Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!
Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of special events to give you the opportunity to test your own skills, expand your interests, and find programs in the local area.
All events take place in the Auti Angel Events Arena unless otherwise noted.
There's a lot going on at Abilities Expo! Be sure to also check out the Exhibitors and Workshops.
* PLEASE NOTE dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Abilities Expo is not responsible for the materials or opinions of the speakers.
All Day, Every Day
Artist Market
Presented by: Art Spark Texas (formerly VSA Texas)
Location: Booth #226
Meet the region's artists with disabilities and shop their eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry. From photographs and paintings to graphic design - available for both appreciation and purchase. Artist Market sponsor Art Spark 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! Visit Art Spark Texas' website.
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Coloplast and Mark Wellman, No Limits
Location: Booth #441
Discover adaptive climbing! A sport that's open to people of ALL abilities! Plus, meet the best person to learn adaptive climbing from - Mark Wellman of No Limits! Mark has a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is an adventure athlete, speaker, and author. Come climb the wall 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! Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger. 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! Visit No Limits.
Assistive Technology Showcase
Presented by: Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP)
Location: Booth #735
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.
Learn more! Visit TTAP online.
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Location: Booth #656
Test drive the Ainsley's Angels athletic ride-along experience! This experience is for anyone who would otherwise not be able 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 spirit. Visit the Ainsley's Angels of America booth so you can 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! Visit the Ainsley's Angels of America website.
Friday, August 5, 2022
12:00pm – 12:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: Events Arena
Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with different disabilities. Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life – assisting with tasks like picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money and more! Service dogs are available people with different disabilities, 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! Visit CDK's website.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Dance with The Rollettes Los Angeles!
Presented by The Rollettes Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes Los Angeles, an incredible wheelchair dance team. These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs and content creation they dazzle and push the boundaries that others place in the way. Following their performance, it's your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves. Come fulfill your dreams to dance!
Learn more! Visit rollettesdance.com and follow The Rollettes on Instagram and TikTok @Rollettes_LA.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Low Impact Combo Adaptive Fitness Class
Presented by: Katy YMCA Group Exercise Instructor
Location: Events Arena
Move through a variety of fun, low-impact exercises designed to increase your muscular strength and range of movement as well as cardiovascular fitness.
Learn more! Visit the YMCA of Greater Houston website.
Saturday, August 6, 2022
11:45am – 12:30pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: Events Arena
Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with different disabilities. Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life – assisting with tasks like picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money and more! Service dogs are available people with different disabilities, 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! Visit CDK's website.
1:00pm – 1:45pm
Tennis for Everyone!
Presented by: Cindy Benzon, Community Services Coordinator / Adaptive & Wheelchair Tennis, USTA Texas and Jeff Bourns, American Amputee Tennis Player
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at the USTA Texas website.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Dance with The Rollettes Los Angeles!
Presented by The Rollettes Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes Los Angeles, an incredible wheelchair dance team. These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs and content creation they dazzle and push the boundaries that others place in the way. Following their performance, it's your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves. Come fulfill your dreams to dance!
Learn more! Visit rollettesdance.com and follow The Rollettes on Instagram and TikTok @Rollettes_LA.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Wheelchair Fencing
Presented by: Liz Mayerich, Daniel Gorman, and Hayley Gillen of Houston Sword Sports
Location: Events Arena
Learn about the Paralympic sport of fencing! In this fast-paced version of sword fighting, competitors sit in wheelchairs that are anchored to the ground and use their weapons to attack and defend. There are three weapons, all with different target, rules, and styles. In this demo, you will learn about the three weapons and the basics of wheelchair fencing. You'll get to see two Paralympic fencers in an exhibition bout. And finally, you'll get a chance to suit up and try fencing with one of our coaches. Give it a try today!
Learn more! Visit houstonswords.com.
Sunday, August 7, 2022
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Meet Your Favorite Cosplay Characters!
Presented by: Causeplay Alliance Project
Location: Throughout the Expo Hall
Meet your favorite superhero, princess, movie, and television characters! Causeplay Alliance Project will be at Abilities Expo Houston on Sunday, August 7 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Meet them as they walk throughout the Expo Hall – bringing magic, smiles, and fun with them!
Learn more! Visit the CAP Facebook Page and check out their video from the 2019 Houston Buddy Walk.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Ayita Wheelchair Dance Performance 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! Visit them at their Facebook page.