Abilities Expo Has it ALL for the
Disability Community!

Service Animals

 

All About Service Dogs

Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids

Friday, May 5: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
Saturday, May 6: 11:45am - 12:30pm
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.

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Inclusive Dance Performances

 

Dance-Based Exercise for Self-Care and Mindfulness
Never Miss a Chance to Dance
Tap-Dancing Hands Down

Dance-Based Exercise for Self-Care and Mindfulness

Presented by: ZCO/Dance Project

Saturday, May 6: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
The ZCO/Dance Project Self-Care Dancing Mindfulness Workshop will connect you to dance-based exercises which work on cognitive and physical skills to replenish the body. Class participants will be guided to break old habits, find new pathways, and discover their own movement conceptions.

Never Miss a Chance to Dance

Presented by: Envision Dance Exchange (EDE) and Artistic Director, Susan M. Coutts

Sunday, May 7: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Enjoy a live dance performance featuring members of Envision Dance Exchange (EDE) and choreographed by Artistic Director Susan M. Coutts. Then it's your chance to participate! Join the dancers and discover their spirit of dance! Dance Innovations & EDE is proud to once again be a part of the Abilities Expo and look forward to seeing you all there!

Tap-Dancing Hands Down

Presented by: Mary Six Rupert and Tap: On Tap - An All Abilities Tap Ensemble

Saturday, May 6: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Experience all-abilities tap dancing! Learn how Tap-Dancing Hands Down works. Join in by tapping with the performers using your own abilities. Next, divide into groups to learn and have fun with "follow-ups" and "call and response" (standard tap-dancing skills). There will be a challenge between a tap dancer and a dancer using Tap Dancing Hands Down. The Tap: On Tap Dance Company conclude with a performance combining Tap-Dancing Hands Down with traditional tap dancing.

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ADAPTIVE SPORTS & FITNESS

 

Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up.
Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.

Adapted Wheelchair Basketball
Adaptive Golf
Adaptive Standing Tennis
Blind Hockey – You Won't Believe Your Eyes!
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Racing Experience
Wheelchair Rugby
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class

Adapted Wheelchair Basketball

Presented by: Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball Program

Sunday, May 7: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Come try out some adapted wheelchair basketball! The Adapted Wheelchair Basketball Program was created to give children of all levels of physical abilities the opportunity to play together as a team and to reach their highest potential as athletes. The game is structured to allow each child to have fun as independently as possible. The program teaches the players to respect each other's individual needs and limitations as well as providing guidance for learning individual skills, team skills and good sportsmanship.

Adapted Golf

Presented by: Gianna Rojas, The One Handed Lady Golfer and Founder, AdaptiveGolfers.org

Friday, May 5: 3:00 - 3:30 pm
The game of Golf provides a wonderful recreation opportunity for all. But Golf is so much more than just a leisure game or a sport. It can be a therapeutic activity as well. Adaptive Golf means understanding how to apply one's own abilities to enjoy Golf by making modifications (big or small) to how the game is learned, swing techniques and equipment used to allow an individual to play golf to their fullest potential. Come try the sport at this interactive demo!

Adaptive Standing Tennis

Presented by: Jeff Bourns, American Amputee Tennis Player, JeffBourns.com, and Babolat

Friday, May 5: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Adaptive Standing Tennis is a form of tennis for individuals with physical disability who play the sport of tennis standing, or ambulatory. This newly emerged form of tennis allows individuals with physical challenges such as amputations, cerebral palsy, or hemiparesis to play tennis. Come discover this new sport, try it for yourself, and be part of the growth of adaptive sports. All abilities welcome!

Blind Hockey – You Won't Believe Your Eyes!

Presented by: Joshua Schneider, MA and Drew Garza, USA Hockey, the Dented Pucks Hockey Team, and the HockEYE Guy Foundation

Sunday, May 7: 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Discover the sport of blind hockey—open to those with and without vision loss. Hear from blind hockey players about how the sport is played. Plus have a chance to see the unique equipment used in blind hockey like the smaller and lighter hockey sticks, the blind puck, and blind goggles. Find out how you can start ice skating in your region, and how to begin playing this fun sport.

Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Racing Experience

Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America

All Day, Every Day
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.

Wheelchair Rugby

Presented by: The New York Warriors Wheelchair Rugby Team

Saturday, May 6: 3:00 - 3:45 pm
The New York Warriors will join us to demonstrate this exciting, fast-growing sport of competitive wheelchair rugby—a cross between wheelchair basketball, ice hockey, and soccer. The main message of quad rugby is "Smashing Stereotypes One Hit at a Time" and the sport has proven to be a life changer for those who start playing it

WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class

Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels

Friday, May 5: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
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; however, standing participants are also welcome. Featuring elements of weight training, Zumba, and pom-pom dance. Standing participants are also welcome!

Assistive Technology Showcase

 

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. Advancing Opportunities provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families so they can lead fuller lives at work, home, school and play. Their team of technology specialists will be available for free hands-on demonstrations of technology and tools. From low-tech tips to advice about sophisticated software, we can help you find solutions.

Learn more.

We'll see you there!

Directions, Parking and Transpo

 

Get Directions to the Expo from any Location

View Larger Map

From Route 1& 9 Southbound:

Exit at “Bonhamtown” onto Main Street, continue for ½ mile to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light onto Route 514 East (Woodbridge Avenue). Turn right at the Sheraton Hotel into Raritan Center. Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From Route 1 Northbound:

After crossing the Raritan River Bridge, get into the right lane. After passing, “Open Road Honda”, take the 3rd right hand exit for Route 514/Woodbridge Avenue. Follow Woodbridge Avenue for 3-4 miles. Make a right at the Sheraton Hotel into Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From Route 287 South:

Follow 287 South to Route 514 West labeled “Raritan Center”. Follow jug handle on the right hand side to traffic light and then follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From the NJ Turnpike (NORTH AND SOUTH)

Follow the NJ Turnpike to Exit 10. Bear right after you go through the tollbooth, following Route 514 West to Raritan Center. Take the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From the Garden State Parkway Southbound:

Follow the Parkway to Exit 129. Take Route 287 North to Route 514 West. Follow Route 514 West to the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From the Garden State Parkway Northbound:

Follow the Parkway to Exit 127. Follow Highways 287N/440S to Route 514 West. Route 514 West is the first exit from this route.  Follow Route 514 West to the first exit marked Raritan Center. Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From Route 35 & Route 9 North:

Follow Routes 35 & 9 over the Driscoll Bridge, bear right at the end of the bridge. Take the second exit labeled “Raritan Center/ Riverview Drive”. Get into the far right lane and take the Raritan Center Exit. Follow this route all the way down to the second light. Make a right onto Parkway Place. At then, make a left onto Raritan Center Parkway. Follow signs from here which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From Route 278 Westbound:

Take the Goethals Bridge onto the New Jersey Turnpike South. Follow the Turnpike to Exit 10. Bear right after you go through the tollbooth, following Route 514 West to Raritan Center. Take the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.

From Brooklyn & Staten Island Via Outerbridge:

Take the Staten Island Expressway (RTE 278) to Outerbridge Crossing into New Jersey. Three miles from the bridge are signs for Route 514, Raritan Center. Be in the right lane so you can exit at 514 West Bonhamtown. Follow signs to Raritan Center, exit there and follow jug handle to light. Follow signs for EXPO HALL located throughout the Industrial Park.

From Brooklyn & Staten Island Via Goethals Bridge:

Take the Staten Island Expressway (RTE 278) to the Goethals Bridge. This will bring you into New Jersey. Follow signs to the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 10. After Toll Plaza, Bear right and follow signs to 514 West/Raritan Center. Stay in two right lanes and follow jug handle to light. Follow signs posted throughout the Industrial Park for EXPO HALL.

