Activities and demos make the total Abilities experience
Here's what we did in 2019.
Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2020.
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 #226
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 #656
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 #835
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
Adaptive Fitness - Tabata Workout
Presented by: Hannah Walker, Houston Parks and Recreation
Location: Events Arena
Tabata is a timed interval training program. From rowing machines to battle ropes, the workout is tailored to the individual and to the individual disability. Short on time? We have 4 minute Tabata workouts for the beginner all the way to advanced circuit training for the professional athlete. Bring your friends and family, get a workout in! Check out different ways to adapt!!
Learn more: https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html
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
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
Adapted Tennis
Presented by: Jeff Bourns
Come out to both watch and try adapted tennis! Lead by Jeff Bourns, Adaptive Touring Tennis Professional, we will take an in-depth look at adapted standing tennis.
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/
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
TIRR Memorial Hermann Adapted Sports
Presented by: Peggy Turner, CTRS-Adapted Sports Coordinator & Callie Martin, CTRS-Recreation Therapist, TIRR Memorial Hermann
Location: Events Arena
An introduction to Adapted Sports and Recreation opportunities for people with physical disabilities in the Greater Houston Area. Come experience the basics and learn about TIRR Memorial Hermann's three Wheelchair Basketball Teams, Wheelchair Rugby Team, two Wheelchair Softball Teams, track & field support, Gateway to Gold event and other adapted sports for youth and adults.
Learn more: http://tirr.memorialhermann.org/patient-resources/adaptive-sports/
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
The Stage Awaits! Let's Put On A Play! (Ages 3 and up)
Presented by: LaKeisha Randall, A.D. Players
Location: Events Arena
Participants of all ages are welcomed to join A.D. Players in co-writing and performing a play! Based on guided improv, actors will have the opportunity to sing, act and dance and express thenselves without limits. Costume pieces will be provided as we work together to present the Abilities Expo: Play of the Day. If you have always wanted to be on the stage or interested in seeing what creating a magical play is all about, join us as we bring our characters to life. All you need to bring is your imagination..... we'll take care of the rest!
Learn more: https://www.adplayers.org/arts-for-all
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
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
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/
Wheelchair Rugby
Presented by: Hannah Walker, Houston Parks and Recreation
Location: Events Arena
Come out and try wheelchair rugby AKA Murderball! Meet local Houston athletes and learn about the sport of wheelchair rugby. Wheelchair rugby is for athletes with physical disabilities with impairment in at least three limbs. Although most have spinal cord injuries, players may also qualify through multiple amputations, neurological conditions an other medical conditions. Wheelchair rugby is all over the world and is governed by the United States Quad Rugby Association. Let us help find a team in your area! We provide the chairs and the instruction, come crash in!!
Learn more: https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html
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. 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.
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
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
Adapted Dance
Presented by: Houston Ballet
Location: Events Arena
Join the Houston Ballet for a dance class! Classes are adapted to populations with specific needs including but not limited to Parkinson's Disease and Down Syndrome to increase strength, flexibility and balance, while exploring creatively.
Learn more: https://www.houstonballet.org/about/ece/adapted-dance/