Activities and demos make the total Abilities experience
Want to add some exciting new activities to your life? Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of events that not only entertain you - they also give you the opportunity to try new things, expand your interests and discover ways to be more involved in the local Los Angeles area.
More events added each week. Check back for details!
- Try a variety of adaptive sports
- Transform your face at the face painters
- Learn how to work with assistance dogs
- Break out your dancing wheels
- Find out what horses can do for people with disabilities
There’s a lot going on at Abilities Expo! Be sure to also check out the Free Workshops.
* Please note dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Please check the schedule at the show for final times and events. Abilities Expo is not responsible for the materials or opinions of the speakers.
All Day, Every Day
Assistive Technology Showcase
Location: Booth #227
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! The Showcase will feature an array of assistive technology for people of all disabilities to experience hands-on. In addition, the staff will offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge to help determine the most appropriate technology match for your abilities and situations. Ability Tools, formerly the AT Network, provides a variety of services for Californians of all ages with disabilities including: AT exchange marketplace, device lending libraries, financial loan program for AT and information and referrals.
Learn more: www.abilitytools.org
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Location: Booth #170
Test drive the Ainsley's Angels athletic ride-along experience! Created 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 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
Emergency Preparedness Resource Booth
Presented by: Earthquake, Fire, and Disability Preparedness Experts from Earthquake Country Alliance, Government Agencies, and Non-Profit Organizations
Location: Booth #819
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:
California resources www.earthquakecountry.org/disability
National resources www.ready.gov
12:45pm: Is Your Space Safe When The Earth Shakes?
This workshop will focus on securing your space with the help of your personal support network. Learn methods of creating safe space and adaptive earthquake safety actions to help reduce your risk of injury.
2:00pm: Remaining Connected After An Earthquake
Getting connected to your personal support network is especially important after an earthquake and can happen with public safety power shut-offs as well. Learn how to get connected and stay connected.
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe Sponsored by: Liberator Medical Supply, Inc.
Location: Booth #645
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: LA Goal
Location: Booth #154
The area's most celebrated artists with disabilities will feature an eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry. From photographs and paintings to graphic design, their amazing works will be available for appreciation and purchase. Artist Market sponsor L.A. Goal is a nonprofit agency that provides Inside Out Productions, that teaches visual arts: drawing, painting, ceramics, sewing, quilting, weaving, embroidery, photography, woodblock prints and multi-media. Through ongoing art exhibitions, Inside Out Production artists are able to share with the world the talents of people with developmental disabilities. The act of creating something beautiful that the outside world can connect with becomes an effective tool for fostering communication, acceptance and inclusion.
Learn more: www.lagoal.org
Service Dogs-in-training…PUPPIES!
Presented by: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Canine Companions for Independence
Location: Booth #137
Attendees can visit the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles booth and interact with Canine Companions for Independence’s service dogs-in-training. These adorable fur-balls and their puppy trainers will also be joined by full-fledged service dogs who will perform demos.
Friday, 1 – 3:00 pm: 2 puppy raisers, Gail Simpson with Fabio and Cat Howell with Rusty
Saturday, 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Puppy raiser, Cat with Rusty and Hearing Team, Susan and Rick with Bordeaux
Saturday, 1:30 – 4:00 pm: Graduate service dog demos with Graduate team Jim Pull with Callie
Sunday, 12:00 – 2:00 pm: Skilled companion team, Kari & Chance with Neelia and Graduate team, Toni Freeman with Hawthorne
Learn more: www.fcagroup.com and www.cci.org
Spartan Course
Presented by: Spartan and GRIT Freedom Chair
Location: Next to Booth #1002
Come learn about the Spartan Para, a dedicated heat in the Spartan obstacle course racing series. Try your hand at several signature Spartan obstacles, including the bungee crawl and disc slide, and tackle some serious off-road terrain! Individuals may use their own mobility aids or take out a GRIT Freedom Chair...the official all-terrain wheelchair for Spartan Para. You can also learn about upcoming events around the country and meet athletes who have competed in the Spartan Para World Championships.
Learn more: www.spartan.com and www.gogrit.us
Sports Zone
Presented by: Angel City Sports
Location: Booth #1013
Come on by to try out some parasports! Angel City Sports will have equipment and staff on hand to allow you to try out any number of sports. The zone is open whenever the show is open!