From New York City, Philadelphia, or anywhere in New Jersey by train or bus:

Please visit www.njtransit.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center is Metuchen Station. For example, if you are coming from Manhattan, log onto www.njtransit.com and find the Trip Planner at the top of the home page. Enter Penn Station New York in "Travel From," enter Metuchen Station in "Travel To," indicate your preferred day and time of travel, and click the Accessible option if appropriate. The travel planner will do the rest!

For maps and directions, please visit here.

Parking and Drop-off:

Parking is free and located all around the convention center property. If you would like to drop off any passengers before you park, please do so at the flag pole in front of the EXPO HALL.

Transpo to the Expo

Free Shuttle from Metuchen Station

Provided by Abilities Expo

Accessible, round-trip transportation from Metuchen Train Station to Abilities Expo will be provided free-of-charge to expo-goers travelling to the event by train.

Please note due to high demand you will need to sign up for return trip to the station at drop off. This is to ensure we are able to accommodate all returns in a timely manner.

Shuttle hours:

Friday, May 5: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, May 6: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, May 7: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Two shuttles each holding 2 wheelchairs plus 7 seated will do laps between Metuchen Station and the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center during the hours of operation. The ride will take approximately 20 minutes, one way.

The shuttle will feature an Abilities Expo sign prominently on the side door panel. Those travelling southbound from New York City should exit the rear of the train to meet the shuttle at the wheelchair accessible ramp at Pennsylvania Avenue and Station Place, pictured blow:

Passengers returning to Metuchen Station will be dropped off at Woodbridge Avenue and Main Street, pictured here:

 

Free Shuttle from Local Hotels:

One shuttle and two wheelchair accessible vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers at the Delta by Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn. Shuttle hours are:

Friday, May 5: 10am -12pm; 4pm-6pm
Saturday, May 6: 10am-12pm; 4pm-6pm
Sunday, May 7: 10am-12pm; 3pm-5pm

NJ Transit’s Access Link:

Access Link is the public, paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to use the NJ Transit local fixed route bus systems. In order to use Access Link, you must first apply for eligibility. Click here for more information.

Access Link service is comparable to the bus in that it is available during the same days and hours as the regularly scheduled local fixed route bus service, including weekends and holidays.

Eligible individuals may make transportation appointments to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center for Abilities Expo any day between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm by calling (973) 491-4224 [TTY (800) 955-6765]. Same day reservations can not be accommodated. Click here for more information on Access Link’s riding policies.

NJ Transit:

From New York City, Philadelphia, or Anywhere in New Jersey by Train or Bus:

NJ Transit provides accessible travel via rail and bus from all over New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia. Please visit www.njtransit.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center is Metuchen Station. For example, if you are coming from Manhattan, log onto www.njtransit.com and find the Trip Planner at the top of the home page. Enter Penn Station New York in "Travel From," enter Metuchen Station in "Travel To," indicate your preferred day and time of travel, and click the Accessible option if appropriate. The travel planner will do the rest!

Taxi Service:

The following taxi services are also available to transport from Metuchen Station to the Expo:

• Independent/Metuchen Taxi: (732) 549-7777

Other Transportation:

• Available Care Medical Transportation (800) 219-4310
• Gold Medal Transport (732) 994-9929
• Helping Hands Service LLC  (855_ 969-3527

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Ambassador Program

 

Meet the impressive individuals who have chosen to represent Abilities Expo to the Community.

Ian James Brown

Ian James Brown graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. Extremely active, he played football, rugby and volleyball as well competed in boxing, power lifting and martial arts.

Ian became a paralyzed veteran during his service in the United States Air Force.

Undaunted, Ian began a post-baccalaureate program to finish the pre-requisite courses in preparation for medical school.

