Free Workshops
Plan your Abilities Expo experience today
Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on everything from tips for traveling with a disability and home modifications to the trends impacting accessible vehicle innovation.
There's no need to register - just arrive early to get your seat!
Professionals:
Certificates of participation are available for all workshops. Please see the Accessibility Help Desk following each workshop for your certificate.
* Dates and times of workshops 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.
Friday, June 21, 2019
11:45am – 12:45pm
My Good Life: How to Practice Wellness and Self Care
Presented by: Eraina Ferguson, wwww.mygoodlifenow.org
Location: Workshop
This interactive workshop will discuss living a good life despite the challenges of special needs, including tangible ways to practice self care and mental health/wellness. Participants will receive a wellness bag from sponsors. This is an interactive workshop where participants can discuss their needs and strategies for wellness.
Learn more: http://www.mygoodlifenow.org/
1:00pm- 2:00pm
Solving Outdoor Access with Technology
Presented by: Christian Bagg, Bowhead Corp
Location: Workshop
A conversation about exploring the outdoors with a disability. The difference between adapting or integrating into nature, its effects on the environment and financial feasibility and how people with a wide variety of disabilities can share the same outdoor experience.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Find Your Tribe: The Power of Connections
Presented by: Dr. Sue Mukherjee, Medical Director of Rehabilitation at the Chicago Shriners Hospital for Children, with Amanda Hogle, Recreation Therapist, and Cindy Kolbe, author of Struggling with Serendipity
Location: Workshop
Learn how to expand your connections at any age and find support through the toughest times as you discover your own ways to thrive! Dr. Sue Mukherjee shares the critical importance of connections and how the Chicago Shriners Hospital highlights community engagement. Amanda Hogle explores the role of recreation (hint: it's more than sports). Cindy Kolbe shares the power of advocacy as a way to connect, plus options for volunteering — at home, in your town, and beyond. Find your tribe!
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Home Modifications
Presented by: The Paralyzed Veterans of America
Location: Workshop
Can I retrofit my master bathroom to include a spacious roll-in shower? What must I do to install an elevator in my two-story home? How can my flower garden be made more accessible? Who should I hire to make sure my home renovation project will fit my needs? Accessible Home Design: The Basics will address improving the accessibility in each specific area of a home, as well as what you need to know before taking on a renovation project. Whether it's a new accessible residence or retrofitting your existing home, information will be presented with real examples and case studies. Subject matter will include entering your home; residential elevators and lifts, kitchen design, bathrooms and plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, outdoor areas and gardens, and much more.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
11:45am – 12:45pm
Healing from Injury, Trauma, & Surgery with Homeopathy
Presented by: Frank Molignano, CCH
Location: Workshop
According to the World Health Organization, homeopathy is the second most popular type of Alternative therapy in the world. It is used successfully by millions of people around the globe to treat acute medical conditions and chronic diseases. Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances, are FDA regulated, do not have any side effects and they're safe for all ages, even animals. Using homeopathic remedies for acute situations such as: from an accident, injury, surgery, etc. can promote faster healing, reduce inflammation and completely manage pain. In longer standing cases it can help heal any residual trauma that is held in the cells and help establish better long-term health and symptom recovery. In this workshop we will discuss how to address injuries and trauma in first-aid scenarios, what remedies to use and how long-term homeopathic care can heal chronic or long-standing emotional trauma or physical injuries.
Learn More: thehealingnarrative.com
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Critical Situations for People with SCI
Presented by: Nurse Linda, PhD, CRRN
Location: Workshop
The following 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 and their loved ones. Learn more at www.christopherreeve.org
It can be difficult to know when to call for assistance while dealing with paralysis or spinal cord injury. Messages from the body to the brain can be misdirected or misinterpreted. Recognizing a disguised significant healthcare problem can be challenging. Issues with taking medication properly, cardiac issues or infection can start as small concerns but can quickly escalate to emergently needed care. How to know when a small problem becomes huge is critical information for your health and well-being. Areas of focus include correctly taking medication, irregular heartbeats, blood clots, Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD), pneumonia, Urinary Tract Infection and sepsis. In addition, your questions will be discussed.
Learn More: www.christopherreeve.org
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @ReeveFoundation
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Healthy Living is A Personal Journey: Not Every Path Is the Same
Presented by: Tracy Williams
Sponsored by: Scheck & Siress: Chicago Prosthetic, Orthotic & Pedorthic Care
Do you want to learn the basics of healthy living for people living with disabilities? Tracy Williams, a nutritionist with cerebral palsy, with her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Dominican University will lead a discussion based on her personal experience and her professional knowledge. She also has some nutrition and healthy eating on a budget, positive body image, the importance of goal setting and mindful eating for people living with disabilities. Most Americans are confused about healthy eating, because of the prevalence of fad diets promoted in traditional media, as well as social media. Tracy will give pointers on how you can best avoid fad diets and the confusion that surrounds social media. Tracy will also give pointers on how to shop for the healthiest foods in accordance to your food budget. Tracy will also give pointers on how every person add more sports and fitness to their life no matter their ability. Tracy Williams enjoys inspiring her audiences to live healthier lifestyles.
Learn More: www.tracysplate.com & https://www.scheckandsiress.com
3:45pm – 4:45pm
How Medical Cannabis Can Help People with Disabilities
Presented by: Debbie Churgai, Associate Director, Americans for Safe Access
Location: Workshop
Join us to learn more about medical cannabis and how it can be an option for a variety of conditions and symptoms. Discover how you can access medical cannabis where you live. Find out what is being done to ensure safe access to this important medicine for people with disabilities. This workshop is designed to be interactive and will include time for questions and answers.
Learn more: www.safeaccessnow.org, www.safeaccessnow.org/conditions
Sunday, June 23, 2019
11:45am – 12:45pm
Advocacy
Presented by: Casey Cashman, US Pain Foundation
Location: Workshop
Details to come.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Cannabis for Health and Wellness
Presented by: Kiana Hughes, Chicago NORML
Location: Workshop
This presentation is a discussion of the health and wellness benefits of the cannabis plant. Attendees will learn about the components of the plant, consumption methods, THC/CBD and the endocannabinoid system, effects of cannabis on various parts and systems of the body, and how to qualify for the medical cannabis program in IL.
2:30pm-3:30pm
Open Your World With Accessible Travel
Presented by: John Morris, Founder, WheelchairTravel.org
Location: Workshop
The world is more accessible than ever, and the travel industry is beginning to recognize that wheelchair users and people with disabilities want to explore it too! This workshop will provide you with information and tools to plan an accessible vacation, opening your world to new experiences and possibilities. Come prepared to participate in an accessible travel Q&A with the presenter, who will bring firsthand knowledge from nearly one million miles flown with a wheelchair. You will leave this workshop with inspiration for your next vacation and tips to make accessible travel enjoyable for all, including your friends, family members and caregivers.
Learn more: www.wheelchairtravel.org