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
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, No Limits
Sponsored by: Coloplast
Location: Booth #821
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 wall at Abilities Expo Dallas using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and gear! Learn about climbing's benefits: building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength, and improving flexibility. It's fun!
Learn more at Mark's website nolimitstahoe.com.
Artist Market
Presented by: Artfully Gifted Foundation
Location: Booth #829
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 #921
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 #1107
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 #1023
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 Ability Lab. The Zone will be open whenever the show is open!
Learn more at sralab.org/services/adaptive-sports-fitness-program.
Zot Artz Experience
Presented by: Dwayne Szot, Zot Artz
Location: Booth #1101
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 Mighty Rollo! All Zot Artz art tools are accessible for creative expression by everyone! 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 21, 2024
12:00pm – 12:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
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 about how one acquires a service dog, the 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
Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
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
Dance with The Rollettes!
Presented by: The Rollettes Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes - the incredible team of wheelchair dancers from Los Angeles! These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs, and content creation they dazzle and push barriers out of their way. It's not just a performance; it's also your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves! Come fulfill your dreams to dance!
Learn more at rollettesdance.com and follow The Rollettes on Instagram and TikTok @Rollettes_LA.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Sled Hockey Demonstration
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 www.glasa.org
Saturday, June 22, 2024
10:30am - 11:15am
Special Rollettes Dance Performance
Presented By: The Rollettes Los Angeles
ELocation: Events Arena
This Special Rollettes Performance is happening before the show opens on Saturday. Get your FREE TICKET by checking the box on the registration form. Don't wait! Space is limited.
You'll love this high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes - the incredible team of wheelchair dancers from Los Angeles! These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs, and content creation they dazzle and push barriers out of their way. It's not just a performance; it's also your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves! Come fulfill your dreams to dance!
Learn more at rollettesdance.com and follow The Rollettes on Instagram and TikTok @Rollettes_LA.
12:00pm – 12:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
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 about how one acquires a service dog, the 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
Jodie Diegel, RN, MBA, SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
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 at soulharbourranch.org.
2:00pm – 2:45pm
Adaptive Dance Party with Momentum Dance Studio
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 15 years and they offer adaptive classes and performance opportunities designed specifically for children and young adults with disabilities.
Learn more at momentumdancestudio.com.
3:15pm - 4:15pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
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.
Sunday, June 23, 2024
All Day
Stevie Hopkins Day
Presented by: Abilities Expo
In loving memory of our dear friend, every Sunday of the 2024 Abilities Expos will be Stevie Hopkins Day. We invite all who knew and admired Stevie to proudly wear their 3E Love apparel, featuring the Wheelchair Heart that has become emblematic within the disability community.
Learn more about Stevie Hopkins.
12:00pm – 1:15pm
Wheelchair Rugby
Chicago Bears Wheelchair Rugby Team
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 at sralab.org/wheelchair-rugby.
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Para Pickleball
Presented By: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Events Arena
Learn about para pickleball which is the fastest growing sport in the country. Participants will learn the rules and where to find opportunities to play.