Latest Tech & Disability Products
Abilities Expo brings you thousands of game-changing tech, products and services. Regardless of the type and level of your disability, we strive to provide the resources you need.
Up Your Game at Abilities Expo!
T
he Chicago Abilities Expo brings you life-changing opportunities. It could be the products and tech. It could be the chance to play quad rugby, climb an all-inclusive climbing wall, dance with the Rollettes, meet a mini horse or connect with others in the disability community. It's free so join us and register today.
Our Sponsors
Our Sponsors
Informative Workshops
Attend free, info-packed workshops on issues that matter to you. Get tips on accessible travel, workforce readiness and outdoor recreation. There's more, check it out!
Interactive Events and Features
Try such adaptive activities as sports, dance, service animal demos and more for all ages! If something sparks your interest, find out how to engage year-round.
Must-See and Can't-Miss Expo Experiences
There is just so much to see and do at Abilities Expo. Here are a few opportunities you don't want to let pass you by.
Cool Show Features
We Love How They Roll
Get a front row seat for dynamic performances from the world-famous Rollettes. You'll event learn their signature dance moves!
Meet a Mini
They aren't just adorable, miniature horses can also perform a variety of tasks as service and therapy animals.
Scale the Adaptive Rock Wall
If you thought your climbing days were behind you, think again! Whatever your ability, YOU can conquer the all-inclusive climbing wall.
Plan Your Visit to Abilities Expo
Don’t miss our life-enhancing exhibits, dynamic workshops and fun events for kids of all ages!
Calendar
All Day, Every Day
Friday, June 21, 2024
Disability Services for Expo-goers
In our efforts to ensure a positive show experience, Abilities Expo endeavors to accommodate the disability community with a host of special show services including loaner scooters, sign language interpretation, free wheelchair, captioning services for the workshop and so much more!
Special Show Services for People with Disabilities
Loaner Scooters & W/C Repair
Free loaner scooters are available during show hours on a first come, first served basis. Wheelchair need a tune-up? Swing by the Sunrise Medical Free Wheelchair Repair Pavilion for minor maintenance.
Sign Language and CART Services
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for those who need translation. All workshops are captioned through CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services.
Large Print Accommodations
Large print versions of the exhibitor list and the events/workshops schedule will be available by request at the registration counters.
Assistance Animals Play Critical Role in Disability Community
Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent.
Service Dogs and Therapy Horses
All About Service Dogs
Equine-Assisted Services for All
Miniature Therapy Horses
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids
Friday, June 21: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
Saturday, June 22: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
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.
Equine-Assisted Services for All
Presented by: Kate Rasmusen and Dr. Carla Johnson, EdD, The Legacy Ranch
Sunday, June 23: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Horses can provide support to people in many different ways. Therapies and programs exist that assist people with all types of disabilities through occupational and physical therapy, mental health care, therapeutic riding, and competitive opportunities. Come learn about the many options available! Including hippotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, life skills, and more! Plus, you'll discover the unique ways that just being around horses can boost self esteem. Horses will be available for attendees to meet and learn about.
Miniature Therapy Horses
Presented by: Jodie Diegel, RN, MBA, SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
Saturday, June 22: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Did you know horses can help people with disabilities?! It's true! Horses help in many ways and miniature horses have been gaining attention for their strength as therapy animals. Come meet some "mini's"! Learn why they are "horses" (not ponies) as well as the types of tasks they can perform as service and therapy animals. Time is included to meet the equine staff who will be visiting with their human counterparts.
Learn the Latest Adaptive Dance Moves
Dancing is great for the body, and even better for spirit!
Inclusive Dance Performances
Adaptive Dance Party with Momentum Dance Studio
Dance with The Rollettes!
Adaptive Dance Party with Momentum Dance Studio
Presented by: Momentum Dance Studio
Saturday, June 22: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Join us for an adaptive dance performance by dancers from Momentum Dance Studio! Then it's your turn to try a mini dance class, focusing on stretching, building inner core strength, and enjoying the movement and music of dance! The studio has been teaching adaptive dance for 15 years and they offer adaptive classes and performance opportunities designed specifically by children and young adults with disabilities.
Dance with The Rollettes!
