Free Workshops
Here is the 2023 Abilities Expo line-up.
Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2024.
Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on many topics from home access and medication overload to accommodations at work, living authentically, and empowerment.
There's no need to register - just arrive early to get your seat!
There's a lot going on at Abilities Expo! Be sure to also check out the Exhibitors and Events.
Professionals:
Certificates of participation are available for all workshops. Please see the Accessibility Help Desk during the show for information on how to obtain a certificate.
* Workshop dates, times, topics, and speakers are subject to change without notice. The opinions presented at the workshops are those of the presenters and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Abilities Expo. Workshop content should not be considered as a replacement or substitute for the services of trained professionals in any field, including, but not limited to, financial, medical, or legal matters. We encourage you to seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding the evaluation of any specific information presented in these workshops.
Drivability: Features and Options to Promote Function and Independence
Presented by: Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS Director, Clinical Education
Location: Junior ballroom, First Floor
Drivability is defined as "the degree of smoothness and steadiness of acceleration". When considering drivability in the terms of power wheelchair management, it is not only an extremely important factor for an end user's safety in controlling the power wheelchair, but a huge consideration in the satisfaction and comfort of using the device. When evaluating an end user for a power mobility device, much consideration is given to the mobility base, seating components, and drive controls, but there are other features to consider as well. This course will look at these important additional features including programming options, drive wheel configuration, suspension and tracking technology.
The session is complimentary, but registration is required. Attendees can earn .2 CEUs. For more information, click here.
Accessible Home Design: The Basics
Presented by Mark Thompson, AIA, Senior Director of Architecture, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Location: Workshop Area
Can I retrofit my master bathroom to include a spacious roll-in shower? What must I do to install an elevator in my two-story home? How can my flower garden be made more accessible? Who should I hire to make sure my home renovation project will fit my needs? Accessible Home Design: The Basics will address improving the accessibility in each specific area of a home, as well as what you need to know before taking on a renovation project. Whether it's a new accessible residence or retrofitting your existing home, information will be presented with real examples and case studies. Subject matter will include entering your home, residential elevators and lifts, kitchen design, bathrooms and plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, outdoor areas, and gardens, and much more.
Learn more at pva.org/accessibledesign and the popular book from PVA: Accessible Home Design: Solutions for the Wheelchair User, Second Edition.
What You Wish You Knew About Your Manual Wheelchair, But Were Afraid to Ask
Presented by: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP, Director of Education, Ki Mobility
Location: Workshop Area
Every manual wheelchair user wants their chair to perform well. While optimal performance means different things for each user, all wheelchairs should be reliable, responsive, and well set up for function within your environment of use. For manual wheelchair users, a basic understanding of what you're using and how it works can help you obtain a wheelchair that meets your definition of optimal performance. This workshop will examine real-world scenarios of manual wheelchair use. We'll investigate the science involved in adjusting your wheelchair - and how this can affect how easy or difficult it is to move your chair around. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how their wheelchairs can be "tuned" - set up to get the most efficient translation of their movement into the chair's movement. The more optimal the set-up, the less work required to operate it, and the less taxing it can be to your body over time.
Learn more at kimobility.com.
How to Navigate the Health Insurance Appeals Process for Medically Necessary Equipment
Presented by: Ali Ingersoll, Disability Strategist and Consultant, Writer, Public Speaker, Ms. Wheelchair America 2023
Location: Workshop Area
It's no secret that most health insurance companies, whether private or public, usually have a deny-first policy. Making it frustrating to know where to start with respect to being your own self-advocate and getting the medically necessary equipment you need to not only survive, but to thrive. When you are denied the services you need, navigating the health insurance appeals process is one that is very complicated. It is possible to navigate with success when you have the right medical professionals, tools, and know-how in place to take your health insurance into your own hands through targeted appeals process strategies. As a C6 quadriplegic, I have spent years getting medically necessary equipment approved. I teach others how to achieve the same results by writing their own letters of medical necessity, working cohesively with their medical professionals, and strategically creating a plan of attack to eliminate months of painstaking denials.
Learn more at quirkyquad.com/.
The "CURE" to Inclusion
Presented by: Ruth Rathblott, MSW, DEI Certified, TEDx Speaker, Author
Location: Workshop Area
Discover the power of living authentically through connection (C), understanding (U), representation (R), and empathy (E). Attendees will have the opportunity to explore their own differences through personal reflection and small group activities, as well as having presented current language and curated conversation on inclusion. The C.U.R.E. model engages attendees on 4 dimensions:
- Connection through courage and commitment.
