Activities and demos make the total Abilities experience
Here's what we did in 2018. Stay tuned for 2019!
Please check back three months
before the Expo for the new schedule.
Add some exciting new activities to your life? Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of events that not only entertain, they also give you the opportunity to try new things, expand your interests and discover ways to be more involved in the local Houston area.
All Day, Every Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Sponsored by: Liberator Medical Supply, Inc.
Location: Booth #1031
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
Assistive Technology Showcase
Sponsored by: Texas Technology Access Program
Location: Booth #821
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
Play Activity Area – NEW for 2018!
Presented by Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston
Location: Behind Events Arena, Booth #570
Come join in the fun! This play area is for kids to be kids! All abilities welcome! All day and every day will feature lots of free play and art activities. Explore, laugh, and play. Discover how much fun you can have! All activities will be open and unstructured. Resources about adaptive recreation and play opportunities will also be available.
The Play Activity Area provides an opportunity for children to play with parent oversight and involvement. The Area will be supervised by Shriners Hospitals for Children staff and volunteers. Activities are structured for children/teens 18 years old and younger. Parents/guardians are welcome to participate or observe. Length and frequency of play sessions will be based on availability. Multiple sessions will be possible at the same time as space allows. The Play Activity Area presented by Shriners Hospitals for Children is not child-care; parents/guardians must remain with children at all times.
Learn more: https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/houston/appointments-and-admissions
Friday, August 3, 2018
12:00pm – 12:30pm
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: http://dsah.org/pantomome-troupe/
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Location: Booth #561
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
1:00pm – 1:30pm
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
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Auti Angel's FreeStyle Dance Workshop
Presented by: Auti Angel, Abilities Expo "Dancebassador", star of Sundance Channel's Push Girls
Location: Events Arena
Everyone come dance! Enjoy a dance presentation from Auti Angel - the Abilities Expo "Dancebassador"! Then it's your turn to show us your moves! Auti will lead everyone in her one-of-a-kind workshop. Auti Angel, the pioneer of wheelchair Hip-Hop dancing, has danced with "Straight Outta Compton's" Eazy-E & N.W.A. along with LL Cool J and Ludacris just to name a few. However, her greatest joy comes from dancing with others who also have awesome unique abilities. Dancing crosses the boundaries of age, gender, and physical ability - including individuals using both manual and power wheelchairs. You won't want to miss this unique demonstration and a chance to express yourself through movement!
Learn more: www.autiangel.net, www.autiangel.com
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Amputee Soccer! A First at Abilities Expo
Presented by: Lone Star Amputee Soccer Association and American Amputee Soccer
Location: Events Arena
Amputee Soccer was invented in the United States in 1980. The sport is now played in more than 40 countries and presents its own World Cup. Members of the U.S. National Team and the Lone State Amputee Soccer Association will join us to showcase the sport. Male and female amputee players are welcome. Field players use forearm crutches and may play the ball with only one leg.
Learn more: www.ampsoccer.org, www.facebook.com/groups/317081192142007/
4:00pm – 4:45pm
Boccia Ball
Presented by: Houston Parks & Recreation Department, Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Location: Events Arena
Boccia – pronounced as "botch-ya" or "botch-ee" and also spelled as bocce – is a game by throwing a ball towards a target. It was erst played by the ancient Egyptians with polished rocks. The sport is extremely versatile and inclusive - it can be played indoors or outdoors on a hard, pat surface, in either individual or team play, socially or competitively, up to the Paralympic level. With assistive devices, boccia can be played by anyone, no matter their ability. Come watch a demonstration game and give the sport a try!
Learn more: www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html
Saturday, August 4, 2018
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
11:30am – 3:30pm
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 - 12:30pm
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 – 3:00pm
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Location: Booth #561
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
12:45pm – 1:45pm
Adaptive Sports Zone
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation, Adaptive Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
Trying to find the right adaptive sport? Curious about the sports equipment? Seeking a sports program to join? The Adaptive Sports Zone is for you! Featuring athletes, program coordinators and equipment from local adaptive sports program. This introduction will cover many of the sports opportunities available in the Houston area. Check out these wheelchair sports - rugby, basketball, tennis, soccer, and softball, as well as beep baseball, goalball, hand cycling, track and Adaptive Fitness!
