Los Angeles

March 7-9, 2025

Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall A

Fri. 11am-5pm | Sat. 11am-5pm | Sun 11am-4pm

Register for Free Hotel Directions

Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!

Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of activities and demonstrations! So you can try sports and dance, learn about service dogs, 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 Los Angeles! 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: Coloplast and Mark Wellman, No Limits

Location: TBD

Adaptive Climbing Wall

Come climb on an indoor climbing wall! Adaptive climbing is possible for people of ALL abilities! Meet the best person to learn adaptive climbing from - Mark Wellman! Mark has a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is an adventure athlete, speaker, and author. Climb the wall at Abilities Expo Dallas using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and gear! Learn about climbing's benefits: building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength, and improving flexibility. It's fun!

Learn more at Mark's website nolimitstahoe.com.

Artist Market

Presented by: L.A. Goal

Location: TBD

Artist Market

Meet the region's artists with disabilities! Shop their eclectic mix of original, unforgettable artistry. Featuring photographs, paintings, graphic design, and more. All available for both appreciation and purchase. Artist Market sponsor LA Goal is committed to creating opportunities and equity for adults with developmental disabilities so they can live more fulfilling lives. Their programs cultivate knowledge, skills, and confidence for their members to engage in meaningful work, encourage creativity and self-expression, promote health and wellness, and inspire meaningful relationships.

Learn more and explore their programs at lagoal.org.

Assistive Technology Showcase

Presented by: Ability Tools

Location: TBD

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 AT Network at Ability Tools expands the accessibility of tools, resources and technology that will help increase independence, improve personal productivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Californians.

Learn more at abilitytools.org.

Emergency Preparedness Resource Booth

Presented by: Earthquake, Fire, and Disability Preparedness Experts from Earthquake Country Alliance, Government Agencies, and Non-Profits

Location: TBD

Emergency Preparedness Resource Booth

Meet representatives of disability and emergency management organizations who are active in emergency planning and are working to ensure Californians 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!

Get California-specific resources at earthquakecountry.org/accessibility and find national resources at ready.gov/disability.

Sensory Calming Room

Presented by: Undivided and Abundance Therapies Foundation

Location: TBD

Four children relax with a therapist in a sensory room.

This unique space is dedicated to providing a safe and tranquil environment where kids can find peace and regain focus amidst the heightened sensory input of the event. "There are so many fabulous things to explore and discover at The Abilities Expo, but for some of our neurodiverse kids, that excitement can turn overwhelming quickly. We aim to create a calming space where kids can regulate and reset," explains Lindsay Crain, Head of Community at Undivided, who is co-sponsoring the room with the occupational therapists from Abundance Therapies Foundation. Come relax on the bean bags, have a swing, or close your eyes and listen to the quiet music. The Sensory Calming Room represents a commitment to fostering an accessible environment where every child can thrive and feel at ease.

Learn more at undivided.io and abundancetherapies.foundation.

Sports Zone

Presented by: Angel City Sports

Location: TBD

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Come on by to learn more about and try a variety of adaptive sports! At the Sports Zone you'll discover equipment and staff support so you can try several different sports. The Sports Zone is organized and presented by Angel City Sports. The Zone will be open whenever the show is open!

Learn more at angelcitysports.org.

Friday, March 7, 2025

11:30am - 12:15pm

Meet Singer/Songwriter Marna Michele!

Presenter: Marna Rough

Location: Events Arena

Marna poses for the camera in her wheelchair, wearing a blue top, jeans, black boots and a sequin cardigan.

Join us for a beautiful singing performance from former American Idol contestant and winner of a Danny Award, Marna Michele! Marna is also the founder of CrippledisBeautiful, a podcast where she uses her platform to bring joy and connect with the community. Come and enjoy some live music with us!

Follow Marna @marnawheels on Instagram and TikTok, and listen to her music on Spotify by searching ‘Marna Michele’.

12:30pm - 1:15pm

All About Service Dogs

Presenter: Kristin Hartness with Canines for Disabled Kids

Location: Events Arena

A white dog looks at camera while wearing a service dog vest; his leash is held by a man using a power wheelchair.

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. Join us as Kristin with CDK speaks 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 caninesforkids.org.

2:30pm – 3:00pm

W.O.W.- Staying Alive in 2025: Happy Healthiness and Fun Fitness!

Presenter: Justin Graham with WOW Fitness & Wellness

Location: Events Arena

It's all good vibes and pom poms for Justin Graham of WOW Wonders on Wheels and his seated fitness class.

Staying Happy and Healthy is a great way to get you through 2025 and you do not have to do it alone! Join W.O.W. for tips, tricks, and workouts to build a happier healthier YOU! Fitness is a journey and W.O.W. is here to get you and keep you Happy, Healthy and Safe!

Learn more about signing up for fun, virtual fitness classes at wowwheelchairfitness.com.

3:15pm - 3:45pm

Wheelchair Football

Presenter: Angel City Sports

Location: Events Arena

A young boy in a wheelchair plays football outside, catching the ball midair.

Ready to try adaptive football? See what the sport is all about, try some drills, toss the ball with fellow players and learn more about getting involved with playing wheelchair football in SoCal!

Check out more about adaptive sports at angelcitysports.org.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

11:30am - 12:15pm

All About Service Dogs

Presenter: Kristin Hartness with Canines for Disabled Kids

Location: Events Arena

A white dog looks at camera while wearing a service dog vest; his leash is held by a man using a power wheelchair.

