Activities, Demonstrations, and Special Events!
Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of events: sports demos, discover ways to be fit, and learn about service dogs.
All events take place in the Auti Angel Events Arena unless otherwise noted.
There's a lot to explore at Abilities Expo Phoenix! 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
Ability360 Sports Zone
Presented by: Ability360 Sports and Fitness
Location: Booth #320
Come on by to try some adaptive sports! Ability360 Sports and Fitness will have equipment and staff on hand to allow you to demo a variety of sports. The zone is open during all show open hours. A variety of sports will be featured. Check the schedule posted at the zone for more information.
Learn more! Visit ability360.org/sports/.
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Location: Booth #734
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
Assistive Technology Showcase
• Presented by Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
Location: Booth #812
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. AzTAP expands the accessibility of tools, resources and technology that will help increase independence, improve personal productivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Arizonians.
Zot Artz Experience
Presented by: Dwayne Szot, Zot Artz
Location: Booth #936
Come paint, make art, and leave your mark! Kids love making art and so does the team from Zot Artz! Experience their one-of-a-kind art making tools! Stamp and paint with the Pogo Paint Poles. Spin, whirl, and twirl with the Give-It-a-Whirl! Create art with the Mighty Rollo! All Zot Artz art tools are accessible for creative expression by everyone! Each participant will take home an original work of art and a joyful moment. Please plan 5-15 minutes for the painting activity.
Learn more at zotartz.com.
Friday, September 6, 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 – 1:45pm
Wheelchair Maintenance and Upkeep
Eric Kenning, Social Worker and Mike Myers, ATP - The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association
Location: Events Arena
The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional and social recovery. The Association focuses on peer and family support, education of consumers, families, caregivers, and professionals, and linking people to vocational, social, and recreational resources.
Learn more at www.azspinal.org
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Zot Atrz Art Making Demo
Presented by: Dwayne Szot, Zot Artz
Location: Booth #932
Zot Artz creates art experiences and art tools for everyone so join us for an inclusive art making demo. The centerpiece of the demonstration is a large floor mural painted with layers of color applied by artists walking and rolling, using Zot Artz art tools. Parents, friends and family members share the experience and the joy that creating art can bring. There is limited availability so please come to the Zot Artz Booth #932 to receive a ticket to participate.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Dance with The Rollettes!
Presented by: The Rollettes Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
Join us for a 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!
Learn more at rollettesdance.com and follow The Rollettes on Instagram and TikTok @Rollettes_LA.
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Wheelchair Football
Presented By: ABILITY360
Location: Events Arena
Ability360 Wheelchair Cardinals Football team will demonstrate the basic rules of the sports as well as play short intersquad scrimmage. Interested spectators are welcome to participate in an introductory wheelchair football skills and drills session after the scrimmage.
Learn more at https://ability360.org/.
4:00pm – 4:30pm
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.Saturday, September 7, 2024
10:30am - 11:15am
Special Rollettes Dance Performance
Presented by: The Rollettes Los Angeles
Location: Events Arena
This 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.
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!
Learn more at rollettesdance.com and follow The Rollettes on Instagram and TikTok @Rollettes_LA.
12:00pm – 12:30pm
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
Help Hope Live Adaptive Bike Giveaway
Presented by: Sonny Mullen and Kelly L. Green, Help Hope Live
Location: Booth #621
Stop by to see Help Hope Live surprise 12-year-old Favio with a customized Freedom Concepts adaptive bike.
Favio is living with a rare condition called Lowe syndrome, which affects his vision, kidneys, and brain. He is in Stage 4 kidney failure. Despite his health challenges, Favio is pretty active.
"Having an adaptive bike will truly impact Favio's life because he will be more active, be outdoors more, and give him independence," said his mom, Kimberly McKinney, who adopted Favio and his older brother, who shares the same genetically inherited condition.
Learn more about Favio and Help Hope LIve.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Staying Driven- Adaptive Fitness
Presented By: Steph "The Hammer" Roach, CFL1 & 2-Trainer, Founder, Staying Driven Fitness
Location: Event Arena
Experience a Staying Driven Fitness work-out live and in-person! The Staying Driven Fitness program is unique in the way it caters to the specific needs of the adaptive and aging population. This program merges top-notch coaching with a supportive community to help everyday people achieve greater fitness potential. This educational, interactive experience is available to the public regardless of age, location, abilities, or skill level. Come be educated, empowered, and motivated to further your own fitness!
Learn more at stayingdrivenlive.com.1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Zot Atrz Art Making Demo
Presented by: Dwayne Szot, Zot Artz
Location: Booth #932
Zot Artz creates art experiences and art tools for everyone so join us for an inclusive art making demo. The centerpiece of the demonstration is a large floor mural painted with layers of color applied by artists walking and rolling, using Zot Artz art tools. Parents, friends and family members share the experience and the joy that creating art can bring. There is limited availability so please come to the Zot Artz Booth #932 to receive a ticket to participate.
2:00pm – 2:30pm
all BODIES dance
Presented By: all BODIES dance
Location: Event Arena
ALL are invited to come join this very special group of dancers to get moving and bust a move! They will teach you the moves and will conduct a short performance. These talented dancers come from both Anthem and Central Phoenix. They can't wait to show off their skills at the Phoenix Abilities Expo!
Learn more at www.allbodiesdanceaz.org
3:00pm – 3:30pm
W.O.W. Dance Fitness Party
Presented By: Justin Graham, Certified Personal Trainer, Creator, W.O.W. Wonders on Wheels
Location: Event 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.
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Musical Performance by King Khazm
Presented By: King Khazm
Location: Event Arena
Join us as King Khazm, a Seattle-based Hip Hop emcee, music producer and community organizer, moves the crowd with his thought-provoking lyrics and unique sounds.
Learn more at https://kingkhazm.com/.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
12:00pm – 12:45pm
W.O.W. Dance Fitness Party
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.
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Pickleball for All
Presented By: Lauren Hopps, Program Specialist of Fitness and Kaitlyn Verfuerth, Recreation Therapist - Ability360
Location: Events Arena
Come and join Ability360 coaches and fitness guru's and learn the sport of pickleball. Whether you are walking or rolling we hope you join us on the court. We'll bring the equipment and energy. We hope you join in on the fun and fitness of this fast-growing sport!
Learn more at https://ability360.org/.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Zot Artz Art Making Demo
Presented by: Dwayne Szot, Zot Artz
Location: Booth #932
Zot Artz creates art experiences and art tools for everyone so join us for an inclusive art making demo. The centerpiece of the demonstration is a large floor mural painted with layers of color applied by artists walking and rolling, using Zot Artz art tools. Parents, friends and family members share the experience and the joy that creating art can bring. There is limited availability so please come to the Zot Artz Booth #932 to receive a ticket to participate.
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Ability360 Cheer and Dance – ABCD!
Presented By: ABILITY360
Location: Events Arena
The Ability360 Cheer and Dance Team (ABCD) will perform a group of short routines for Abilities Expo attendees. After the group of routines, interested spectators are welcome to participate in learning and performing a short routine with the ABCD Team!
Learn more at https://ability360.org/.