Los Angeles Events and Activities

Adaptive Rowing and RowOfLife

Presented by Angela Madsen, California Adaptive Rowing Program and RowOfLife

Location: Booth #251

Try an adaptive rowing machine and discover how it can open up the world of adaptive rowing for you. No access to water is needed! Rowing is a sport that is accessible to most people with disabilities. Learn about the many benefits of rowing, such as exercise, fitness, improving self-esteem, setting goals, and a sense of accomplishment. Angela and other disabled rowers will be on hand to show you the ropes. Angela will also share her stories of rowing across three oceans as a paraplegic (Atlantic, Indian, and the Pacific), medaling at the Paralympics (2012 London and 2008 Beijing Games) and more. Angela's book Rowing Against the Wind will be available for purchase.
Learn more: www.rowoflife.com

Artist Market

Presented by: LA Goal

Location: Booth #142

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

Assistive Technology Showcase

Presented by: Ability Tools

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

Featuring Voice Options, a pilot program connecting Californians with speech language disabilities to iPads with speech apps. Live demos Saturday and Sunday at 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm.

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 

Emergency Preparedness Resource Booth

Presented by: Earthquake, Fire, and Disability Preparedness Experts from Earthquake Country Alliance, Government Agencies, and Non-Profit Organizations

Location: Booth #445

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! The following mini-workshops will be offered daily in Booth #445:

11:30am Earthquake Safety: Secure Your Space & Get Ready to ShakeOut!    
Presented by: Mark Benthien, So. Cal. Earthquake Center and Chris Grant, PrepItForward

1:30pm Organize and Personalize Disaster Supplies  
Presented by: Bruce Morgan, Dayle McIntosh Center

3:00pm Planning to Maintain Independence when Disasters Strike    
Presented by: Heidi Rosofsky, Earthquake Country Alliance

Learn more: California resources www.earthquakecountry.org/disability, National resources www.ready.gov

Paralympians!

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: Angel City Sports, Booth #151

Five Paralympians will be attending Abilities Expo Los Angeles 2018! Meet them at the Angel City Sports Booth #151. Angel City Sports is leading the Paralympic Sports movement in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability. Join them at the court, field, pool or track and #TakeFlight with Angel City Sports! Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org

Friday February 23
11:00am – 2:00pm Samantha Bosco, 2-Time Bronze Medalist, Cycling - Rio Paralympic Games 

Saturday February 24
11:00am - 1:00pm Allison Compton, Bronze Medalist – Sitting Volleyball, 2004 Athens Paralympic Games
1:00pm – 3:00pm Candace Cable, 9x Paralympian, Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, 12x Medalist, 8x Gold Medalist

Sunday February 25
12:00pm - 2:00pm Lorah Goodkind, Rowing, Rio Paralympic Games
1:00pm – 3:00pm Cody Jones, Track and Field (Javelin Thrower), Rio Paralympic Games

Play Activity Area – NEW for 2018!

Presented by: KEEN Los Angeles

Location: 800 Aisle near Booth #810

Kids, this play area is just for you! All abilities welcome! Each day will feature an assortment of physical activities like basketball, bowling, and parachute fun. There will be an art station as well! Discover how much fun you can have! All activities will be open and unstructured.
Learn more: www.keenlosangeles.org

The Play Activity Area provides an opportunity for children to play with parent oversight and involvement. The Area will be supervised by KEEN Los Angeles staff and staffed by trained volunteers. Activities are structured for children 18 years old and younger. Parents/guardians are welcome to participate or observe. Play sessions will be 15 minutes long. Based on availability. Multiple sessions will be possible when space allows. The Play Activity Area presented by KEEN Los Angeles is not child-care; parents/guardians must remain with children.

Meet Paralympian Samantha Bosco!