Learn More

Sarah Best

A native New Yorker with Cerebral Palsy, Sarah resides in Westchester County, just outside of New York City. She is determined and driven to go places and do things that she is passionate about. She says, "I get things done because I have learned that nothing in life comes easy. Everything requires work. Sometimes the work is very, very hard, like physical therapy. It is difficult for me to walk because of my CP, but I try.  I work on my muscles and coordination." Sarah currently works in the Marketing Department for Convaid Products, a pediatric mobility equipment manufacturer. She loves to spend time with her family and friends and her service dog, Edison. 

"I am so thrilled to be part of Abilities Expo and love the strong sense of community it creates," she said. "I truly enjoy meeting all the people who attend the expo and have made great friends along the way!"

Amanda Sullivan

After receiving degrees in Sociology and Spanish (with concentrations in Latin American Studies and Peace & Justice) from Villanova University, Amanda Sullivan pursued her life-long dream of working with the less fortunate. Amanda was an aid worker & missionary for the better part of ten years. She worked with orphans, refugees and abused women and children, mainly in Latin America and The Caribbean. She has lived in Costa Rica, Chile, Panama, Jamaica and Mexico. She's worked with indigenous refugees in the foothills of Guatemala and with people with Hansen’s Disease (also known as "Leprosy") in Ecuador. She was a first responder during Hurricane Katrina & planned a wedding between two beautiful evacuees from The 9th Ward of New Orleans. She was taught how to shine in the face of adversity by some of the most spiritually-wealthy & courageous souls on the planet. Amanda left her heart with the people of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. During her three and a half years there, she ran an orphanage for little girls, ages 6-14, and taught Spanish classes to children who speak Mayan. She loves the outdoors, sports, meeting inspired people, camping, animals & discovering new places.

Amanda came home to New York City from setting up another shelter in Mexico, for Christmas of 2008. While home, she was involved in two major car accidents within a six-week period. Despite suffering traumatic brain injuries & fracturing/breaking/injuring her entire body from head to toe, Ms. Sullivan's smile was left unscathed in her accidents. She took this as a clear sign to NEVER STOP SMILING NO MATTER WHAT. An athlete her entire life, Amanda has never been one to shy away from a challenge. The last few years have proven to be her biggest challenge yet. Amanda is mobile thanks to her forearm crutches and wheelchair.

Since her accidents, Amanda has met a plethora of incredible people with disabilities. Connecting with other positive people in this beautiful community has helped keep the fire burning inside of her soul. Ms. Sullivan has recently decided to become a wheelchair athlete, thanks to these new friendships, and just purchased her first handcycle! She's keeping her heart and mind opened to all of the lessons that can be learned through adversity. Inspiration is Amanda's motivation!!

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Stephanie Woodward

National Disability Law Ambassador

Stephanie Woodward is a passionate Disability Rights activist and proud disabled person. She is the Director of Advocacy at the Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) a disability led, not-for-profit Corporation that works for national, state, and local systemic change to advance the rights of people with disabilities. Stephanie is also a member of ADAPT, a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom. Stephanie has been arrested multiple times while advocating for Disability Rights.

Prior to joining CDR Stephanie worked as a litigator in Miami, Florida focusing on Disability Rights. Stephanie attended Syracuse University College of Law where she earned her J.D. with a certificate in Disability Law and Policy and her M.S.Ed. in Disability Studies. Stephanie previously worked for Senator Tom Harkin (IA) and assisted his Disability Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions by researching, drafting legislation, and making recommendations for legislative action in regards to disability rights issues. Most recently, Stephanie, along with fellow members of ADAPT, assisted in drafting the Disability Integration Act (DIA) – a piece of legislation that, if passed, would affirm the rights of people with disabilities to receive long-term services in their homes, rather than nursing facilities and other institutions.

While Stephanie’s work spans across all areas of Disability Rights, she is particularly interested in deinstitutionalization, community living, ending violence against people with disabilities, and improving access in the community. She loves talking about legislation that will impact the Disability Community and helping others to become activists for Disability Rights. When Stephanie is not doing Disability Rights work, she can be found playing with her adorable nieces, taking care of her four cats, and eating copious amounts of cheeseburgers and onion rings.

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