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 resources you need.
Dial Up Your Independence
at Abilities Expo
T
hree days. One roof. Endless access to the latest products, technologies and resources for the disability community! Get ready for an all-inclusive climbing wall, a ton of adaptive sports, the Rollettes Dance Team, info-packed workshops and so much more. It's all free so join us and register today.
FREE PARKING opportunities at Broward County Convention Center! Click here for details.
Important Note: Your well-being is our top priority, and we hope that you and your loved ones are all safe and secure in the wake of Milton’s devastation. We hope that our show can help provide you with resources, connections and more as you navigate the path forward.
Our Sponsors
Our Sponsors
Informative Workshops
Attend free, info-packed workshops on issues that matter to you. Get tips on accessible home design, emergency preparedness and caregiving. There's more, lots more!
Interactive Events and Features
Try such inclusive activities as adaptive sports, dance and more for the kids of all ages! If something sparks your interest, you can 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
Conquer the Adaptive Rock Wall
If you thought your climbing days were behind you, think again! Whatever your ability, YOU can conquer the completely inclusive climbing wall.
We Love How They Roll
Join the world-famous Rollettes for some dance fun! Get a front row seat for their dynamic performances, then you get to learn their signature moves.
Be prepared!
This emergency preparedness session will ensure that you or your loved ones have the tools you need to protect yourself when hurricanes strike.
Plan Your Visit to Abilities Expo
Don't miss our life-enhancing exhibits, dynamic workshops and fun events for all ages!
Calendar
All Day, Every Day
Friday, October 18, 2024
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Sunday, October 20, 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 on demand. Please request your copy at the registration counters.
Assistance Animals Play Critical Role
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
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids
Friday, October 18: 12:00 - 1:00pm
Saturday, October 19: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday, October 20: 11:15am – 11:45am
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.
Learn the Latest Adaptive Dance Moves
Dancing is great for the body, and even better for spirit! Don't miss your change to
get in the groove while improving fitness, strength and endurance.
Inclusive Dance & Music Performances
Dance with the Rollettes
Performance By The Deaf Music Ensemble
Wings to Fly Dance Company
W.O.W. Dance Fitness Party
Dance with the Rollettes!
Presented by: The Rollettes Los Angeles
Saturday, October 19: 10:30 - 11:15 am (Special Performance)
Sunday, October 20: 12:00 – 12:30 pm
You'll love this 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!
The Special Rollettes Performance is happening before the show opens on Saturday. Get your FREE TICKET by checking the box on the registration form. Don't wait! Space is limited.
Performance By The Deaf Music Ensemble
Presented By: The Deaf Music Ensemble
Sunday, October 20: 2:00 - 2:30pm
The Deaf Music Ensemble is a group of Deaf and hard of hearing musicians who create and perform music in American Sign Language (ASL). They use a unique blend of sign language, gesture, and movement to interpret and express music, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for audiences. The ensemble aims to promote Deaf culture and accessibility in the arts, and to challenge traditional notions of music and performance.
Wings to Fly Dance Company
Presented By: Wings to Fly Dance Company
Saturday, October 19: 2:00 – 2:45pm (Performance)
Saturday, October 19: 3:00 – 3:30pm (Inclusive Dance Class)
Come enjoy a heartwarming performance by Wings to Fly Dance Company. A fully integrated dance company with and without people with disabilities. There are no limits to what music and dance can do for the soul and this show will open your hearts. Directed by Tasha Shirley, her sister Tara and their mother Tena; this is a show not to be missed! Following the performance is an inclusive dance class.
W.O.W. Dance Fitness Party
Presented by: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Founder, W.O.W. Fitness & Wellness
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!
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 & Fitness
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Game On: Jim Black's Guide to Wheelchair Pickleball
Tennis for All!
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Sponsored by: Coloplast
All Day, Every Day
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.
Game On: Jim Black's Guide to Wheelchair Pickleball
Presented By: Sunrise Medical / RGK Wheelchairs
Friday, October 18: 2:00 – 3:00pm
Join us for an exciting wheelchair pickleball demonstration with former Paralympic tennis champion Jim Black! Whether you're new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best. Jim will share tips and techniques while showcasing how wheelchair pickleball is accessible, inclusive, and fun for players of all abilities.
Tennis for All!
