Houston Event and Activites

Adaptive Climbing Wall

Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe

Sponsored by: Liberator Medical Supply, Inc.

Location: Booth #541

Adaptive climbing is a sport that is open to people of all abilities! It's not just for experienced athletes. There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark has SCI and is an adventure athlete, speaker and author. Come climb the wall using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and adaptive sports gear! Climbing has tremendous benefits - building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength, and improving flexibility. And it's fun! Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and he is the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. He dedicates his time to improving the quality of life for adults and children with disabilities including disabled war veterans.
Learn more: www.nolimitstahoe.com

Artist Market

Presented by: VSA Texas

Location: Booth #TBD

Meet the region's artists with disabilities! Shop their original, unforgettable artistry: photographs, paintings, graphic design and more. Their amazing works will be available for appreciation and purchase. Artist Market sponsor VSA Texas 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.
Learn more: www.vsatx.org

Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience

Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America

Location: Booth #TBD

Test-drive the Ainsley's Angels athletic ride-along experience! For anyone who would otherwise be unable to experience endurance events - Ainsley's Angels creates "Angel Teams" by pairing Athlete riders with runners to compete in endurance events and road races. The Athlete rider is the core of the team and pulls the runner across the finish line with smiles, cheers and immeasurable inspirational spirit. Be sure to visit the Ainsley's Angels of America booth to sign up to experience the thrill TODAY! First-person-first-served. A limited number of race experience times are available on each day of the Expo.
Learn more: www.ainsleysangels.org

Assistive Technology Showcase

Sponsored by: Texas Technology Access Program

Location: Booth #TBD

Explore how assistive technology (AT) can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! Discover an array of AT for people of all disabilities to experience hands-on. Staff will offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge to help determine the most appropriate technology match for your abilities and situations. TTAP is dedicated to increasing the access for people with disabilities to AT that provides them more control over their surroundings and an enhanced ability to function independently. They develop programs to improve access, advocacy and awareness of assistive technology to meet the needs of Texans with disabilities.
Learn more: http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu

12:00pm – 12:45pm

Roll This Way! Be Unbreakable.

Presented by Ali McManus

Location: Events Arena

Join Singer, Songwriter & Motivational Speaker Ali McManus for a musical performance and sing-along! In a wheelchair since she was 7 years old, Ali writes songs that reflect her life and inspire with her joyful message of resilience and positivity. Legendary producer, Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon), produced Ali's highly acclaimed debut album, "Unbreakable." In her exuberant new music video, "Roll This Way," Ali joins rock star Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), along with skaters, dancers & friends to "roll your own way." We're all here to live life without limits. Join Ali for her live show and fun sing-along!
Learn More: www.alimcmanus.com

1:00pm- 1:30pm

All About Service Dogs

Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids

Location: Events Arena

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 more: www.caninesforkids.org

2:00pm – 2:30pm

The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents!

Presented by: The Rollettes

Location: Events Arena

Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes Los Angeles, an incredible wheelchair dance team. The dance team performs unique and captivating routines across the country as well as sharing their stories of adversity and how through determination and high spirits they've gone on with their lives to fulfill their dreams to dance. Following the performance, it's your turn! Everyone will have a chance to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves.
Learn more: www.rollettesdance.com

3:00pm – 3:30pm

TBD

Presented by: TBD

TBD

3:45pm – 4:15pm

Pantomime Performing Troupe of the Down Syndrome Association of Houston

Presented by: Julithe Garrett, Artistic Director, Down Syndrome Association of Houston

Location: Events Arena

The Down Syndrome Association of Houston (DSAH) Pantomime Troupe has been entertaining the Houston community since 2010. The Troupe consists entirely of adults with Down syndrome who share a love of music, creative movement, and performing for others. Under the Artistic Direction of Julithe Garrett, the Troupe has performed at Jones Hall, Goodwill corporate outings, the Houston Buddy Walk, and various other events. Mr. Garrett has over 20 years of experience working with special-needs performers and enjoys giving them an opportunity to shine in their own way. He believes that learning to use gestures to communicate actions and emotions is particularly beneficial to individuals with Down syndrome, who often have some degree of speech impairment. Mr. Garrett has seen his students thrive and develop greater self-confidence as they learn and demonstrate Pantomime techniques and discover the depth of their inner creativity.
Learn more: dsah.org/pantomome-troupe/

11:15am – 11:45am

All About Service Dogs

Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids

Location: Events Arena

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 more: www.caninesforkids.org