Presented by: The Rollettes Los Angeles
Friday, June 21: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Sunday, June 23: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes, the incredible team of wheelchair dancers from Los Angeles! These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs, and content creation they dazzle and push barriers out of their way. It's not just a performance; it's also your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves! Come fulfill your dreams to dance!
Get in the Game with Adaptive Sports
The sidelines are no place for you so take your pick from a variety of interactive, adaptive sports. You'll get the blood pumping, improve fitness and build confidence…
and the fun factor is off the charts!
Adaptive Sports
Adaptive Cheer Demonstration and Mini Clinic
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Sled Hockey Demonstration
Sports Zone
Wheelchair Rugby
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Adaptive Cheer Demonstration and Mini Clinic
Presented by: ParaCheer Spirit, USA Cheer
Saturday, June 22: 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Cheerleaders of various challenges (wheelchair users, amputee, deaf) work together to present basic cheerleading elements including sideline cheers, jumps, tumbling and stunts. Crowd participation in learning cheers is welcomed.
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Sponsored by: Coloplast
The Adaptive Climbing Wall is open to people of all abilities! There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and he is the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Come climb the wall using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and adaptive sports gear. Climbing has tremendous benefits—building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength and improving flexibility.
Sled Hockey Demonstration
Presented by: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
Friday, June 21: 3:00 - 3:30 pm
Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades, and the players use two sticks instead of one. See the equipment, hear from coaches, ask questions and find out how you can get started playing sled hockey!
Sports Zone
Presented by: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program
All Day, Every Day
Come on by to try a variety of adaptive sports! At the Sports Zone you'll discover equipment and staff support so you can try several different sports. Featured sports will include boccia, cycling, and basketball. The Sports Zone is organized and presented by the Adaptive Sports and Fitness department from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. The Zone will be open whenever the show is open!
Wheelchair Rugby
Presented by: Chicago Bears Wheelchair Rugby Team
Sunday, June 23: 12:00 – 1:15pm
Wheelchair rugby is often described as a combination of football, hockey and basketball in a wheelchair. Any individual with impairments in three or more extremities may be eligible to play. This may include but is not limited to spinal cord injury, post-polio and cerebral palsy. Enjoy a demo of this dynamic sport and even try it out for yourself!
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Friday, June 21: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Saturday, June 22: 4:00 - 4:45 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. Featuring elements of weight training, Zumba, and pom-pom dance. Standing participants are also welcome!
AT Showcase: Interact with Tomorrow's Technology Today
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved
ones bridge the gap between ability and disability!
Assistive Technology Showcase
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! See and try a selection of assistive technology, with options for all disabilities. Ask questions and discuss recommendations to find the most appropriate technology for your abilities and needs. The Illinois Assistive Technology Program 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 offer free hands-on demonstrations of technology and tools throughout the show. From low-tech tips to advice about sophisticated software, we can help you find solutions!
Experience Creativity at the Artist Market
The area's most celebrated artists with disabilities will feature an eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry. From paintings to photos to poetry and more, their amazing works will be available for appreciation and purchase.
Adaptive Art
Artfully Gifted, Artist Market Sponsor
Artfully Gifted is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports and promotes artists with disabilities. The organization provides an avenue for disabled artists to show and sell their work. Artfully Gifted is currently located at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education at Roosevelt (ICRE-R) in Chicago.
In addition to housing the Artfully Gifted Storefront, ICRE-R offers two programs aimed at improving the independent functioning and facilitating vocational outcomes for people with disabilities. The first program is a residential program for transition-aged youth with physical disabilities; the second program is a day program called the Vocational Initiative Program (VIP) that includes individuals with a wide variety of disabilities, autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, as well as physical disabilities. Artfully Gifted works with both programs to provide comprehensive services for artists like the individuals featured at this year`s Expo.
David Farber, Photographer
David's interest in wildlife and nature photography began at the age of 13 and has been his passion for the last 42 years. Not even his 1981 motorcycle accident which left him a triplegic could distract him from one of the great loves of his life. Able only to move his right arm, David shoots photos with the help of a utility frame to hold his camera and sipping tube to take the picture. His one functioning hand never has to leave the focusing ring. David also does all his own processing, mat cutting and frame building. For more information, visit Naturally Farber Photos at www.naturallyfarberphotos.com.