- Understanding by uncovering those parts of ourselves that are different and creating safe places for conversation about difference.
- Representation by making sure all voices are recognized and have a seat at the table.
- Empathy and evolving to create an amazing workplace.
Learn more at ruthrathblott.com.
Book Signing Follows! 4:30pm - 5:00pm
Meet Ruth Rathblott at the workshop area between 4:30pm and 5:00pm to purchase signed copies of her new book, Single Handedly: Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase at the show. Copies can also be purchased in advance at Amazon. Please note this event ends promptly at 5:00pm.
Discover How to Pay for Everything You See Today
Presented by: Sonny Mullen and Kelly L. Green, Help Hope Live
Location: Workshop Area
Did you know that you can fundraise to cover the costs of everything you see at Abilities Expo? From power wheelchairs to accessible vehicles, from adaptive bikes to home modifications. And more! Help Hope Live wants to help make this happen! Come find out how the Help Hope Live non-profit organization works closely with Abilities Expo exhibitors and others – to get our clients on their way to independence!
Learn more at helphopelive.org.
Finding Solutions for Multiple Medication Overload
Presented by: Jay Gupta, RPh, 340B ACE, MTM Consultant, C-IAYT
Location: Workshop Area
This workshop is presented by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and is geared toward anyone who lives with paralysis from disease, injury, or birth condition as well as their loved ones.
Medications are intended to improve our health and well-being. Some medications present more risks and adverse reactions than others. Persons who live with disabilities often take multiple medications to treat secondary/other chronic conditions which may escalate risks and reactions. This session will:
- Outline the incidence of polypharmacy and discuss who is at most risk.
- Explore the implications of polypharmacy and changing impact of COVID-19.
- Provide inspiration and strategies to minimize the risks and reduce polypharmacy where possible to enhance health and resilience.
Learn more at christopherreeve.org.
Adaptability Over Disability: Using Outdoor Recreation as a Way of Recovery
Presented by: Danny Glasser, CEO, The National Ability Center
Location: Workshop Area
Danny Glasser from The National Ability Center will share his unique perspective on outdoor recreation, adaptive sports, and educational programs for people of all abilities. Learn about the power of using outdoor recreation as a way of recovery. Get details about the many programs that exist to help you explore the outdoors and support some to take their athletic skills to the next level so they can compete at the Paralympics and the Special Olympic Games. Danny will speak from his personal experience (his wife lives with MS and his son is on the autism spectrum), as well as how The National Ability Center is working to break barriers for accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptive recreation for everyone participating in outdoor sports.
Learn more at discovernac.org/.
Maximizing Function in Joystick Driving
Presented by: J.D. Concepcion, ATP, Regional Manager, Stealth Products
Location: Workshop Area
This hands-on workshop will provide a basic to intermediate level understanding of how joysticks are used to communicate with the mobility base of your wheelchair. Explore how product variations and configurability are used to maximize function, and considerations for adapting to your changing needs. Topics we will discuss include:
- Intro to basic joystick function
- Joystick styles and application
- Configurability
- Adaptability to change
Learn more at stealthproducts.com.
Self-Advocacy: Creating Your Own Path
Presented by: Shameka Andrews, Disability Advocate and Consultant
Location: Workshop Area
In this workshop we will discuss self-advocacy, what it is, and how you can use it to reach your goals. First, we'll explore what it means when we talk about self advocacy and how you can be a self advocate for yourself. Next, we'll talk about how self advocacy helps you define your vision and achieve your goals. Finally we'll explore tips and tools to help you on your self-advocacy journey.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/ShamekaLAndrews.
Travel with a Disability? Yes, You Can!
Presented by: Kristy Lacroix, Certified Accessible Travel Specialist, Founder, Wheelchair Escapes
Location: Workshop Area
Want to travel? Join Kristy Lacroix of Wheelchair Escapes as she shares what she has learned over 29 years of hands-on experience planning travel for people who use wheelchairs or have other disabilities. Discover travel tips, ideas, and advice to help you say, "I can do it!" So you can get out there and explore the world! Please bring your travel questions and concerns. Kristy wants you to leave this workshop knowing, that yes, you can travel the world!
Learn more at wheelchairescapes.com.