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 traveling with a disability and how to pay for everything you see at the show to learning the benefits of outdoor recreation, discovering new accessibility features on your tech, and much more!
There's no need to register in advance for the workshops. Just arrive early to each session to get your seat!
There's a lot going on at Abilities Expo Dallas! 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. Certificate recipients must be registered attendees at the show.
* 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.
Self-Awareness for Job Accommodations – CEU Workshop
Presented by: Jordan Smelley, MHPS, Mental Health Peer Specialist
Location: Workshop Area
At this workshop you will learn about self-awareness – what is it and why it matters. Then Jordan will talk about the three concepts that make up self-awareness which are strengths, challenges, and personality traits. Attendees will receive a worksheet to follow along with during the session*. After we cover the three concepts that make up self-awareness, we will discuss what "is" and "is not" a reasonable job accommodation. Finally, we will discuss how to use self-awareness to help determine what reasonable job accommodations may be needed based on a strengths and challenges approach using an example in PowerPoint. The last 10-15 minutes with be for questions from the audience.
* If you would like, please bring a pen or pencil and something hard to write on so you can complete the worksheet during the session. This worksheet activity is optional and is not required.
**Also if you hold a Certification or License issued by Texas Certification Board(TCBAP) this course is eligible for 1 general ED CEU Hour. You MUST sign in on the sign in sheet in the room and fill out a course evaluation online in order to obtain a CEU certificate.
Provider CEU Hours approved by the TCB Standards Committee. Provider Number 2127-23, CEU Provider number expires 10/22/2024
Complaints about provider or workshop content may be directed to the TCB Standards Committee, PO Box 342343, Lakeway, TX 78734 Fax Number (888) 506-8123.
Learn more at jordansmelleyprss.com.
Accessible Memories: Defying Limits One Destination at a Time
Presented by: Kristy Durso, Owner, Incredible Memories Travel
Location: Workshop Area
Join accessible travel expert Kristy Durso to discuss the many types of special needs travel including physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, food allergies, hearing, and visual disabilities. Having developed both a resort accessibility evaluation and a special needs education program for the 6,000+ agents in one of America's top host agencies, Kristy is dedicated to finding and working with partners in the industry who are willing to defy limitations and create a more accessible world. Whether near and far, adventurous or relaxed, Kristy believes travel is empowering, and should be experienced by all, not just the able-bodied. Join her to defy limits and open up the world of travel to all.
Learn more at incrediblememoriestravel.com.
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.
Maximizing Function in Joystick Driving
Presented by: Heather R. Price, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Central South 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.
The Art of Complex Caregiving
Presented by: Linda M. Schultz, PhD, CRRN
Location: Workshop Area
For both individuals receiving care and those providing it, juggling a complex medical situation with a disability can become challenging. Pain management, bladder and bowel routines, skin care, and more all compete for attention and trying to prioritize tasks can be exhausting. In this workshop, attendees will hear from Linda Schultz, Ph.D., known best as "Nurse Linda" from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center. She will discuss ways to manage complex caregiving with simplicity, compassion, and grace. Attendees will leave this session having gained tips and strategies for preventing and managing stressful situations before they happen.
Learn more at christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/for-caregivers.
Access the World: Tips for Traveling with a Disability
Presented by: Debra Kerper, Easy Access Travel
Location: Workshop Area
Would you like to travel the country or the world, but believe you cannot because of your disability? At this workshop you will learn that travel by air, sea and car is a real option for you. The presenter, a professional travel agent who has a disability and has travelled extensively, will share with you how to plan a trip, including what to expect form hotels, rental car companies, cruise lines and the airlines. Learn about the common challenges, methods for addressing them and what the law requires. Attendees will receive recommendations for disability-friendly destinations and accessible travel resources. Be sure to bring your pressing questions and a list of places you'd like to visit.
Learn more at easyaccesstravel.com.
Out of the Box Accessibility: Windows and iOS features for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Presented by: Brittney Walters, BA, Assistive Technology Instructor, East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
Location: Workshop Area
Discover the every-day, out-of-the-box accessibility features of Windows and iOS while also exploring inexpensive or free apps that add additional layers of accessibility. This session will be informative and interactive with plenty of time for questions and hands-on learning with the Assistive Technology Instructor. Bring your laptop or iOS mobile device with you to the workshop so we can practice new skills on the spot. This workshop will be a great way to get empowered to fully engage with today's technological world without breaking your bank account.
Learn more at easttexaslighthouse.org.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
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.
Ms. Wheelchair Texas Competition and Crowning
Presented by: Kristy Durso, Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2022
Location: Workshop Area
The Ms. Wheelchair Foundation gives women who are full-time wheelchair users in public the opportunity to educate others about what it's like to live with a disability. To work within their communities, in the local government, and businesses to increase accessibility, and to empower those who have a disability to continue living life in spite of their disability. Please join us as we hear from powerful advocates who are working to better their communities through their advocacy!
Learn more at the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Facebook page.