12:00pm - 4:30pm

Face Painting

Presented by: Houston Face Painting

Location: Next to Events Arena

Face, arm, and hand painting are great ways for children to dress up - no costume required! Kids delight in this opportunity to transform their appearance! Painting is complimentary and paints are approved professional face paints that will wash off with soap and water. Just for kids age 18 and under. Based on availability – face painting is a popular activity and we recommend you arrive early to ensure a spot! Please note the line for face painting closes 30 minutes prior to the close of face painting for each day.
Learn more: www.houstonfacepainting.net

12:00pm – 12:45pm

ParaCheer

Presented by: ParaCheer Midwest representing USA Cheer

Location: Events Arena

Discover the new sport of ParaCheer! ParaCheer brings two kinds of athletes together: those with disabilities — or "with limitations," according to Team USA — and those without. Cheerleading, by nature, pushes boundaries and questions limitations, and these athletes are doing just that, modifying stunts and adjusting routines to create something new. ParaCheer Midwest will showcase their skills with a demonstration. Then you are invited to try it for yourselves! Bring your cheer!
Learn more: www.usacheer.org , http://cheerunion.org/disciplines/sach/ , www.facebook.com/ParaCheerMidwestUS/

1:00pm – 1:45pm

TBA

Presented by: TBD

Location: TBD

TBD

2:00pm – 2:30pm

The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents!

Presented by: The Rollettes

Location: Events Arena

Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes Los Angeles, an incredible wheelchair dance team. The dance team performs unique and captivating routines across the country as well as sharing their stories of adversity and how through determination and high spirits they've gone on with their lives to fulfill their dreams to dance. Following the performance, it's your turn! Everyone will have a chance to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves.
Learn more: www.rollettesdance.com

3:00pm – 3:30pm

Mock Cosplay Competition

Presented by: CosAbility

Location: Events Arena

CosAbility is back this year to host another Mock Cosplay Competition. This event was an attendee favorite last year! Dress as your favorite character and show off your best cosplay costumes. If you use a mobility device deck it out as part of your costume! It's not necessary, but it will look great! Meet fellow cosplayers from the disability community and express your style. All ages are welcome and all participants will receive a prize!
Learn more: www.cosability.com, www.facebook.com/CosAbility

4:00pm – 4:30pm

Ayita Wheelchair Dance Presentation and Class

Presented by: Ayita Wheelchair Dance

Location: Events Arena

Meet the young ladies of this amazing Texas-based wheelchair dance troupe! Ayita is a dance class for children who use wheelchairs. Their mission is to inspire, encourage, and build confidence! Abilities Expo is thrilled to welcome these talented young dancers to the show. They will be treating the crowd to thrilling performance. Then it's your chance to join them on the dance floor and learn some new moves at their dance class. Ayita is located in Fort Worth, TX.
Learn more: www.facebook.com/Ayitadance/

12:00pm - 3:30pm

Face Painting

Presented by: Masquerade Face Painting

Location: Next to Events Arena

Face, arm, and hand painting are great ways for children to dress up - no costume required! Kids delight in this opportunity to transform their appearance! Painting is complimentary, and paints are approved professional face paints that will wash off with soap and water. Based on availability – face painting is a popular activity and we recommend you arrive early to ensure a spot. Please note the line for face painting closes 30 minutes prior to the close of face painting for each day.

11:45am – 12:30pm

ParaCheer

Presented by: ParaCheer Midwest representing USA Cheer

Location: Events Arena

Discover the new sport of ParaCheer! ParaCheer brings two kinds of athletes together: those with disabilities — or "with limitations," according to Team USA — and those without. Cheerleading, by nature, pushes boundaries and questions limitations, and these athletes are doing just that, modifying stunts and adjusting routines to create something new. ParaCheer Midwest will showcase their skills with a demonstration. Then you are invited to try it for yourselves! Bring your cheer!
Learn more: www.usacheer.org , http://cheerunion.org/disciplines/sach/ , www.facebook.com/ParaCheerMidwestUS/

1:00pm – 1:30pm

The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents!

Presented by: The Rollettes

Location: Events Arena

Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes Los Angeles, an incredible wheelchair dance team. The dance team performs unique and captivating routines across the country as well as sharing their stories of adversity and how through determination and high spirits they've gone on with their lives to fulfill their dreams to dance. Following the performance, it's your turn! Everyone will have a chance to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves.
Learn more: www.rollettesdance.com

2:00pm – 2:30pm

Service Dog Demonstration

Presented by: Allie Keaton, My Service Dog

Location: Events Arena

Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with many different disabilities. Allie Keaton and service dog Amelia will demonstrate how service dogs work to achieve people's independence in various areas of their lives. Find out how these dogs can help with many different types of disability: physical disability, vision and hearing loss, mobility, autism and seizure/allergy alert. Learn how funding works to acquire a dog and what to expect from your service dog provider organization. Bring your questions!
Learn more: www.myservicedog.com