’t get enough of Squirmy and Grubs? They are also appearing on… Learn more
