Latest Tech & Disability Products
Abilities Expo brings you thousands of game-changing tech, products and services. Regardless of the type and level of your disability, we strive to provide the resources you need.
Houston, We're Back!
We can't wait to show you all of products, technologies and resources to help you up your game! Buckle up for a slew of adaptive sports, fun dance opportunities, cosplay, info-packed workshops and more. It's all free so join us and register today.
Our Sponsors
Our Sponsors
Informative Workshops
Attend free, info-packed workshops on issues that matter to you. Get tips on getting healthy, making your home accessible and disability employment. There's more, check it out!
Interactive Events and Features
Try such inclusive activities as adaptive sports, dance, and so much more for the kids of all ages! If something sparks your interest, you can find out how to engage year-round.
Must-See and Can't-Miss Expo Experiences
There is just so much to see and do at Abilities Expo. Here are a few opportunities you don't want to let pass you by.
Cool Show Features
Emergency Preparedness
What if disaster strikes? Gain vital personal preparedness tips to help you create realistic plans to meet your needs and maintain your independence if the worst happens.
Meet Your Favorite Cosplayers
Which superhero, princess or movie personality do you want to take a selfie with? Meet these fun characters as they peruse the Expo Hall on Sunday from noon to 3pm
Care for Caregivers
Learn to build your own self-care prescription pad, manage stressors and replenish your energy throughout the day so that you can better be there for your disabled loved one.
Plan Your Visit to Abilities Expo
Don’t miss our life-enhancing exhibits, dynamic workshops and fun events for kids of all ages!
Calendar
All Day, Every Day
Friday, August 4, 2023
Saturday, August 5, 2023
11:45am – 12:45pm What You Wish You Knew About Your Manual Wheelchair, But Were Afraid to Ask Workshop
2:30 – 4:00pm Tell Your Story, Let the National Paralysis Resource Center Hear Your Voice - Caregiving Listening Sessions Room 108
3:45 – 4:45pm The Texas ABLE Program: The State's Savings Program for Texans with Disabilities Workshop
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Disability Services for Expo-goers
In our efforts to ensure a positive show experience, Abilities Expo endeavors to accommodate the disability community with a host of special show services including loaner scooters, sign language interpretation, free wheelchair, captioning services for the workshop and so much more!
Special Show Services for People with Disabilities
Loaner Scooters & W/C Repair
Free loaner scooters are available during show hours on a first come, first served basis. Is your wheelchair in need of a tune-up? Swing by the Free Wheelchair Repair Pavilion for minor maintenance.
Sign Language & CART Services
American Sign Language interpretation services will be available for those who need translation. All workshops are captioned through CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services.
Large Print Accommodations
Large print versions of the exhibitor list and the events/workshops schedule will be available by request at the registration counters.
Assistance Animals Play Critical Role
Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent.
Service Dogs
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Canines for Disabled Kids
Saturday, August 5: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
Sunday, August 6: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with many different disabilities. Find out the many ways service dogs can help achieve independence in people's lives—from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money! Service dogs are available for many different types of disability, including vision and hearing loss, mobility, autism and seizure/allergy alert. Learn about funding support, the process to acquire a dog and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn the Latest Adaptive Dance Moves
Dancing is great for the body, and even better for spirit! Don’t miss your change to get in the groove while improving fitness, strength and endurance.
Inclusive Dance
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Friday, August 4: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
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!
Get in the Game with Adaptive Sports
The sidelines are no place for you so take your pick from a variety of interactive, adaptive sports. Not only will you get the blood pumping, improve fitness and build confidence, the fun factor is off the charts!
Adaptive Sports & Fitness
Adaptive Soccer
Adaptive Tabata Fitness
Low Impact Combo Adaptive Fitness Class
Sitting Volleyball
Tennis for Everyone!
Wheelchair Fencing
Wheelchair Lacrosse
Wheelchair Soccer
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Adaptive Pickleball
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Sunday, August 6: 2:15 - 3:15 pm
Pickleball is a fun sport that is gaining popularity among people of all ages. Players use a paddle and wiffle ball plus a sport chair if needed. The game combines elements of ping pong, tennis, and badminton. Come try pickleball for yourself and see if this could be your new adaptive sport!
