Free Workshops!
Here is the 2023 Abilities Expo line-up.
Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2024.
Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on many topics from how to pay for everything you see at the show to being healthy on your own terms, dealing with medication overload, and the benefits of outdoor sports and recreation.
There's no need to register - just arrive early to get your seat!
There's a lot going on at Abilities Expo! Be sure to also check out the Exhibitors and Events.
Professionals:
Certificates of participation are available for all workshops. Please see the Accessibility Help Desk during the show for information on how to obtain a certificate.
* Workshop dates, times, topics, and speakers are subject to change without notice. The opinions presented at the workshops are those of the presenters and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Abilities Expo. Workshop 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 workshops.
Adaptability Over Disability: Using Outdoor Recreation as a Way of Recovery
Presented by: Danny Glasser, CEO, The National Ability Center
Location: Workshop Area
Danny Glasser from The National Ability Center will share his unique perspective on outdoor recreation, adaptive sports, and educational programs for people of all abilities. Learn about the power of using outdoor recreation as a way of recovery. Get details about the many programs that exist to help you explore the outdoors and support some to take their athletic skills to the next level so they can compete at the Paralympics and the Special Olympic Games. Danny will speak from his personal experience (his wife lives with MS and his son is on the autism spectrum), as well as how The National Ability Center is working to break barriers for accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptive recreation for everyone participating in outdoor sports.
Learn more at discovernac.org/.
Disability and Special Needs Planning Made Easy
Presented by: Andre Sam, Disability & Special Needs Project
Location: Workshop Area
An informative and educational workshop for family members with loved ones of all ages with physical and/or intellectual disabilities or special needs! Many topics will be covered in this workshop. Including: guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, micro boards, wills, family trusts, special needs trusts, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability, Medicaid/Medicare, ABLE Accounts, budget planning, and transition planning. Learn why these disability and special needs planning documents are important to have and how they complement each other in an estate plan designed to protect yourself, your family, and/or your loved one's current and future quality of life and care. Don't be afraid to plan, be afraid if you don't plan.
Learn more at projectdsnp.com.
How to Be Healthy on Your Own Terms
Presented by: Tracy Williams, Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Advocate, TracysPlate.com
Location: Workshop Area
Would you like to manage your health with a disability using lifestyle change and making positive choices? Positive lifestyle choices can give you more energy to achieving your goals. A healthier lifestyle does not have to be an all or nothing thought process. Any change can make a positive impact!
Although lifestyle changes will not cure a physical disability, positive changes will go a long way to improving your health and quality of life as well as reducing the risk of secondary complications. Topics we will discuss include choosing a diet that is best for you, the importance of hydration and adaptive physical activity along with goal setting and stress management. Choose small significant changes to feel healthier on your own life path. No two people have the same life path so each person can choose their own small significant changes to feel healthier.
Learn more at tracysplate.com.
Maximizing Function in Joystick Driving
Presented by: J.D. Concepcion, ATP, Regional Manager, Stealth Products
Location: Workshop Area
This hands-on workshop will provide a basic to intermediate level understanding of how joysticks are used to communicate with the mobility base of your wheelchair. Explore how product variations and configurability are used to maximize function, and considerations for adapting to your changing needs. Topics we will discuss include:
- Intro to basic joystick function
- Joystick styles and application
- Configurability
- Adaptability to change
Learn more at stealthproducts.com.
Finding Solutions for Multiple Medication Overload
Presented by: Jay Gupta, RPh, 340B ACE, MTM Consultant, C-IAYT
Location: Workshop Area
This workshop is presented by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and is geared toward anyone who lives with paralysis from disease, injury, or birth condition as well as their loved ones.
Medications are intended to improve our health and well-being. Some medications present more risks and adverse reactions than others. Persons who live with disabilities often take multiple medications to treat secondary/other chronic conditions which may escalate risks and reactions. This session will:
- Outline the incidence of polypharmacy and discuss who is at most risk.
- Explore the implications of polypharmacy and changing impact of COVID-19.
