FREE workshops!
Here is the 2022 Abilities Expo line-up.
Check back 3 months out to find out what's in store for 2023.
Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on everything from tips for traveling with a disability and home modifications to methods for funding and ways to use common, everyday toys as therapy tools.
There's no need to register - just arrive early to get your seat!
Professionals:
- Certificates of participation are available for all workshops. Please see the Accessibility Help Desk following each workshop for your certificate. (Please note there are no CEU approved courses at this year’s Abilities Expo).
* Dates and times of workshops 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.
Accessible Home Design: The Basics
Presented by Mark Thompson, AIA, Senior Director of Architecture, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Location: Workshop
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! Visit pva.org/AccessibleDesign.
Disability and Special Needs Planning Made Easy
Presented by: Andre Sam, Disability & Special Needs Project
Location: Workshop Area
Join us for an informative and educational workshop for family members with loved ones of all ages with physical and/or intellectual disabilities or special needs. Topics covered in this workshop include guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, micro boards, wills, family trusts, special needs trusts, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability, Medicaid/Medicare, ABLE Accounts, budget planning, and transition planning. This workshop will explain why these disability and special needs planning documents are important to have and how they complement each other in an estate plan designed to protect yourself, your family, and/or your loved one's current and future quality of life and care. Don't be afraid to plan, be afraid if you don't plan.
Learn More! Visit projectdsnp.com.
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! Visit helphopelive.org.
Back to Life, Career, and Purpose
Presented by: Vincent Rutley, Entrepreneur and Disability Advocate, WHILL Ambassador
Location: Workshop Area
Vincent Rutley is an entrepreneur, actor, and disability advocate. Discover his tips for how disabled wheelchair users can pursue the career of their dreams after catastrophic life changing injury.
Learn more! Connect with Vincent on Facebook.
Polypharmacy: What Is It and Are You at Risk?
Presented by: Jay Gupta, RPh, MTM Consultant, C-IAYT and Terry Gupta, MSW, C-IAYT, YACEP, E-RYT500
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! Visit christopherreeve.org.
Introduction to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Presented by: Nick Skov, Operations Director, OxyLife Hyperbarics
Location: Workshop
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, commonly called HBOT, is a therapy that is FDA-Approved for 14 conditions. IHBOT is also used off-label to treat additional conditions. At this workshop learn what HBOT is and how it works in the body. Find out which conditions benefit from HBOT and how you can access this therapy for yourself. The different types of HBOT chambers will be discussed, along with how HBOT can be used in combination with other therapies. After this workshop you'll gain a better understanding of when this therapy is appropriate and how it can help certain individuals.
Assistive Robots: Fact and Fiction
Presented by: Mike Dooley, CEO, Labrador Systems, MBA
Location: Workshop Area
Exciting new technologies coming out of the consumer electronics industry are allowing companies to build safe and reliable robots for homes, hospitals, senior living, and restaurants. This presentation will provide an education on what is possible now and what is probable in the future as it relates to robots, independence, and health at home.
Learn more! Visit labradorsystems.com/.
Cannabis for Well-Being
Presented by: Parisa Rad, Founder, MJMomma Consulting and "The Marijuana Momma"
Location: Workshop Area
This educational program will help you gain knowledge and an understanding of the Medical Cannabis Program in the state of Arizona with Parisa Rad, marketing executive and cannabis advocate whose experience as the mom of a special needs child propelled her into the industry. By incorporating storytelling elements, Rad expands on basic medical cannabis facts and misconceptions, as well as the fundamental science behind medical cannabis and how it works in our bodies. We will also take an in-depth look at the law, including recent updates, and the application process.
Learn more! Visit thesocialimpactcenter.org.
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Workshop Area
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.
Learn more! Visit WOW Wheelchair Fitness.