Learn more: www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Auti Angel's FreeStyle Dance Workshop
Presented by: Auti Angel, Abilities Expo "Dancebassador", star of Sundance Channel's Push Girls
Location: Events Arena
Everyone come dance! Enjoy a dance presentation from Auti Angel - the Abilities Expo "Dancebassador"! Then it's your turn to show us your moves! Auti will lead everyone in her one-of-a-kind workshop. Auti Angel, the pioneer of wheelchair Hip-Hop dancing, has danced with "Straight Outta Compton's" Eazy-E & N.W.A. along with LL Cool J and Ludacris just to name a few. However, her greatest joy comes from dancing with others who also have awesome unique abilities. Dancing crosses the boundaries of age, gender, and physical ability - including individuals using both manual and power wheelchairs. You won't want to miss this unique demonstration and a chance to express yourself through movement!
Learn more: www.autiangel.net, www.autiangel.com
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Sled Hockey and Skate Therapy Joint Demonstrations
Presented by: STARskaters and Texas Sled Hockey
Location: Events Arena
Discover ice skating sports for the disability community with Sled Hockey and Skate Therapy! Sled hockey, also called sledge hockey, was invented in Sweden in the early 1960s by a group of people with disabilities. Members of Team Texas will be on hand to demonstrate the sport and give attendees a chance to play. It follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception of modifications to the equipment and the use of the sleds. The sport is normally played on ice but sleds with wheels will be used for this demo. Skate Therapy provides an on-ice skating experience for children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Staff and skaters will share some of the exercises and fun they learn when participating in programs at Houston area ice rinks.
Learn more: www.texassledhockey.org, www.starskaters.org
4:00pm – 4:45pm
Wheelchair and Ambulatory Tennis
Presented by: Jeff Bourns, International Adaptive Tennis Professional and Houston Parks and Recreation, Adaptive Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
Local Houston players will be on hand to demonstrate wheelchair tennis and teach attendees who would like to learn more. Wheelchair Tennis is one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world! It follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis, except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Mixed play with ambulatory players will also be demonstrated. Adaptive sports like wheelchair tennis offer people with all types of disabilities an outlet to play sports competitively and in recreational programs.
Learn more: https://jeffbourns.com, www.texas.usta.com, www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html
Sunday, August 5, 2018
11:30am – 3:30pm
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 – 12:30pm
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
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Location: Booth #561
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
1:00pm – 1:30pm
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
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Auti Angel's FreeStyle Dance Workshop
Presented by: Auti Angel, Abilities Expo "Dancebassador", star of Sundance Channel's Push Girls
Location: Events Arena
Everyone come dance! Enjoy a dance presentation from Auti Angel - the Abilities Expo "Dancebassador"! Then it's your turn to show us your moves! Auti will lead everyone in her one-of-a-kind workshop. Auti Angel, the pioneer of wheelchair Hip-Hop dancing, has danced with "Straight Outta Compton's" Eazy-E & N.W.A. along with LL Cool J and Ludacris just to name a few. However, her greatest joy comes from dancing with others who also have awesome unique abilities. Dancing crosses the boundaries of age, gender, and physical ability - including individuals using both manual and power wheelchairs. You won't want to miss this unique demonstration and a chance to express yourself through movement!
Learn more: www.autiangel.net, www.autiangel.com
2:45pm – 3:30pm
Adaptive Badminton
Presented by: Houston Parks and Recreation, Adaptive Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
Badminton is increasing in popularity because it is often played as family recreation in back yards. The sport can be easily adapted for players of short stature, amputees, and wheelchair users. Players can choose a more competitive track if desired and the sport (as para-badminton) has been selected for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games!
Learn more: www.houstontx.gov/parks/adaptivesports.html, www.teamusa.org/USA-Badminton/Para/About