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. Join us as Kristin with CDK speaks 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 caninesforkids.org.

1:30pm - 2:15pm

Wheelchair Basketball

Presenter: Angel City Sports

Location: Events Arena

A woman who is using a wheelchair smiles at the camera, holding her sons' hand while holding a basketball in the other.

Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced game for those with a permanent lower extremity disability that precludes them from playing competitive stand-up basketball. When the sport began it was only for those with spinal cord injuries; now people with many types of disabilities can play! You don't need to be a full-time wheelchair user although you do need to use a wheelchair when playing the sport. Come watch local players and have a chance to try for yourself!

Check out more about adaptive sports at angelcitysports.org.

2:30pm - 3:00pm

Meet Singer/Songwriter Marna Michele!

Presenter: Marna Rough

Location: Events Arena

Marna poses for the camera in her wheelchair, wearing a blue top, jeans, black boots and a sequin cardigan.

Join us for a beautiful singing performance from former American Idol contestant and winner of a Danny Award, Marna Michele! Marna is also the founder of CrippledisBeautiful, a podcast where she uses her platform to bring joy and connect with the community. Come and enjoy some live music with us!

Follow Marna @marnawheels on Instagram and TikTok, and listen to her music on Spotify by searching ‘Marna Michele’.

3:15pm - 4:00pm

W.O.W.- Staying Alive in 2025: Happy Healthiness and Fun Fitness!

Presenter: Justin Graham with WOW Fitness & Wellness

Location: Events Arena

It's all good vibes and pom poms for Justin Graham of WOW Wonders on Wheels and his seated fitness class.

Staying Happy and Healthy is a great way to get you through 2025 and you do not have to do it alone! Join W.O.W. for tips, tricks, and workouts to build a happier healthier YOU! Fitness is a journey and W.O.W. is here to get you and keep you Happy, Healthy and Safe!

Learn more about signing up for fun, virtual fitness classes at wowwheelchairfitness.com.

4:15pm - 4:45pm

SUPA Dance is for Everyone!

Presenter: Straight Up Abilities

Location: Events Arena

Founder of Straight Up Abilities, Robin Olive, smiles and makes a peace sign to the camera, surrounded by her group of talented dancers of all abilities and ages, all of which are smiling and laughing.

Straight Up Abilities is a 501c3 Non-profit that teaches dance and music classes to students of all abilities. They have In-person classes all over Los Angeles County and Orange County. They host online classes Monday through Friday, and they are available to teach at your schools and programs upon request. They also travel for school assemblies and seminars nationwide to teach their message of patience, inclusion, and empathy in a SUPA hip, fun way!

Sign up for classes and learn more at www.straightupabilities.com and follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

Sunday, March 9, 2025

11:30am - 12:00pm

SUPA Dance is for Everyone!

Presenter: Straight Up Abilities

Location: Events Arena

Founder of Straight Up Abilities, Robin Olive, smiles and makes a peace sign to the camera, surrounded by her group of talented dancers of all abilities and ages, all of which are smiling and laughing.

Straight Up Abilities is a 501c3 Non-profit that teaches dance and music classes to students of all abilities. They have In-person classes all over Los Angeles County and Orange County. They host online classes Monday through Friday, and they are available to teach at your schools and programs upon request. They also travel for school assemblies and seminars nationwide to teach their message of patience, inclusion, and empathy in a SUPA hip, fun way!

Sign up for classes and learn more at www.straightupabilities.com and follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

1:00pm - 1:30pm

W.O.W.- Staying Alive in 2025: Happy Healthiness and Fun Fitness!

Presenter: Justin Graham with WOW Fitness & Wellness

Location: Events Arena

Justin, founder of WOW, smiles at the camera while wearing a blue WOW t-shirt and a fun, sparkly silver fedora hat.

Staying Happy and Healthy is a great way to get you through 2025 and you do not have to do it alone! Join W.O.W. for tips, tricks, and workouts to build a happier healthier YOU! Fitness is a journey and W.O.W. is here to get you and keep you Happy, Healthy and Safe!

Learn more about signing up for fun, virtual fitness classes at wowwheelchairfitness.com.

2:30pm - 3:00pm

Sitting Volleyball

Presenter: Angel City Sports

Location: Events Arena

Join the fun with Angel City Sports as they put on a sitting volleyball demo! Pictured are several players of various abilities and ages sitting on the ground while playing the sport.

Sitting volleyball is a version of volleyball where athletes play in a seated position. The sitting game uses the same volleyball skills and techniques as the standing game - with a few rule differences. Players sit on mats and the net is lower than for standing volleyball. It's a fast-paced game! Come learn more and try sitting volleyball for yourself.

Check out more about adaptive sports at angelcitysports.org.

3:15pm - 3:45pm

Meet Singer/Songwriter Marna Michele!

Presenter: Marna Rough

Location: Events Arena

Marna poses for the camera in her wheelchair, wearing a blue top, jeans, black boots and a sequin cardigan.

Join us for a beautiful singing performance from former American Idol contestant and winner of a Danny Award, Marna Michele! Marna is also the founder of CrippledisBeautiful, a podcast where she uses her platform to bring joy and connect with the community. Come and enjoy some live music with us!

Follow Marna on Instagram and TikTok, and listen to her music on SpotifySpotify.

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