Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!
Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of events so you can try sports and dance, 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 Abilities Expo Houston! 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
Artist Market
Presented by: Achievement Through the Arts
Location: Booth #1126
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.
Assistive Technology Showcase
Presented by: Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP)
Location: Booth #921
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 at the TTAP website.
Emergency Preparedness Resource Booth
Presented by: FEMA Region 6
Location: Booth #535
Meet representatives of disability and emergency management organizations who are active in emergency planning and are working to ensure the Houston and greater Texas region will be more resilient when disaster strikes. 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. Share your questions and concerns! Pick up free information and resources!
Learn more! National resources available at ready.gov/disability. Texas resources available at texasready.gov.
Friday, August 4, 2023
12:00pm – 12:30pm
Low Impact Combo Adaptive Fitness Class
Presented by: Desiree Ochoa, Fitness Instructor, YMCA Houston
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 at ymcahouston.org.
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Wheelchair Soccer
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at Houston area adaptive sports and recreation.
2:00pm - 2:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
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.
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Wheelchair Fencing
Presented by: Liz Mayerich, Daniel Gorman, and Hayley Gillen of Houston Sword Sports
Location: Events Arena
Discover the fast-paced sport of wheelchair fencing! To play this version of sword fighting, the competitors sitting in wheelchairs that are anchored to the ground. They use their weapons to attack and defend. The sport includes three weapons - each with different targets, rules, and styles. Come learn more about the weapons used and the basics of wheelchair fencing. Paralympic fencers will demonstration for you with an exhibition bout. Finally ... you'll get a chance to suit up and try fencing with one of our coaches. Want to learn more? Check out this video!
Learn more at houstonswords.com.
Saturday, August 5, 2023
12:00pm – 12:45pm
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 how one acquires a service dog, support available to assist with covering the costs, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn more at CDK's website.
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Face Painting
Presented by: Houston Face Painting
Location: Next to the Events Arena
Enjoy your whimsical side with artistry that transforms your look—it's all about imagination! Visit the professional face painter - choose from fairies, flowers and butterflies to your favorite animals, pirates, Superheroes and beyond. For younger expo attendees under the age of 18. All products used are water-based and tested for use on skin. Please see Houston Face Painting Disclaimer for additional details.
Learn more at houstonfacepainting.net.
1:00pm – 1:45pm
Tennis for Everyone!
Presented by: USTA Texas Adaptive/Wheelchair Tennis 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, the Adaptive Standing Tennis Wikipedia page and jeffbourns.com.
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Adaptive Tabata Fitness
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
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 other! Check out this video to get a sneak peek!
Learn more at Houston area adaptive sports and recreation.
3:00pm - 3:45pm
Wheelchair Lacrosse
Presented by: Louis Nicolosi, Houston Apollos Wheelchair Lacrosse coach and the Houston Adapted Sports Club
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at houstonadaptedsportsclub.org.
4:00pm - 4:45pm
Adaptive Soccer
Presented by: Lone Star Adaptive Soccer
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at lonestaradaptivesoccer.org.
Sunday, August 6, 2023
11:00am - 3:00pm
Face Painting
Presented by: Houston Face Painting
Location: Next to the Events Arena
Enjoy your whimsical side with artistry that transforms your look—it's all about imagination! Visit the professional face painter - choose from fairies, flowers and butterflies to your favorite animals, pirates, Superheroes and beyond. For younger expo attendees under the age of 18. All products used are water-based and tested for use on skin. Please see Houston Face Painting Disclaimer for additional details.
Learn more at houstonfacepainting.net.
12:00pm – 12:45pm
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 how one acquires a service dog, support available to assist with covering the costs, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn more at CDK's website.
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Meet Your Favorite Cosplay Superhero Characters!
Presented by: Causeplay Alliance Project
Location: Throughout the Expo Hall
Meet your favorite superhero, princess, movie, and television characters! This year's theme is superheroes! Causeplay Alliance Project will be at Abilities Expo Houston on Sunday, August 6 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.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Sitting Volleyball
Presented by: Houston Adapted Sports Club
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at houstonadaptedsportsclub.org.
2:15pm - 3:15pm
Adaptive Pickleball
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at Houston area adaptive sports and recreation.