FREE workshops!
Here is the 2024 Abilities Expo line-up. Check back to find out what's in store for 2025.
Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on many topics from traveling with a disability and how to pay for everything you see at the show to learning the benefits of outdoor recreation, discovering new accessibility features on your tech, 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 to explore at Abilities Expo Dallas! Check out the Exhibitors and Workshops!
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.
Complications of Prolonged Sitting: Why Prescribe Supported Standing Devices Following SCI? Workshop
Presented By: Kristen Cezat PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, NCS, Altimate Medical
Location: Workshop Area
This course will review the types and secondary medical complications and postural effects on an individual following a spinal cord injury. We will discuss evidence of supported standing devices and the benefits of supported standing in-home programs across the lifespan for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The session is complimentary and registration is required. Attendees can earn .1 CEU. For more information, click here.
Supported Standing Devices and Exercise in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
Presented By: Kristen Cezat PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, NCS, Altimate Medical
Location: Workshop Area
This education session will summarize the evidence available for secondary effects related to prolonged sitting following paralysis, supported standing devices across the lifespan of individuals with SCI, and exercise recommendations for adults with SCI.
The session is complimentary, and registration is required. Attendees can earn .1 CEU. For more information, click here.
Wheelchair Evaluation/Fitting: How to be an Active Participant
Presented By: Karla Sonderland, MS, OTR/L, ATP, Clinical Education Manager, Midwest – Sunrise Medical
Location: Workshop Area
Not ever rider is prepared for a wheelchair evaluation; they may not know what to expect, what questions to ask, and they may feel as if decisions are being made on their behalf. This workshop is attended to empower the wheelchair rider to be an active participant in the evaluation and fitting of their wheelchair. The workshop will begin by explaining the evaluation process in detail, including the importance of the rider's subjective evaluation, what measurements are considered in configuring a wheelchair for optimal performance (emphasis on ultra-lightweight manual mobility), and what goals and outcomes the rider must identify and consider when selecting components.
Learn more at https://www.sunrisemedical.com/
Travel the World! Even if you have mobility challenges and special needs
Presented By: Debra Kerper, ACC, CATA, Accessible Travel Specialist – Cruise Planners
Location: Workshop Area
Learn how to navigate the world using mobility aids. Our focus is primarily on those with physical disabilities, but we also discuss other challenges such as low vision and hearing loss. Learn the ins and outs of airplane travel, find out why a cruise may be your best choice and more. We will help you be proactive when you travel, explain what a Complaint Resolution Officer is (CRO) and let you know the importance of purchasing travel insurance.
Learn more at www.easyaccesstravel.com
Accessible Home Design: Kitchens & Bathrooms!
Presented By: Rachel Krishnan, AIA, Project Manager - Architecture, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Location: Workshop Area
How can my kitchen be made more accessible? Can kitchen appliances be more user-friendly? Could I retrofit my bathroom to include a spacious roll-in shower? Where should plumbing fixtures be located, and what type? Who should I hire to make sure my home renovation project will fit my needs? Whether it's a new accessible residence or retrofitting your existing home, learn ways to improve the accessibility of your kitchen and bathrooms. Information will be presented from several chapters of PVA's book, Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User, with real examples and case studies.
Learn more at pva.org/research-resources/accessible-design and the popular book from PVA: Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User, Second Edition (available for purchase online).
Universal Design — The approach of BILLY Footwear to bring inclusive shoes to market
Presented By: Billy Price, BILLY Footwear
Location: Workshop Area
Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.
Participants of this workshop will be able to identify 3 examples of universal design in their daily lives. Participants will be able to describe the unique features of BILLY Footwear and how it pertains to universal design. Participants will be able to discuss at least 1 case example in which BILLY Footwear enhanced a person’s independence through universal design.
Learn more at https://billyfootwear.com
Packing Your Medical Bag
Presented By: Kristy Durso, Owner of Incredible Memories Travel and Founder of the Accessible Travel Network
Location: Workshop Area
What should you bring when you travel? Come learn from Kristy Durso, owner of Incredible Memories Travel and founder of the Accessible Travel Network, about how having the right supplies can make your next trip so much easier! We’ll cover useful apps for blind/low vision and Deaf/Hard of Hearing, go bags for sensory needs, and assistive devices that change the travel experience. We’ll also talk about your rights when traveling with your medical equipment within the United States.
The Art of Complex Caregiving
Presented By: Linda M. Schultz, PhD, CRRN
1:00pm – 2:00pm
For both individuals receiving care and those providing it, juggling a complex medical situation with a disability can become challenging. Pain management, bladder and bowel routines, skin care, and more all compete for attention and trying to prioritize tasks can be exhausting. In this workshop, attendees will hear from Linda Schultz, Ph.D., known best as "Nurse Linda" from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center. She will discuss ways to manage complex caregiving with simplicity, compassion, and grace. Attendees will leave this session having gained tips and strategies for preventing and managing stressful situations before they happen.
Learn more at christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/for-caregivers.
Wheelchair Seating Solutions for Kids
Presented By: Heather R. Price, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Central South Regional Manager - Stealth Products
Location: Workshop Area
This workshop is meant to provide families and caregivers of children who use various types of wheeled mobility devices with an overview of the different types of common seating and positioning devices. It will cover what each item is designed to do as well as specific considerations for children. Several topics will be discussed including why seating and positioning is so important for children, differences between adult and pediatric seating, steps you can take to ensure that your child is properly positioned in their current system, a systematic review of common seating and positioning devices.
Learn more at https://stealthproducts.com/
Disability & Special Needs Planning Made Easy
Presented By: Andre Sam, Disability/Special Needs Planner - 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: https://projectdsnp.com/
Discover How to Pay for Everything You See Today
Presented By: Kelly Green, Executive Director - 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.
Raising Children with Disabilities with Excitement and a Smile
Presented By: Clay Boatright, Author - God's Plan, Our Circus
Location: Workshop Area
Raising children with disabilities can bring challenges few parents are prepared for. The added stress complicates relationships and family peace, often resulting in divorce and lack of preparation for the future. This workshop helps parents and caregivers reframe perspectives and provides specific examples for lowering stress and preparing for future growth.
Learn more at www.clayboatright.com
Beyond the “Go Bag”: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Presented By: Logan Perkes and Lacey James, FEMA
Location: Workshop Area
Having a “Go Bag” is an important part of being prepared in an emergency, but there are a lot of other things to consider for those who do and don't have disabilities. This session will go over some of the plans you can make that you may not have thought of in a fun and interactive way.
Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/disability