FREE workshops!
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up.
Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on everything from tips for traveling with a disability and home modifications to methods for funding and ways to use common, everyday toys as therapy tools.
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 following each workshop for your certificate. (Please note there are no CEU approved courses at this year’s Abilities Expo).
* 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.
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
Join the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind as we present every-day, out-of-the-box accessibility features of Windows and iOS while exploring inexpensive or free apps that add additional layers of accessibility. This session will be informative and interactive with ample time for questions and hands-on learning with our Assistive Technology Instructor. Bring your laptop or iOS mobile device and practice new skills on the spot as we empower you to fully engage with today's technological world without breaking the bank.
Learn more! Visit East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind online.
Emergency Preparedness Bingo
Presented by: FEMA Region 6
Location: Workshop
Discover how you can be ready for an emergency! Get informed about how to make a plan at this fun and interactive game-based workshop. Gain vital personal preparedness tips to help you create realistic plans to meet your needs, maintain your independence, and recover from emergency and disaster situations.
Learn more: ready.gov/disability
Special Note:
Are you looking for the workshop "Is Your Lifestyle Giving You GAS? Learn About Long-Term Stress and its Effect on the Gut," originally scheduled for to be presented Friday, December 2 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm? Faith Louise Cooper, the speaker for that workshop, was unable to attend the show due to unforeseen circumstances. If you would like to know more about her workshop topic, please reach out to her via her website, BeyondEmpowermentServices.com.
Accessible Memories: Defying Limits One Destination at a Time
Presented by: Kristy Durso, Owner, Incredible Memories Travel
Location: Workshop
Join disability advocate and travel agent Kristy Durso to discuss different areas of special needs travel: 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 willing to defy limitations to create a more accessible world. Whether near and far, adventurous, or relaxed, she believes travel is empowering, and should be experienced by all, not just the able-bodied. Join her to defy limits and open the world of travel to all!
Learn More! Visit Kristy's website incrediblememoriestravel.com.
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! Visit https://helphopelive.org.
Finding Solutions for Multiple Medication Overload
Presented by: Jay Gupta, RPh, 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! Visit christopherreeve.org.
Access the World: Tips for Traveling with a Disability
Presented by: Debra Kerper, Easy Access Travel
Location: Workshop
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! Visit EasyAccessTravel.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! Visit https://projectdsnp.com.
Accessible Home Design: The Basics
Presented by: Wayne Broadfield, III, AIA, Associate Director of Architecture Services, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
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.
Learn More! Visit pva.org/AccessibleDesign.
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Workshop
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; however, standing participants are also welcome. Featuring elements of weight training, Zumba, and pom-pom dance. Learn more about the many benefits of seated fitness classes!
Learn more! Visit WOW Wheelchair Fitness.