Adaptive Soccer
Presented by: Lonestar Adaptive Soccer
Saturday, August 5: 4:00 - 4:45 pm
Adaptive soccer offers the opportunity for athletes of all ages and with a variety of limb differences to play soccer in both recreational and competitive settings. Come learn about this sport, watch a demonstration, see the equipment, and even try it for yourself!
Adaptive Tabata Fitness
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Saturday, August 5: 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Tabata Fitness is a type of HIIT—High Intensity Interval Training—fitness that is a lot of fun and delivers a full body workout! It's a great way to build your strength and endurance and classes don't need to be long. Come check out the fun equipment used for Tabata Fitness and enjoy a high energy class with others!
Low Impact Combo Adaptive Fitness Class
Presented by: L'Orne J. Lazaro, Healthy Living Program Manager, and Neylane Coelho, Personal Training Lead, Katy YMCA
Friday, August 4: 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Experience adaptive fitness! The Staying Driven Fitness program developed by Steph Roach is unique in the way it caters to the specific needs of the adaptive and aging population. This program merges top-notch coaching with a supportive community to help everyday people achieve greater fitness potential. This educational, interactive experience is available to the public regardless of age, location, abilities, or skill level.
Sitting Volleyball
Presented by: Houston Adapted Sports Club
Sunday, August 6: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Discover the sport of sitting volleyball! Sitting Volleyball is a discipline of volleyball where athletes play in a seated position. Anyone can play the sport recreationally! For those who are more competitive, this is a Paralympic sport. Come see the sport played and learn the fundamentals - including bump, set, and spike. The best thing is that you'll get to participate and give this sport a try!
Tennis for Everyone!
Presented by: USTA Texas Adaptive/Wheelchair Tennis and Jeff Bourns, American Amputee Tennis Player
Saturday, August 5: 1:00 - 1:45pm
Come discover how tennis allows opportunities for anyone to play and enjoy the sport! Join us to try both wheelchair and adapted tennis. Meet Jeff Bourns, who helped popularize and pioneer the growth and development of organized Adaptive Standing Tennis. Find out how you can play tennis in your area. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Wheelchair Frncing
Presented by: Liz Mayerich, Daniel Gorman, and Hayley Gillen of Houston Sword Sports
Saturday, August 5: 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Discover the fast-paced sport of wheelchair fencing! To play this version of sword fighting, the competitors sit in wheelchairs anchored to the ground and use their weapons to attack and defend. Come learn more about the three different weapons used as well as the different targets, rules and styles. Then you'll get a chance to suit up and try fencing with one of our coaches.
Wheelchair Lacrosse
Presented by: Louis Nicolosi, Houston Apollos Wheelchair Lacrosse coach and the Houston Adapted Sports Club
Lacrosse is a fast-paced, full contact sport utilizing numerous skills to catch, carry, pass, and shoot a ball into a goal using a lacrosse stick. It is a great off-season companion sport to basketball with the season running between the months of May to August. Wheelchair lacrosse offers the complete package—the speed of basketball, the skill of hockey, and the toughness of rugby. Come out and learn about this exciting sport and try it for yourself!
Wheelchair Soccer
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Friday, August 4: 12:45pm – 1:45pm
Wheelchair soccer—known as "wheelchair football" outside of the USA—is a fun, exciting adaptive version of the international sport of the same name. Enjoy a demo, ask questions, try the sport for yourself, and find out where you can play this sport in the Houston region!
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Friday, August 4: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
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.
AT Showcase: Interact with Tomorrow's Technology Today
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved
ones bridge the gap between ability and disability!
Assistive Technology Showcase
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! See and try a selection of assistive technology, with options for all disabilities. TTAP staff are available to offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge. To help you find the most appropriate technology for your abilities and needs. TTAP develops programs to improve access, advocacy, and awareness of Assistive Technology to meet the needs of Texans with disabilities.