Presented by: USTA Florida
Friday, October 18: 3:30 – 4:30pm
Come discover the most inclusive wheelchair sport, tennis! Join us to try the sport and learn about opportunities for recreational and competitive play. Meet local USTA Florida tennis service representatives and find out how you can play tennis in your area! All ages and abilities are 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. Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST) and Center for Independent Living of Broward 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
Meet local artists with disabilities and shop their eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry including crafts, paintings and more. All available for both appreciation and purchase.
Art by Emily Pulido
At just 14 years old, Emily is a talented, award-winning artist with a passion for painting, drawing and crafting unique beadable pens and pencils. Emily’s incredible journey began when she was born 15 weeks early, weighing only 1.5 pounds. After spending 122 days in the NICU at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Emily overcame every challenge life threw her way. Today, she thrives with Asperger’s Syndrome, embracing her creativity, intelligence and vibrant personality.
Dancing Red Panda
The multi-talented Layla of Dancing Red Panda is a self-taught artist, athlete, advocate, actor and philanthropist who is determined to be a source of hope for others facing similar challenges. Living with autism and anxiety disorder, art has been her sanctuary, helping her express emotions and stay grounded. Whether painting, drawing, sculpting, sewing, wood-burning or creating beaded bags, Layla pours herself into every creation and often uses her talents to raise money for charities supporting the disability community.
Getting to Abilities Expo
Broward County Convention Center, Hall A
1950 Eisenhower Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Directions, Parking and Transpo
From the Interstate North or South
Florida Turnpike or I-95. Exit I-595 East to US-1 North (Federal Highway). US-1 (Federal Highway) to SE 17th Street (East). Follow SE 17th Street to Eisenhower Blvd (South). The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center main entrance is SE 20th Street.
From the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport
US-1 North (Federal Highway) to SE 17th Street (East). Follow SE 17th Street to Eisenhower Blvd (South). The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center main entrance is SE 20th Street.
From A1A Highway South
A1A South turns into SE 17th Street. Follow SE 17th Street to Eisenhower Blvd (South). The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center main entrance is SE 20th Street.
From US-1 (Federal Highway) North or South
US-1 (Federal Highway) to SE 17th Street (East). Follow SE 17th Street to Eisenhower Blvd (South). The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center main entrance is SE 20th Street.
From A1A Highway North
A1A North to East Dania Beach Boulevard. East Dania Beach Boulevard US-1 North (Federal Highway). US-1 North to SE 17th Street (East). Follow SE 17th Street to Eisenhower Blvd (South). The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center main entrance is SE 20th Street.
Parking & Drop-off
Abilities Expo is thrilled to offer free parking to the first 100 people on each day of the show! Be sure to let the parking attendants know that you are an Abilities Expo Attendee.
The Broward County Convention Center is also offering free parking if your vehicle:
- Has specialized equipment such as a ramp, lift, or foot or hand controls
- Displays the Florida Toll Exemption Permit, or:
- Displays the Disabled Veteran "DV" license plate
Otherwise, parking is $20/day. If you are dropping a passenger off, please do so at the front entrance of Hall A as indicated on the map below. Then follow the red line to the Convention Parking Garage.
Transpo to the Expo
Broward County Convention Center Catch the Wave Program
The Catch the Wave program is a complimentary shuttle service that will pick up attendees from their vehicle and will drop them off at the Skywalk Bridge entrance located on the 2nd Foor of the BCCC garage.
Meet the Ambassadors
Local disability activists spearhead Abilities Expo's community outreach initiatives.
Ambassador Program
Meet the impressive individuals who have chosen to represent Abilities Expo to the Community.
Lorry Burgr
Lorry, a woman with Spina Bifida, became involved with disability causes in college. She saw the need for advocacy so started a group called Breaking Down the Barriers. It was designed to support and encourage accessibility and acceptance throughout campus.
Upon graduating, she moved to Florida and worked with those with developmental disabilities for many years as an instructor at a sheltered workshop.
Ryan Gebauer
Ryan Gebauer has led a very interesting life. In June 1995, when he was only 16 years old, Ryan and his friends were climbing a tree in his neighborhood, as teenagers often do. When Ryan jumped out of that tree into the lake below, his world was changed forever. Ryan lost balance, landed in the water breaking his neck at the C3-4 level and leaving him paralyzed. He was hospitalized for six months following his injury. During that time, he had numerous surgeries, went through rehabilitation, and generally learned how to live as a quadriplegic.