Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!
Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of activities and demonstrations! So you can try sports and dance, learn about service dogs, 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 the first-ever Abilities Expo Fort Lauderdale! 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: Coloplast and Mark Wellman, No Limits
Location: Booth #623
Come climb 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 Ft. Lauderdale 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.
Zot Artz Experience
Presented by: Dwayne Szot, Zot Artz
Location: Booth #915
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, October 13, 2023
11:45am – 12:30pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: 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.
12:45pm – 1:45pm
Tennis for All!
Presented by: USTA Florida
Location: Events Arena
Come discover one of the most inclusive wheelchair sports - tennis! Join us to try the sport and learn about opportunities for both recreational and competitive play. Meet your local USTA Florida tennis service representatives and find out how you can play tennis in your area! All ages and abilities are welcome!
Learn more at https://www.ustaflorida.com/wheelchair-tennis/.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Founder, W.O.W. Fitness & Wellness
Location: 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.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
12:00pm – 12:45pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Founder, W.O.W. Fitness & Wellness
Location: 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.
1:00pm – 1:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: 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.
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Physically Integrated Dance!
Presented by: Karen Peterson Dancers
Location: Events Arena
Come enjoy an incredible opportunity to see a performance by the first full-time dance company in Florida that performs choreography by dancers with and without disabilities. Dancers from the Karen Peterson Dance Company will present a physically-integrated dance piece for show attendees. Which will be followed by a workshop facilitated by the dancers for audience members - an opportunity for everyone to dance! Karen Peterson Dancers was founded in 1990 and is an award-winning dance company that "is redefining dance" (Joanne Green, Miami New Times).
Learn more at karenpetersondancers.org/.
Sunday, October 15, 2023
11:45am - 12:45pm
Wheelchair Rugby
Presented by: South Florida Rattlers Wheelchair Rugby Team
Location: 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 facebook.com/RattlersRugby.
1:00pm – 1:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: 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.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Founder, W.O.W. Fitness & Wellness
Location: 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.