Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!
Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of events so you can try sports and dance, discover ways to be fit, and connect to programs in the local area.
All events take place in the Auti Angel Events Arena unless otherwise noted.
There's a lot to explore at Abilities Expo Houston! 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.
All Day, Every Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Location: Booth #533
Adaptive climbing is a sport that is open to people of all abilities! It's not just for experienced athletes. There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark has SCI and is an adventure athlete, speaker and author. 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. And it's fun! 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. He dedicates his time to improving the quality of life for adults and children with disabilities including disabled war veterans.
Learn more: www.nolimitstahoe.com
Artist Alley
Presented by: Whimsy Word Search
Location: #831
Whimsy Word Search challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. They are an expert resource on inclusive arts—creating and maintaining an accessible and open community where everyone can participate. Their goal is to provide support and training to the public, enhance personal growth, and offer Texans access to the creative work of people with diverse abilities.
Assistive Technology Showcase
Presented by: Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP)
Location: #825
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. TTAP staff are available to offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge. To help you find the most appropriate technology for your abilities and needs. TTAP develops programs to improve access, advocacy, and awareness of Assistive Technology to meet the needs of Texans with disabilities.
Learn more at the TTAP website.
Emergency Preparedness Resource Booth
Presented by: FEMA Region 6
Location: Booth #731
Meet representatives of disability and emergency management organizations who are active in emergency planning and are working to ensure the Houston and greater Texas region will be more resilient when disaster strikes. Gain vital personal preparedness tips to help you create realistic plans to meet your needs, maintain your independence, and recover from emergency and disaster situations. Share your questions and concerns! Pick up free information and resources!
Learn more! National resources available at ready.gov/disability. Texas resources available at texasready.gov.
Friday, August 2, 2024
12:00pm – 12:45pm
All About Service Dogs
Presented By: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: Events Arena
Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life. Assisting with all types of tasks, from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability to counting money, and more! Service dogs are available for people with many different disabilities, including vision and hearing loss, mobility, Autism, and seizure/allergy alert. Learn about how one acquires a service dog, the support available to assist with covering the costs, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn more at CDK's website.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Adaptive Soccer
Presented By: Lone Star Adaptive Soccer
Location: Events Arena
Adaptive soccer offers the opportunity for athletes of all ages and with a variety of limb differences to play soccer in both recreational and competitive settings. Learn about this sport, watch a demonstration, see the equipment, and even try it for yourself!
Learn more at lonestaradaptivesoccer.org.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented By: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at wowwheelchairfitness.com.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Adaptive Tabata Fitness
Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
Tabata Fitness is a type of HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training - fitness that is a lot of fun and delivers a full body workout! It's a great way to build your strength and endurance and classes don't need to be long. Come check out the fun equipment used for Tabata Fitness and enjoy a high energy class with other! Check out this video to get a sneak peek!
Learn more at Houston area adaptive sports and recreation.Saturday, August 3, 2024
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Meet Your Favorite Cosplay Characters
Presented By: Causeplay Alliance Project
Location: Throughout the Expo Hall!
Meet your favorite superheroes and princesses! Causeplay Alliance Project will be at Abilities Expo Houston on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Meet them as they walk throughout the Expo Hall – bringing magic, smiles, and fun with them!
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/CauseplayAP
12:00pm – 12:30pm
All About Service Dogs
Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, CDK
Location: Events Arena
Service dogs can help you achieve more independence in your life. Assisting with all types of tasks, from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability to counting money, and more! Service dogs are available for people with many different disabilities, including vision and hearing loss, mobility, Autism, and seizure/allergy alert. Learn about how one acquires a service dog, the support available to assist with covering the costs, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Learn more at CDK's website.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Wheelchair Rugby Game
Houston Parks and Recreation / Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department
Location: Events Arena
Wheelchair Rugby or Quad Rugby is a Paralympic level sport for Athletes with some loss of function in at least three limbs. Rugby is a fast paced, full-contact team sport that combines elements of handball, basketball and rugby. Played on a basketball court, physical contact between Wheelchairs is an integral part of the game. The goal is to carry the ball across the opposing team's goal line for a point. Come out and try this competitive game at Abilities Expo Houston!
Learn more at Houston area adaptive sports and recreation.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
WOW Wheelchair Fitness Class
Presented By: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Events Arena
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!
Learn more at wowwheelchairfitness.com.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Tennis for Everyone!
Presented by: USTA Texas Adaptive/Wheelchair Tennis and Adaptive Athletics at the University of Houston
Location: Events Arena
Come discover how tennis allows opportunities for anyone to play and enjoy the sport! Join us to try both wheelchair and adapted tennis. Meet USTA Hall of Fame Cindy Benzon, Community Services Coordinator/ Adaptive & Wheelchair and Gabriel Gutierrez, Wheelchair Tennis Head Coach at the University of Houston, who have helped with the growth and development of organized Adaptive Standing Tennis and wheelchair tennis in Texas. Find out how you can play tennis in your area. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Learn more at the USTA Texas website and the Adaptive Standing Tennis Wikipedia page
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Adaptive Soccer
Presented By: Lone Star Adaptive Soccer
Location: Events Arena
Adaptive soccer offers the opportunity for athletes of all ages and with a variety of limb differences to play soccer in both recreational and competitive settings. Learn about this sport, watch a demonstration, see the equipment, and even try it for yourself!
Learn more at lonestaradaptivesoccer.org.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
All Day
Stevie Hopkins Day
Presented by: Abilities Expo
In loving memory of our dear friend, every Sunday of the 2024 Abilities Expos will be Stevie Hopkins Day. We invite all who knew and admired Stevie to proudly wear their 3E Love apparel, featuring the Wheelchair Heart that has become emblematic within the disability community.
Learn more about Stevie Hopkins.
12:00pm – 12:30pm
Wheelchair Lacrosse
Presented By: Louis Nicolosi, Houston Apollos Wheelchair Lacrosse coach and the Houston Adapted Sports Club
Location: Events Arena
Lacrosse is a fast-paced, full contact sport utilizing numerous skills to catch, carry, pass, and shoot a ball into a goal using a lacrosse stick. It is a great off-season companion sport to basketball with the season running between the months of May to August. Wheelchair lacrosse offers the complete package—the speed of basketball, the skill of hockey, and the toughness of rugby. Come out and learn about this exciting sport and try it for yourself!
Learn more at houstonadaptedsportsclub.org.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Sitting Volleyball
Presented By: Houston Adapted Sports Club
Location: Events Arena
Discover the sport of sitting volleyball! Sitting Volleyball is a discipline of volleyball where athletes play in a seated position. Anyone can play the sport recreationally! For those who are more competitive, this is a Paralympic sport. Come see the sport played and learn the fundamentals - including bump, set, and spike. The best thing is that you'll get to participate and give this sport a try!
Learn more at houstonadaptedsportsclub.org.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Wheel With Me Adapt Fit
Presented By: Jesi Stracham, Wheel With Me Adapt Fit
Location: Events Arena
Tired of adapting nondisabled workouts? Wheel With Me Adapt Fit is helping wheelchair users achieve their health and fitness goals! This event is a place to find fitness and positivity, as well as to build a community where we can all celebrate with each other and encourage each other to live our best lives! We also offer a fitness application in the iOS & google play store and a private Facebook community! Come join the Wheel With Me Adapt Fit Fam!
Learn more: https://wheelwithmeadaptfit.com/