Meet the Event Speakers!
Meet the speakers for the events at Abilities Expo - presenters of the all-day activities, demonstrations, and events at the show! They are people whose individual lives are as relevant to the Community as the issues they are addressing. Our speakers have years of experience and are highly knowledgeable in their fields. Many are recognized nationally and within their state for their ongoing work with people with disabilities. All our speakers have apparent and non-apparent disabilities, work in the disability field, or are the sibling or parent of a person with disabilities.
There's a lot to explore at Abilities Expo! Also check out the Exhibitors and Workshops.
* The dates, times, topics, and speakers for these events are subject to change without notice. The opinions presented at the events are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Abilities Expo. Event 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 events.
Chicago Bears Wheelchair Rugby Team
The Chicago Bears Wheelchair Rugby Team is a member of the USWRA. The Chicago Bears are a D3 wheelchair rugby team that travels to tournaments as a competitive program. The team is comprised of advanced and newer athletes who are learning how to play. No experience is necessary to attend practices with the Bears. For more details and participation information visit sralab.org/wheelchair-rugby.
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Event: Wheelchair Rugby
Justin Graham, NASM-CPT, FNS
Justin Graham, creator of WOW Wheelchair Fitness, is a Certified Personal Trainer who has been working with the disability community since 2018. He has taught classes with Paralyzed Veterans Association (PVA), Triumph Sports Festival, Ability360 in Phoenix, Spina Bifida Association, and the Abilities Expos shows around the country. His dynamic charm attracts everyone to join his wheelchair fitness classes, combining strength training with dance, pom-poms, and just plain fun! Justin teaches fitness classes daily on the virtual platform WOW Wheelchair Fitness, which provides consistent, organized fitness and personal training via online sessions to increase healthy happiness in the disability community! Whether seated, standing or rolling, W.O.W. is designed for everyone to use! Justin excels at enticing even the shyest student to play along and get valuable exercise. Justin is based in Phoenix, AZ where he teaches live classes and one-on-one personal training in addition to his online classes. His joyous energy is a gift, bringing people of all ages and abilities together to dance with their peers.
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Event: WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)
GLASA strives to 'Let No One Sit on the Sidelines' and operates under a mission to promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth, adults and military veterans who have a physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreation, fitness, and competitive sports activities. GLASA offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership, and training in collaboration with community-based organizations.
Events: Sled Hockey Demonstration + Para Pickleball
Kristin Hartness
Public awareness and education are very important to CDK – so important that they travel the country to talk to students of all grade levels, civic groups, religious groups, and businesses about assistance dogs. CDK also offers different ways to help educate the public about service dogs including Educational Presentations, Booth Event Participation, Americans with Disability (ADA) consulting. Members of CDK staff and volunteers travel all over the country for these opportunities. Please contact us to learn more about how we might participate in your school, business, or community event.
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Event: All About Service Dogs
Momentum Dance Studio
Momentum Dance Studio offers classes in a variety of dance styles to dancers of all ages and abilities. From ballet and jazz, to tap, hip hop, and contemporary Momentum Dance Studio has dance classes for the entire family. Our Adaptive dance classes are designed for children and young adults of any diagnosis or disability. These classes focus on stretching, balance, coordination, and core strength. Our instructors can work hand-in-hand with each child's therapist to meet an individual child's needs, whether it is physical or psychological. Our Adaptive classes bring the joy of dance to those who may have never thought it possible.
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Event: Adaptive Dance Party with Momentum Dance Studio
The Rollettes Los Angeles
The Rollettes Los Angeles is a team of women who 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 the boundaries that others place in the way. Their mission statement is "Women Empowering Women with Disabilities to Live Boundlessly and Shift Perspectives Through Dance".
Event: Dance with The Rollettes!
SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
Jodie Diegel RN, MBA is the Founder and current President of the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program, as well as past President and Founder of Mane in Heaven. The SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program, located in Barrington, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich lives by promoting the unconditional love and healing of the human-animal bond, while advocating for animal therapy standards of excellence. They offer the Barrington area's most experienced animal-assisted miniature therapy equine teams who have been visiting since 2013. "I believe a difference is made when there is a soul-to-soul connection [between humans and animal]," says Jodie, and it is through her passion for animal therapy that individuals throughout the Chicagoland area can receive care and experience that incredible soul-bond with her animals. Through working with volunteer animal handlers, Jodie and her team bring miniature horses and dogs to locations such as Rush University Medical Center, The Garlands, Markland, GiGi's Playhouse and Barrington High School.
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Event: Miniature Therapy Horses
Twenty-One Senses
Twenty-One Senses is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing inclusion for children with invisible disabilities, through education and support for families and businesses in the community. All of their research-based training and resources align to the same measurable outcome: empowering people to recognize sensory disability and embrace individual differences with compassion and positivity. Their mission is to advance inclusion for children – and all individuals – with invisible disabilities, through awareness, education, and support. Changing the narrative in our community regarding neurodiversity and sensory regulation.
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Event: Calm Room
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