Experience Creativity at the Artist Market
The area's most celebrated artists with disabilities will feature an eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry. From paintings, 3-D printed art, jewelry, word search books, gift items, prints, photography and more. These amazing works will be available for appreciation and purchase.
Adaptive Art
Achievement Through The Arts challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. They are an expert resource on inclusive arts—creating and maintaining an accessible and open community where everyone can participate. Their goal is to provide support and training to the public, enhance personal growth, and offer Texans access to the creative work of people with diverse abilities.
Artists' Alley, Patient Housing Assistance
Founded in 2019, Patient Housing Assistance (PHA) is a Houston based 501c3 organization dedicated in providing financial assistance to patients traveling to the Texas Medical Center. After identifying the need for housing assistance and personally interacting with families who could not afford the cost of housing along with treatment, PHA was formed. Many of these patients chose to forgo much needed, and in some cases life-saving, treatment due to financial constraints. Patient Housing Assistance was created to help offset housing expenses, so patients can focus on their cure and not the pressure of housing costs.
Doddman Gallery
Brian Dodd of Doddman Gallery is an autistic adult who has always loved drawing creatures of his imagination. Brian was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, autism, in October 1992. He attended pre-school at the Westview School and was ultimately mainstreamed into HISD. Brian graduated Lamar High School in 2008. Encouraged by his friends, Jay and Sherry Chatfield, who owned the Copper Cactus in Ingram, Texas, Brian began to put the ideas from years of his drawings of the creatures of his imagination on canvas in 2009. His works are primarily acrylic on canvas where he shares his sense of humor in the names he gives to his creations.
Geronimo Morales – Jewelry and Painting
You'll find gems by GMO Jewelry of all kinds made with different textiles and materials. The wide variety of beautiful, eclectic earrings, bracelets and rings are favorites among Texas locals. But Geronino Morales' talent does not end there! He will also have gorgeous small paintings on canvas painted with acrylic and texture for you to appreciate. They also make great gifts!
Lillian Walker – PolkadotPhantom
I'm here, I'm queer, my chronic pain is moderate too severe.
My name is Lilli and I run PolkadotPhantom. I started with just a few sticker designs in 2020 and have grown to over 20 designs and so many more products to keep the humor alive while being disabled.
My designs express an unapologetic attitude about being disabled and the symptoms and daily struggles that come with it.
I am excited to be selling in person for the first time at the Abilities Expo and meet more people from my community in person.
My name is Lilli and I run PolkadotPhantom.
Magio Madjerec
Magio Madjerec Is the creator of Epic Wars Confrontation (EWC), the fun living card game (LCG) for 2 to 6 players. Each deck comes with its own Hero, cards, life dial and battle die. Players fight each other until only person is left standing.
Whimsy Word Search
Claire Theriot Mestepey is the creator of Whimsy Word Search, with over 80 coloring books on Amazon. What gives her story of a strong woman trying to build a business while raising a happy family a twist is that she has a severe physical disability.
In 2020, Claire finished her first full-length novel, Pillars. The Modern Romance Fantasy novel is about living with a disability, magic, and true love. The second novel in this series, Realms, was released in May 2023. She hopes to have enough fans to be able to continue the story. For more information about Claire and her books, please visit www.whimsywordsearch.com.
Younique Abilities – Apparel, Jewelry and More
Younique Abilities is a small business selling Autism Awareness merchandise which is handmade with love by individuals with unique Abilities vs disabilities. We cannot wait to see you at the Abilities Expo in Houston, Texas.
On day, we hope and dream to open a storefront and hire individuals with unique abilities and let them spread their wings and fly.
Getting to Abilities Expo
NRG Center, Hall E
One NRG Park
Houston, TX 77054
Directions, Parking and Transpo
Get Directions to the Expo from any Location
For map of NRG Center (Formerly Reliant Center), click here.