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: Angel City Sports Booth #151

Samantha Bosco is a two-time bronze medalist in cycling (Rio Paralympic Games). Angel City Sports is leading the Paralympic Sports movement in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability.
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org

Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience

Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America

Location: Booth #349

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

Adaptive Golf

Presented by: Bill Davis, Golf Director, Angel City Sports

Location: Events Arena

Golf is one of the most adaptable sports and just about anyone, regardless of ability level, can grab a set of golf clubs, head outside, and in no time be hitting golf balls where no one will ever find them again. Attendees of all abilities are invited to hit some balls and discover the sport. Learn about how golf is adapted to various disabilities using the existing handicap system and adaptive devices. Find out how you can be involved in the Southern California region. As Bob Hope famously said, "If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf." 
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org 

Para-Cycling Demonstration

Presented by: PossAbilities at Loma Linda University Medical Center

Location: Events Arena

Enjoy this opportunity to try a three wheeled para-cycle for yourself! Recumbent hand and leg cycling is a form of adaptive cycling that enables athletes of all abilities to ride a "bike". PossAbilities has developed a Para-cycling Program designed for recreational para-cycling riders. They invite recreational paracyclists and abled-bodied cyclists to integrated bi-monthly group paracycle rides. 
Learn more: https://teampossabilities.org

The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents!

Presented by: The Rollettes

Location: Events Arena

Kick off the day with 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

Life as a Little Person with Terra Jolé

Presented by Terra Jolé, Mini Mama

Location: Events Arena

Entrepreneur, TV reality star, author, musician and vlogger, Terra Jole is most passionate about her role as mom to two amazing young children. Her popular website, MiniMama.com, features videos and original content geared for moms and kids of all sizes. Don't miss Terra's Q&A about her personal experiences with motherhood, family life and business as well as what challenges she has faced as a little person. This star of Little Women: LA and Dancing with the Stars will host a book signing for her new novel, Fierce at Four Foot Two, following the event.
Learn more: www.minimama.com

Adaptive Boccia Demonstration

Presented by: USA Boccia

Location: Events Arena

Come learn about and play the ancient game of Boccia - a fully accessible sport for everyone that combines wits, skill and strategy! Boccia is extremely versatile and inclusive - it can be played indoors or outdoors on a hard, flat 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
Learn more: www.usaboccia.org

Service Dogs Demonstration

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. See how dogs work to achieve independence in various areas of people's lives – from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money! Find out how these dogs can help with 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. Canine Angels Service Teams provides service dogs to children under 5 and will talk about those unique needs. Bring your questions!
Learn more: https://caninesforkids.org

Meet Paralympian Allison Compton!

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: Angel City Sports Booth #151

Allison Compton is a bronze medalist in sitting volleyball from the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. Angel City Sports is leading the Paralympic Sports movement in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability.
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org

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

Face Painting

Presented by: Elise Massa, 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. 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.facepaintinglosangeles.net

Adaptive Skateboarding

Presented by: The Skate Connection

Location: Events Arena

Enjoy a remarkable skateboarding experience that is inclusive of people of all types of abilities. Able-bodied and wheelchair users alike are invited to try skateboarding and rolling over an obstacle. Helmets, skateboards and trained assistance is provided by members of The Skate Connection, an organization that works to promote the integration of individuals with disabilities into the skate community. Through skateboarding, we aim to show the love each individual possesses for the sport and how it connects us all.
Learn more: www.theskateconnection.org

Meet Paralympian Candace Cable!

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: Angel City Sports Booth #151

Candace Cable is a nine time Paralympian at multiple Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. She is a twelve time medalist including eight gold medals. The is the Vice Chair of the Board of LA 2029. Angel City Sports is leading the Paralympic Sports movement in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability.
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org

Dance with Auti Angel and Ceraldo Moreau!

Presented by: Auti Angel and Ceraldo Moreau

Location: Events Arena

Dynamic Duo Auti Angel and Ceraldo Moreau are amazing creative directors and dance choreographers who have been a force to be reckoned with in the Entertainment Industry for decades. Auti Angel pioneered Wheelchair Hip Hop and has danced for the greats in the Hip Hop Music world, while Ceraldo Moreau has worked with many prestigious artists such as Rihanna and Justin Bieber, and was a lead cast member in the MJ ONE show in Las Vegas. Come witness their incredible tribute to Michael Jackson and join in on the fun by learning how to release your inner dancer and also take home a few traditional MJ moves!
Learn more: Follow their journey on social media! @autiangel @official_ceraldo