- Provide inspiration and strategies to minimize the risks and reduce polypharmacy where possible to enhance health and resilience.
Learn more at christopherreeve.org.
Just Keep Swimming: How to Boost Your Energy and Motivation
Presented by: Cindy Kolbe, Author, Disability Advocate, and Mentor
Location: Workshop Area
We all need to recharge from time to time! Discover practical and useful tips that you can use to boost your own energy and motivation. Disability advocate Cindy Kolbe gathered a wealth of experience from advocates, caregivers, bloggers, and psychologists - many with a disability - while writing her new book Just Keep Swimming: A Crash, A Quest, and Waves of Hope. Take your pick of the tips she will share and find what works best for you. Cindy also shares the best free resources (including apps and podcasts) to help you just keep swimming!
Learn more at cindykolbe.com.
Book Signing Follows! 3:45pm – 4:15pm
Meet Cindy Kolbe near the workshop area between 3:45pm and 4:15pm to purchase signed copies of her new book, Just Keep Swimming: A Crash, A Quest, and Waves of Hope. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase at the show. Copies can also be purchased in advance at Amazon.
Tell Your Story, Let the National Paralysis Resource Center Hear Your Voice - Caregiving Listening Sessions
Presented by: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Location: Euphoria Room
Ask anyone and they will tell you that caregivers in our homes and communities are essential for the independence and survival of millions of Americans. Yet, the United States, one of the richest countries in the world, currently faces a caregiving crisis that is forcing many of our loved ones into institutionalized settings while bankrupting families. What has caused this? What needs to change? How did our country get into this crisis? And how can our voices end this crisis once and for all?
In this one-hour facilitated listening session, caregivers will have the chance to discuss the art of what they do, their concerns, questions, and share stories in a judgement free zone that's inclusive and accessible. In return, the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) will listen and record the session, connect our caregivers with NPRC resources, and learn what exactly care caregivers need to thrive.
Learn more at christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/.
Discover How to Pay for Everything You See Today
Presented by: Sonny Mullen and Kelly L. Green, Help Hope Live
Location: Workshop Area
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 the Help Hope Live non-profit organization works closely with Abilities Expo exhibitors and others – to get our clients on their way to independence!
Learn more at helphopelive.org.
How to Thrive as a Family With Pediatric Illness or Disability
Presented by: Joan Steltmann, MBA, CEO, Bounce Children's Foundation
Location: Workshop Area
When a child faces chronic illness or disability, they spend a lot of time as a patient - feeling sick, battling pain, and dealing with surgeries, treatments, hospitalizations and more. Not only does the child face these challenges, but the whole family is also impacted including parents and healthy siblings. In this session, you'll learn about best practices that have helped other families raising children with special needs. Regardless of your child's specific condition, you'll get practical tips for connecting and coping. You'll discover a free community of support that will shift you and your family from surviving to thriving. Focused on fun and friendship, education and resources, hope and encouragement, you'll discover how to access ongoing family outings, peer support, education, care packages, and resources.
Learn more at bouncechildrensfoundation.org.
Get Involved in Research: Help Improve Services and Treatments!
Presented by: Sharon Parmet, Health Research Communications Associate, and Jennifer Burns, Project Manager, Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Shirley Ryan
Location: Workshop Area
Come learn more about how the research process works. Research on outcomes for people with disabilities starts with basic biology and transcends into community life. All aspects of living with a disability require evidence to make progress on prevention of adverse outcomes, improved rehabilitation, and equitable participation in communities. This session will provide an overview of how people with disabilities, caregivers, and providers can take part in meaningful research that contributes to the advancement of the science of rehabilitation. Opportunities to provide input on projects that impact rehabilitation measures, interventions, exercise guidelines, employment, home services and community living will be shared. You will learn how you can get involved in various projects currently taking place in- person or remotely. Action steps for getting on a research registry, enrolling in and contributing to in a research project, and learning about available honorariums will be covered.
Learn more at sralab.org.