Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!
Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of events so you can try sports and dance, discover ways to be fit, and connect to programs in the local area.
All events take place in the Auti Angel Events Arena unless otherwise noted.
There's a lot to explore at Abilities Expo Chicago! Check out the Exhibitors and Workshops!
* The dates, times, topics, and speakers for these events are subject to change without notice. The opinions presented at the events are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Abilities Expo. Event content should not be considered as a replacement or substitute for the services of trained professionals in any field, including, but not limited to, financial, medical, or legal matters. We encourage you to seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding the evaluation of any specific information presented in these events.
All Day, Every Day
Artist Market
Presented by: Artfully Gifted Foundation
Location: Booth #819
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 disabilities. With both a retail site and now an e-commerce website, they strive to provide a platform for these entrepreneurs to present their products to a wide audience. Working with the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education—Roosevelt (ICRE-R) they provide a training site for students interested in retail, as well as a means for their students to test-market their works of art and products made in their vocational training classes.
Learn more at artfullygifted.org.Assistive Technology Showcase
Presented by: Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Location: Booth #521
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 and needs. The Illinois Assistive Technology Program provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families so they can lead fuller lives at work, home, school, and play. Their team of technology specialists will offer free hands-on demonstrations of technology and tools throughout the show. From low-tech tips to advice about sophisticated software, we can help you find solutions!
Learn more! Visit iltech.org.
Calm Room
Presented by: Twenty-One Senses
Location: Next to Booth #827
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 reset their sensory system through hands-on calming activities, allowing them to return to the expo instead of going home. Twenty-One Senses will have multiple sensory supports available within the calm space, such as alternative seating, play tents, playdoh, coloring books and fidgets. This space and activities allow kiddos and adults alike a reprieve to help reset. Twenty-One Senses will also have noise canceling headphones and ear plugs available to purchase or borrow for the event.
Learn more at twentyonesenses.org.
Sports Zone
Presented by: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program
Location: Booth #124
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 Sports and Fitness department from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The Zone will be open whenever the show is open!
Learn more at sralab.org/services/adaptive-sports-fitness-program.
Zot Artz Experience
Location: Booth #801
Come paint with Zot Artz! Kids love making art and so do we! Everyone can stamp and print to make their mark. Each participant will take home an original work of art and a joyful moment. Please plan 5-15 minutes for the painting activity.
Learn more at zotartz.com.
Friday, June 23, 2023
12:00pm – 12:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: Events Arena
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 hearing loss, mobility, Autism, and seizure/allergy alert. Learn how one acquires a service dog, support available to assist with covering the costs, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn More at CDK's website.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Events Arena
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 participants are also welcome!
Learn more at wowwheelchairfitness.com.
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Everybody Dance!
Presented by: Trish Strong, Jill Waller, and Jenny Higgins, Dance Instructors, Dance Center Evanston
Location: Events Arena
Experience the joy of movement in a safe and fun environment! Engage in dance exercises and also explore building emotional expression through movement. The instructors will lead you through a warm-up, stretching, improvisation and creative movement, simple ballet-based movements, an obstacle course, and a cool down. Attendees will learn how dance improves social integration, spacial awareness, and proprioception.
Learn more at dancecenterevanston.com/accessible-dance.
3:00pm – 3:45pm
Para Pickleball
Presented by: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Location: Events Arena
Pickleball is a fun sport that is gaining popularity among people of all ages. Players use a paddle and wiffle ball plus a sport chair if needed. The game combines elements of ping pong, tennis, and badminton. Come try pickleball for yourself and see if this could be your new adaptive sport! Sports chairs not required - feel free to try the sport using your everyday chair.
Learn more at glasa.org.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
12:00pm – 12:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: Events Arena
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 hearing loss, mobility, Autism, and seizure/allergy alert. Learn how one acquires a service dog, support available to assist with covering the costs, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn More at CDK's website.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Miniature Therapy Horses
Presented by: Jodie Diegel, RN, MBA, SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
Location: Events Arena
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 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.
Learn more, including videos of the horses, at soulharbourranch.org.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Events Arena
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 participants are also welcome!
Learn more at wowwheelchairfitness.com.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Sled Hockey Demonstration
Presented by: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Location: Events Arena
Come learn about sled hockey! Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception 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, and find out how you can get started playing sled hockey! GLASA offers youth competitive, adult recreational, and adult competitive teams, and provides all hockey gear and equipment needed to play.
Learn more at glasa.org.
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Equine Therapy for All
Presented by: Presented by: Carla Johnson, EdD and The Legacy Ranch
Location: Events Arena
Horses can provide support to people in many different ways. Therapies and programs exist that assist people with all types of disabilities through occupational and physical therapy, mental health care, therapeutic riding, and competitive opportunities. Come learn about the many options available! Including hippotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, life skills, and more! Plus, you'll discover the unique ways that just being around horses can boost self esteem. Horses will be available for attendees to meet and learn about.
Learn more at thelegacyranch.org.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
11:45am - 12:30pm
Wheelchair Rugby
Presented by: Chicago Bears Wheelchair Rugby Team
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn More! Visit sralab.org/wheelchair-rugby.
1:00 - 1:15pm
Help Hope Live Adaptive Bike Giveaway
Presented by: Sonny Mullen and Kelly L. Green, Help Hope Live
Location: Booth #104
National medical fundraising nonprofit Help Hope Live will present a customized adaptive bike from The Bike Rack to Anna-Stella Charlotte Roberts and her family. Anna-Stella was diagnosed in utero with a rare genetic syndrome known as Costello Syndrome and, as a result, has a number of diagnoses.
Her parents want the best quality of life for her and to provide her with every tool and opportunity. "We want to help her be the happiest and best version of her she can be." This bike and the opportunity to get outside and play will make all the difference!
Funding for this giveaway is made possible through a partnership between the Help Hope Live (Booth #104) and the Esther & Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Miniature Therapy Horses
Presented by: Jodie Diegel, RN, MBA, SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
Location: Events Arena
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 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.
Learn more, including videos of the horses, at soulharbourranch.org.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Adaptive Dance
Presented by: Momentum Dance Studio
Location: Events Arena
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 for 14 years and they offer adaptive classes and performance opportunities designed specifically by children and young adults with disabilities.
Learn more at momentumdancestudio.com.