Directions From the North:
- Take I-45 (south) or Hwy. 59 (south) to Hwy. 288 (south)
- Take Hwy. 288 (south) to 610 Loop (west)
- Take 610 (west) to Fannin or South Main exit
- Exit and turn right on Fannin or South Main
- From Fannin turn left on Naomi or Holly Hall
- From South Main turn right on McNee
- Enter main gate at Reliant Center
Directions From the South:
- Take I-45 (north) or Hwy. 288 (north) to 610 (west) to Fannin or South Main exit
- Exit and turn right on Fannin or South Main
- From Fannin turn left on Naomi or Holly Hall
- From South Main turn right on McNee
- Enter main gate at Reliant Center
Directions From the East:
- Take I-10 (west) to 610 (south)
- Take 610 (south) to Fannin or South Main exit
- Exit and turn right on Fannin or South Main
- From Fannin turn left on Naomi or Holly Hall
- From South Main turn right on McNee
- Enter main gate at Reliant Center
Directions From the West:
- Take I-10 (east) to 610 (south)
- Take 610 (south) to South Main or Fannin exit
- Exit and turn left on South Main or Fannin
- From Fannin turn left on Naomi or Holly Hall
- From South Main turn right on McNee
- Enter main gate at Reliant Center
Parking and Drop-off
To access parking, exit Kirby Drive off of 610, enter property at Gate 10 on McNee and proceed to the Red Lot. Accessible parking is in the Red Lot, Zone 4. There will be cones and staff to help guide everyone during event days as well as to help with drop-offs and parking the ADA spots in the Red Lot (as long as you have the appropriate ADA plates/tags).
Parking is $20/entry and is subject to change. No NRG Center parking gates will accept cash.
Gate 12 will be for exhibitor access. Expo attendees should enter through Gate 3, 10 or 11. Please visit www.nrgpark.com for up-to-date information.
Transpo to the Expo
Public Transportation Accessible travel
Free Curbside Shuttle Service between the Abilities Expo Hotels and NRG Center:
Provided by NRG Center
Complimentary accessible shuttle service will be offered by NRG Center to service Abilities Expo hotels. Each shuttle can accommodate up to 20 people and two wheelchairs. Service will run continuously one hour prior to the start of the Expo through the end of the show each day.
METRORail:
METRORail provides accessible travel for people with disabilities all over Houston as both the stations and rail cars are easily accessed. On the train, four benches with white embroidered seats with the universal logo of a person in a wheelchair clearly mark the section reserved for wheelchairs. The benches flip up so a person in a wheelchair can glide into that space and sit securely during a ride.
Please click here to plan your itinerary. METRO has a Reliant Center stop.
METRO Busses:
METRO buses have ramps or lifts and two designated wheelchair spaces on every bus. Most busses are “kneeling” buses, which means the bus can lower itself closer to street level, so a person can more easily step on-board. METRO ADA Administrator Ann Dendor recommends that people with a disability look to engage the regular service first because it is so accessible. "We are committed to a public transportation system that everyone can use. We encourage persons with disabilities to take advantage of the freedom, independence, flexibility and reliability that is provided by our accessible bus and rail network," she says. Click here for bus schedules.
METROLift:
People with a disability that prevents them from boarding, riding or disembarking from a regular fixed-route bus—event a bus equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp—may apply to be eligible for METROLift, METRO's curb-to-curb, paratransit, shared-ride service. More than 6,000 patrons are transported by this service each day.
METROLift uses wheelchair lift- or ramp-equipped vans, four-door sedans and minivans to provide service. Persons using wheelchairs and scooters will be accommodated with lift- or ramp-equipped vans. Boarding chairs are available to assist any patron who is unable to access the van using the stairs. Please note that patrons cannot request specific vehicle types. Patrons who can walk will ride on vans and/or sedans based on which vehicle is nearest the patron at the time the trip is scheduled.
As METROLift is a shared-ride service, each vehicle makes several stops en route to its various destinations. When scheduling, patrons must remember to allow sufficient time to stop and pick up others. A minimum of one hour travel time should be allowed for your trips and two hours for longer trips traveling across the service area. If you have an appointment, it is highly recommended that you move the appointment time one hour earlier to allow for unexpected delays in service.
You may make reservations seven days a week between 5 am and 5 pm. Now, with three ways to book your trip, getting around town has never been easier.