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org
Donna On The Go Web Series
Presented by: Peggy Lane, Producer and Director and Donna Russo, Star
Location: Booth #254
Donna On The Go is a Web Series designed to raise awareness for people with challenges. While many venues have made progress having ramps, and scooters etc, there are still many obstacles to overcome. Donna On The Go is a light hearted look at some of them. Starring Donna Russo. Produced and Directed by Peggy Lane. Meet Donna Russo and Peggy Lane, view episodes and learn more about their work to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in entertainment.
View episodes and learn more: www.donna-on-the-go.com
Support Group Sessions
Presented by Christopher Ewing, StrokeChannel.TV
Location: Booth #944
Hosted by Emmy Award winning TV host, motivational speaker & stroke survivor, Christopher Ewing, these daily support groups are designed to provide helpful information, as well as an opportunity to connect with others who may have a physical or mental challenge.
Stroke Support Group
Strokes can happen at any age, sometimes without warning. This support group session is for stroke survivors to be able to discuss with other stroke survivors some of the challenges, as well as the breakthroughs, they have experienced on their path towards recovery. This session is also open to those who would like to learn more about the signs and risks of stroke.
Session Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30am
Go to www.TheStrokeChannel.TV for more information and to pre-register.
Caregivers Support Group
Caregivers need support, too. This support group session is open to all caregivers, so if you are a caregiver for someone who suffers from stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimers, Autism, a spinal cord injury, or any physical or mental challenge, then this support group is for you! Come and connect with other caregivers and learn important tips on how to handle some of the challenges that you may face as a caregiver. Note: This session is only open to caregivers.
Session Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 1:30pm
Go to www.caregiversupportgroups.com for more information and to pre-register.
Open Support Group
This support group session is for anyone dealing with a physical or mental challenge who would like to have an open forum and discuss any of the challenges they may be facing, share any of their triumphs, or offer words of encouragement and advice to others!
Session Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 3pm
Go to www.TheHealthChannel.TV for more information and to pre-register.
Friday, February 21, 2020
12:00pm – 12:45pm
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 (well, not counting, but they can carry it)! 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
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Mini Fitness Clinic
Presented by: Jeffrey Lefkovitz, Abilities Recovery Center
Location: Events Arena
The Abilities Recovery Center will be presenting a fitness demonstration and challenge to show how you can unleash your inner warrior.
Learn more: https://arc-la.com
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 globe 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
2:30pm-3:30pm
Boccia: A Sport for All
Presented by: Angel City Sports and USA Boccia
Location: Angel City Sports Zone
Join Angel City Sports for an interactive demonstration of boccia! Whether you are new to the game or have played before, improve your skills and strategy in this fun-filled event. All ages and ability levels are welcome to participate in this demonstration. Friends and families can also join! Boccia balls are leather and can be thrown or put in play with a ramp.
Learn more: https://usaboccia.org & Angelcitysports.org
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Therapy Horse Demonstration
Presented by: Joan Blank, Dream Catcher of Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
Join Dream Catcher of LA to discuss Therapeutic Horseback Riding and to meet their miniature therapy horses!
Learn more: http://www.dreamcatcherla.com/
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Wheelchair Tennis Experience
Presented by: Anthony Lara, Angel City Sports & West Coast Wheelchair Tennis Association
Location: Events Arena
Come out and try the exciting game of wheelchair tennis! Learn great form and the basics of the game from Paralympain Anthony Lara! Angel City Sports and One More Push host monthly wheelchair tennis clinics- this could be the start to your new favorite hobby!
Learn more: Angelcitysports.org or www.wcwta.org/
Saturday, February 22, 2020
11:00am - 12:30pm
Badminton Clinic
Presented by: Angel City Sports
Location: Angel City Sports Zone
Badminton is for all abilities and you can test your skills at the Angel City Sport Zone. The sport is gaining popularity around the world- come try this fun and inclusive sport with some of America’s elite players!
Learn more: https://www.paralympic.org/badminton and Angelcitysports.org
11:15am – 12:00pm
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 (well, not counting, but they can carry it)! 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 – 4:30pm
Face Painting
Presented by: We Adorn You
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.
Learn more: www.facepaintinglosangeles.net
12:15pm – 12:45pm
Therapy Horse Demonstration
Presented by: Joan Blank, Dream Catcher of Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
Join Dream Catcher of LA to discuss Therapeutic Horseback Riding and to meet their miniature therapy horses!
