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 how to pay for everything you see at the show to ways to use technology, adaptive fashion, the benefits of self-care, and much more!
There's no need to register in advance for the workshops. Just arrive early to each session 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. Certificate recipients must be registered attendees at the show.
* 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.
Accessible Home Design: The Basics
Presented by: Mark Thompson, AIA, Senior Associate 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 (available for reading online).
Cannabis for Well-Being
Presented by: Mskindness Ramirez, MA Ed, Founder and Executive Director, Club Kindness, and The Social Impact Center
Location: Workshop Area
Through the advancement of science and research of the cannabis plant, we have learned that homeostasis is easily achieved with the support of cannabis. From physical and mental exercise to maintaining a healthy diet, we've all explored ways of elevating our well-being. Presented by The Social Impact Center, this workshop will explore an ancient medicine rooted in the present using an informational storytelling style that expands on the benefits of cannabinoid medicine for wellness.
Learn more at clubkindness.io/.
Beyond Drive Control Selection: Maximizing Function and Independence through Programming Options
Presented by: Nick Delenikos, Regional Sales Manager, Stealth / Quantum Rehab
Location: Meeting Room #1 (Exit the building from the show floor through the exterior door closest to booth #700 and turn left to access Meeting Room #1.)
Power wheelchair drive controls are constantly evolving with advancing technology. There is a wide range of these products and complex rehab equipment professionals often have limited exposure to the options that are available. This class will provide evaluating clinicians, Assistive Technology Professionals, and other seating/mobility professionals with knowledge of various drive control options and programming options available to provide maximal benefit to the end user.
The session is complimentary, but registration is required. Attendees can earn .2 CEUs. For more information, click here.
How to Get Fashionable Accessible Clothing
Presented by: Kimberley Elizabeth Warmack, Educator, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2023, and Creator of the Adaptability Brand
Location: Workshop Area
Learn tips and tricks for achieving the fashion look you want while ensuring your clothing is accessible for your needs! Kim Warmack has been designing fashionable accessible clothing for many years. Through her research she feels fashionable accessible clothing can and should be sold by local retailers - easy for you to purchase off the rack at everyday stores you visit. Kim will share from her wealth of expertise about how you can make clothing more accessible, sources for where you can purchase accessible clothing you will love, and designs by local designers. Plus, you will learn about the work going on behind the scenes to get accessible fashionable clothing for men, women and children in the retail market spaces now!
Learn more at Kim's Adaptability Instagram account.
A Technology Journey - Discover How AT and AAC Devices Help!
Presented by: Jen Mendenhall, Mom and Disability Advocate, and Codi Mendenhall, Student and Disability Advocate
Location: Workshop Area
Come meet Codi! She's a typical but not-so typical teenager. Codi is a vibrant and determined seventeen-year old with Cerebral Palsy (CP). She uses many forms of assistive technology to increase her self-sufficiency. Journey with Codi and her mom Jen to discover the various forms of Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) available today. Learn how they have incorporated this technology into their lives over the past 17 years. Find out how this technology can help you in your life!
Learn more at https://www.codislifeadvocacy.com/. View Codi's Life - From Coding to Communication Tech, a Jen and Codi Mendenhall TEDx Talk.
Maximizing Function in Joystick Driving
Presented by: Nicholas Delenikos, Stealth Products, Western Regional Sales Manager
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.
Disability and Special Needs Planning Made Easy
Presented by: Andre Sam, Disability & Special Needs Project
Location: Workshop Area
An informative and educational workshop for family members with loved ones of all ages with physical and/or intellectual disabilities or special needs! Many topics will be covered in this workshop. Including: 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. Learn 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 at projectdsnp.com.
Accessible Memories: Defying Limits One Destination at a Time
Presented by: Kristy Durso, Owner, Incredible Memories Travel
Location: Workshop Area
Join Kristy Durso to discuss the many different areas of special needs travel including physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, food allergies, hearing, and visual disabilities. Having developed both a resort accessibility evaluation and a special needs education program for the 6,000+ agents in one of America's top host agencies, Kristy is dedicated to finding and working with partners in the industry willing to defy limitations to create a more accessible world. Whether near and far, adventurous or relaxed, Kristy believes travel is empowering, and should be experienced by all, not just the able-bodied. Join her to defy limits and open up the world of travel to all.
Learn more at incrediblememoriestravel.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 at helphopelive.org.
A Journey of Love: Navigating Dating and Marriage as an Inter-Abled Couple
Presented by: Steph Roach, Staying Driven LLC, and Ty Roach, Bri and Ty's Custom Shop
Location: Workshop Area
Join us for an honest discussion about dating and relationships. Steph and Ty, an inter-abled couple, will lead this talk, focusing on topics such as societal perceptions, navigating challenges, and the realities of a long-term relationship. This workshop will also look at how to find the right person, how to bring authenticity into your relationships, the practical nature of delegating home responsibilities, and what you can do when live is not all sunshine and rainbows. Bring your questions and contributions!
Learn more about Steph and Ty's work at stayingdrivenlive.com and instagram.com/bri_and_tys_custom_shop/.