- Reservations via phone: Call (713) 225-6716 to speak with a representative to book your trip.
- MACS: Call (713) 225-6716 then press the #1 to use the automated trip scheduling system.
- MACS-WEB: Schedule your trip online quickly and easily
Private Transportation
Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)
Phone: (713) 699-0000
Uber has brought in a number of accessible vehicles to accommodate travel to teh Expo. If you need an accessible vehicle, go to your Uber app and, when it tells you to choose a vehicle, keep swiping right until you get to WAV.
United Cab Houston
Phone: (713) 699-0000
Website: http://www.unitedcab.com/wheelchair_taxi.aspx
United Cab offers wheelchair accessible vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs and scooters up to 31" wide. Indicate your preference for a wheelchair accessible taxi when you call in and please note that these vehicles are limited in availability. Regular taxi fares apply for wheelchair accessible taxis and up to three additional passengers ride at no extra charge.
Yellow Cab Houston
Phone: (713) 236-1111
Website: https://houstonyellowcab.com/wheelchair_taxi.aspx
Please specify that you require a wheelchair accessible taxi when you place your order. Each wheelchair accessible Yellow Cab uses a fully modified lowered floor with rear-entry access and accommodates wheelchairs and scooters up to 31" wide. Regular taxi fares apply for wheelchair accessible taxis and up to three additional passengers ride at no extra charge.
Meet the Ambassadors
Local disability activists spearhead Abilities Expo's community outreach initiatives.
Ambassador Program
Ana Calvo
It was at the University of Houston-Downtown that Ana Calvo became the president of the student organization for people with disabilities and, through this role, that she discovered her love for advocating for the rights of others with disabilities.
Ana received her Bachelors in Arts of Social Science with concentrations in Psychology and Sociology and a Minor in Political Science in 2002. She went on to get her Masters in Social Work from the University of Houston College Of Social Work in 2007.
Michelle Colvard
A native Houstonian, this former Ms. Wheelchair America (2009) and Ms. Wheelchair Texas (2008), graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of Houston and earned her Master's degree in Health Promotion from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Born with spina bifida, Michelle has used a wheelchair since the 6th grade, but those who know her don't think of her as "disabled."
With her background in health research, Michelle emphasizes the importance for everyone to make their own health a priority. She reminds us that those of us who have physical limitations can still be healthy and active. She herself stays active with daily exercise at her gym, and through recreational activities such as snow skiing, wheelchair sports, kayaking and Taekwondo.
Olga L. Guerra
My name is Olga L. Guerra and I am a parent of an adult child who has cerebral palsy. I am a very involved parent and have been advocating for Araceli since she was diagnosed at the age of six months.
Araceli was born “normal,” but as she grew she was not meeting developmental milestones. Her pediatrician suggested we see a neurologist, so we did. Dr. Bohan diagnosed Araceli with microcephaly, but he explained that he was going to label her with CP so she could access more resources. This was Greek to me but I agreed. Little did I know that having the CP label was a good thing. As she grew, she was also diagnosed with mental retardation, speech impairment, an orthopedic impairment and a physical impairment.
Meridith Silcox
Meridith has a Master's degree in developmental psychology and 15 years of experience in the field of disability, including 3 years of experience in adaptive sports at the Y. She is currently the Association Accessibility and Inclusion Director for the YMCA of Greater Houston. She will be supporting efforts to create inclusive opportunities across the association and within our communities.
When she is not at the Y she serves as a commissioner with the Houston Commission on Disability, Chair of the Disability Employment and Transition Committee, and has recently completed the Texas Partners in Policymaking program. In all areas she continues to advocate for access and inclusion for ALL, with a particular passion for access to meaningful employment.
Stephanie Woodward
Stephanie Woodward is a passionate Disability Rights activist and proud disabled person. She is the Director of Advocacy at the Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) a disability led, not-for-profit Corporation that works for national, state, and local systemic change to advance the rights of people with disabilities. Stephanie is also a member of ADAPT, a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom. Stephanie has been arrested multiple times while advocating for Disability Rights.