Learn more: http://www.dreamcatcherla.com/
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Auti Angel's FreeStyle Dance Workshop
Presented by: Auti Angel, star of Sundance Channel's Push Girls
Location: Events Arena
Everyone come dance! Enjoy a dance presentation from Auti Angel! 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
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Adaptive Fitness
Presented by: Angel City Sports and Abilities Recovery Center (ARC LA)
Location: Angel City Sports Zone
Head to the Angel City Sports Zone for a mini adaptive fitness clinic hosted by the Abilities Recovery Center! All exercises can be modified and all ability levels are welcome! Stop by to improve your strength, balance, and conditioning in this fun challenge!
Learn more: https://arc-la.com & Angelcitysports.org2:00pm – 2:45pm
Skateboarding
Presented by: The Skate Connection
Location: Events Arena
"The Skate Connection is committed to providing opportunities for people with and without disabilities to skateboard together and cultivate an integrated community deeply rooted in the love for skateboarding. Founded in 2011 by Adam Grijalva, The Skate Connection is a simple, dynamic organization that has sprouted from a small crew of skateboarders to a movement that is reaching communities all across California and connecting the hearts of skateboarders worldwide. At The Skate Connection, we don't create skateboarders or make friendships rather we just receive new members into our community and provide an authentic skateboarding experience so they may encounter the transforming love of skateboarding.
Learn more: http://www.theskateconnection.org
2:30pm-3:30pm
Wheelchair Basketball
Presented by: Angel City Sports
Location: Angel City Sports Zone
Be sure to stop by the Angel City Sport Zone for an interactive wheelchair basketball demo on Saturday afternoon. Join the Shield Maidens team for tips and techniques of the game-you will also have the opportunity to meet Paralympians Megan Blunk and Alma Rodriguez!
Learn more: https://www.paralympic.org/wheelchair-basketball & Angelcitysports.org
3:00pm – 3:30pm
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 globe 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
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Adaptive Fitness Clinic
Presented by: Jeffrey Lefkovitz, Abilities Recovery Center
Location: Events Arena
The Abilities Recovery Center will be presenting a fitness demonstration and challenge to show how you can unleash your inner warrior.
Learn more: https://arc-la.com
Sunday, February 23, 2020
11:00am - 12:30pm
Table Tennis
Presented by: Angel City Sports
Location: Angel City Sports Zone
The Paralympic sport of table tennis will be in full swing at the Angel City Sports Zone so come and discover what could be your new favorite pastime. Be sure to attend the Sunday clinic for some tips & tricks from elite players!
Learn more: https://www.paralympic.org/table-tennis & Angelcitysports.org
11:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Archery
Presented by: Angel City Sports
Angel City Sports Zone
Angel City Sports is proud of offer archery for the 1st time at the 2020 Los Angeles Abilities Expo! Archery is a very inclusive sport come give it a try! Stop by for a shooting lesson from elite archery instructor Jason Conner.
Learn more: Angelcitysports.org & https://www.paralympic.org/archery
11:30am – 12:15pm
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 (well, not counting, but they can carry it)! 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: We Adorn You
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.
Learn more: www.facepaintinglosangeles.net
12:30pm – 12:45pm
Cheerleading Demonstration
Presented by: Lynette Ingram & the Long Beach Beauties
Location: Events Arena
The Long Beach Beauties are a special needs cheer squad for kids ages 8 and up! Come and see what they can do!
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/longbeachbeauties/
1:00pm – 1:45pm
Adaptive Fitness Clinic
Presented by: Jeffrey Lefkovitz, Abilities Recovery Center
Location: Events Arena
The Abilities Recovery Center will be presenting a fitness demonstration and challenge to show how you can unleash your inner warrior.
Learn more: https://arc-la.com
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 globe 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
2:45pm – 3:30pm
Accessible Yoga For Everyone
Presented by Sarah Starr, host of TV program "Happy Yoga with Sarah Starr"
Location: Events Arena
Experience an accessible seated yoga practice modified for a chair along with energetic enhancement methods that are simple and effective. Participants will also learn mindful breathing practices that are calming and energizing and have been shown to help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, everyone can benefit from this amazing supportive yoga practice, taking advantage of yoga’s benefits; relaxing your body and mind, boosting your musculature fitness and flexibility, and improving your overall well-being.
Learn more: https://happyyoga.tv