Power Soccer Demonstration

Presented by: U.S. Power Soccer Association

Location: Events Arena

Watch and learn as members of the U.S. Power Soccer Association demonstrate and train attendees on the techniques of power wheelchair soccer. Discover this very active and growing sport that is open to power wheelchair users of all ages. See how players combine their skills as wheelchair users with the speed and power of the chair itself, to participate in this extremely challenging game similar to soccer. Then try the sport out for yourself and learn where you can get involved in the local area.
Learn more: www.powersoccerusa.net

Wheelchair Tennis

Presented by: Anthony Lara, #1MorePush Movement and West Coast Wheelchair Tennis Association

Location: Events Arena

Learn Wheelchair Tennis, a sport that follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis except it allows two bounces of the ball. Wheelchair Tennis is one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world. Players can participate both recreationally and competitively. This sport is well integrated with it's able-bodied counterpart and players will demonstrate "Up Down" tennis featuring one wheelchair user and one able-bodied player on each team. Resources will be available for where people can play in the Southern CA area.
Learn more: www.wcwta.org, www.facebook.com/1morepush

Superfest Showcase

Presented by Superfest International Disability Film Festival

Room 309

Superfest International Disability Film Festival is the longest running disability film festival in the world. Co-hosted by San Francisco's Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University, for 31 years, Superfest has celebrated cutting-edge cinema that portrays disability through a diverse, complex, unabashed and engaging lens. From Myanmar's Traveller, a film about a young woman coming of age through disability community to Canada's The Barber of Augusta, a true story about a superhero barber—we can't wait to share these films and more! All films are shown with captioning and open audio description. For live captioning and ASL interpreting of program, please request by February 15, 2018 through Emily Beitiks via pklinst@sfsu.edu or (415) 405-3528. Learn more at Superfestfilm.com! Please RSVP to save your spot!:

Wheelchair Social Dancing

Presented by: Wheelchair Dancers Organization with Wheelchair Dance Director Jason Rivers and Instructor Michele Jones

Location: Events Arena

Learn wheelchair dancing from the first organization to offer all-inclusive dance classes in Southern California! Sit back and enjoy some great dance routines including a line dance, swing, smooth fox-trot, contemporary routine and more. Some of their youngest wheelchair dancers, Angelo and Grace will have you smiling and clapping your hands to their lively hip hop routine. Then it's your turn to learn some fantastic dance moves! Everyone is invited to join us as we create a high-energy, fun routine, and be part of the moment! See you on the dance floor! To view more adaptive dancing visit us at www.wheelchairdancers.org.

Meet Paralympian Lorah Goodkind!

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: Angel City Sports Booth #151

Lorah Goodkind competed in rowing at the Rio Paralympic Games. Angel City Sports is leading the Paralympic Sports movement in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability.
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org

Adaptive Fencing

Presented by: Salle D'Asaro Fencing Club

Location: Events Arena

Salle D'Asaro is the South Bay's premier fencing club. They specialize in training competitive and recreational athletes in the sport of fencing and wheelchair fencing with an emphasis in the disciplines of sabre. They are open 6 days a week and offer both group and private lessons.  Monthly, quarterly and daily membership rates are available. Their dedicated coaches focus on teaching students techniques and strategies to be successful and safe fencers.
Learn more: www.salledasaro.com

Meet Paralympian Cody Jones!

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: Angel City Sports Booth #151

Cody Jones competed in track and field as a javelin thrower at the Rio Paralympic Games. Angel City Sports is leading the Paralympic Sports movement in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability.
Learn more: http://angelcitysports.org

#InfiniteInclusion Dance Performance, Workshop, and Party

Presented by: Infinite Flow, An Inclusive Dance Company

Location: Events Arena

#InfiniteInclusion is the concept that although we are all different … we can unite as one. Join us for a short performance by Infinite Flow's professional dance troupe and Infinite Flow Kids, followed by a short interactive dance workshop and dance jam. Open to all abilities and all ages. Come out and dance! Learn more: www.infiniteflowdance.org

Service Dogs Demonstration

Presented by: Canine Angels Service Teams

Location: Events Arena

Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with many different disabilities. See how dogs work to achieve independence in various areas of people's lives – from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money! Find out how these dogs can help with 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. Canine Angels Service Teams provides service dogs to children under 5 and will talk about those unique needs. Bring your questions!
Learn more: www.canine-angels.org