Getting to Abilities Expo
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 North Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Directions, Parking and Transpo
Directions From the North:
Take 294 South or 94 East. Take 90 (Northwest Toll way) West. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Directions From Chicago:
Take I-90 (Northwest Toll way) West from Chicago. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Directions From O’Hare Airport:
Exit airport and take I-90 (Northwest Toll way East. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Directions From the West:
Take I-90 (Northwest Toll way) East. Exit on 53 North. Take first exit - Algonquin Road – and turn right/West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road
Directions From the South:
Take 294-N - Merge on 290 West. Exit on Algonquin Road- turn right/ West. Turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
For maps and directions, please visit google.
Parking and Drop-off
To access complimentary parking, enter the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center (RSHCC) and proceed to the convention center entrance located on the East end of the complex by following the posted signage. If you would like to drop of any passengers before you park, please do so at the entrance facing North and just to the East of the ballroom entrance. Then proceed to the outdoor lot all around the building.
Self Parking is free. If you would prefer to valet your vehicle, the costs are $13 for daytime valet and $17 for overnight.
Map of Schaumburg Convention Center
Transpo to the Expo
Public Transportation Accessible travel
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace Suburban Bus and Pace ADA Paratransit. Please visit https://www.rtachicago.org to plan your itinerary.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. Click here for details on accessible transit. Please visit https://www.transitchicago.com/ to plan your itinerary.
Metra
Metra provides accessible travel all over Chicagoland and most of its stations are wheelchair accessible. Click here for details. Please visit www.metrarail.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the Schaumburg Convention Center is the Arlington Park station on the Metro Union Pacific Northwest line.
Pace ADA Paratransit Service
Paratransit service is the general term for a reservation-based or "demand-response" service in which a passenger must reserve a ride in advance. Unlike fixed-route service, in which buses travel the same route in a regular pattern and pick up any waiting passengers, paratransit vehicles make only pre-arranged trips for riders who are eligible for the particular service. To apply for paratransit certification, click here.
Trips are only provided at the same times and within the same geographic areas as fixed route. Pace operates this service across the entire six-county region, including Chicago. Once certified, access this directory of reservation phone numbers to book your paratransit ride. Please click here for details and fares.
Pace Suburban Bus Service
All Pace fixed routes are accessible for persons who use mobility aids and service is available in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. Please visit www.pacebus.com to plan your itinerary.
Schaumburg Dial-a-Ride
Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) is provided by the Village of Schaumburg and Pace's Suburban Bus Division. Schaumburg's signature transit service has evolved over the years into one of the few community-operated bus services in the Chicagoland that provides door-to-door access to any location in Schaumburg. To schedule a ride using DART, call 847-352-8097. Rides can be reserved on the same day as travel, at least 90 minutes prior to your desired pick-up time. Each bus can accommodate two wheelchairs. There is no service on Sundays.
Woodfield Trolley
The Village of Schaumburg provides free accessible service from the Woodfield Mall to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The trolley runs during show hours every 20 minutes on Saturday and every 30 minutes on Friday and Sunday. The Woodfield Mall stop is located on the lower level between Nordstrom and J.C. Penney. This may be a viable option for those travelling to Abilities Expo via public transportation and are having issues with the timing of the Pace Bus. Please visit the Woodfield Trolley website for more information or call (847) 923-3880.
Traveling from the City of Chicago
If you are traveling to the Expo from Chicago, here is an itinerary consider:
- Take the CTA Blue Line to Rosemont CTA Station.
- Then take the 606 Pace Bus to Perimeter Dr & West Dr (Woodfield Mall)
- Catch the trolley to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center (details above)
Meet the Ambassadors
Local disability activists spearhead Abilities Expo's community outreach initiatives.
Ambassador Program
Mike Ervin
Mike Ervin is a writer and disability rights activist living in Chicago. His plays have been produced in theaters across America.
Vanessa Harris
Vanessa Harris, P.E. is an able-bodied/disabled licensed professional engineer and artist who creates short documentaries which can be seen at Fun 4 the Disabled to inspire joy for disabled and non-disabled persons alike about fun topics.