Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on everything from tips for traveling with a disability and helping your child make friends to the steps for getting the best accessible vehicle. Get tips for improving your money management, find out how to be better prepared for disasters and learn how to advocate for your best wheelchair. There’s even a special screening of the documentary film, Not Home.
Workshops are FREE andhere’s no need to register. Just arrive early to get your seat!
Check out our FREE Events for more information and activities.
Professionals:
- Certificates of participation are available for all workshops. Please see the Accessibility Help Desk following each workshop for your certificate. (Please note there are no CEU approved courses at this year’s Abilities Expo).
* Please note dates and times of workshops are subject to change without notice. Abilities Expo is not responsible for the materials or opinions of the speakers.
Here's what we did in 2013. Stay tuned for 2014!
Friday, February 8, 2013
11:45am – 12:45pm
How to Select the Right Accessible Vehicle for You
Presented by Brian Harper, BraunAbility
Are you feeling challenged by the process of purchasing adaptive equipment for a vehicle? Consumers and related healthcare professionals alike are invited to join us to learn the tips to successfully navigating the purchase of vans and accessible modifications. This workshop will cover such topics as what solutions are available and where to find them, key terminology, the shopping and evaluation process, funding options and much more. Following the session attendees are invited for a hands-on van demo at BraunAbility's Booth #201.
11:45am – 12:45pm
Social Security Disability Denied: How to Build a Strong Claim
Presented by Alonzo J. Davis, Esq., Associate Attorney, Monge & Associates
The two largest federal programs for assisting individuals with disabilities are part of the broader Social Security program. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide benefits to Americans who, through no fault of their own, cannot work to provide for themselves. This workshop will be focused on a discussion of the rules and regulations governing the lengthy and often complex process of obtaining disability benefits. There will also be some practical tips that will help those thinking about starting the process of applying for disability benefits.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Planning Accessible Travel
Presented by Mary Peterson, CTC, Accessible Travel Consultant, ABLE to Travel, a program of United Spinal Association
Let ABLE to Travel guide you thru the often-difficult task of planning accessible travel. No one said it would be easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard! ABLE to Travel is here to help make your trip accessible from start to finish and alleviate the headache for you! In this workshop we will discuss the Air Carrier Access, the 2010 ADA Standards that have mandated increased accessibility to hotels and other travel destinations, tips for travelers, maneuvering through airport security and the mandates from TSA, and cruises (one of the most accessible ways to travel). Learn more at www.abletotravel.org.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Practical Strategies for Funding Assistive Technology (AT)
Presented by Naomi Walker, J.D., Staff Attorney, Georgia Advocacy Office
Assistive Technology holds a lot of promise for people who have disabilities. It can play a pivotal role in helping you be active in your community and having a voice in order to make choices, decisions, etc. With all of this possibility, however, people often feel overwhelmed and experience barriers in obtaining what they need. This workshop will discuss ways to seek out and obtain funding through traditional and/or non-traditional funding sources. Even as budgets are cut, you do have options and ways to navigate the funding maze so you can obtain needed equipment.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Push for More! Getting the Wheelchair that Works for You
Presented by Ann Eubank, LMSW, OTR/L, ATP, VP of Community Initiatives, UsersFirst, a program of United Spinal Association
Finding the right wheelchair can be frustrating as there is often conflicting information at every turn. This interactive seminar will offer strategies and resources to help navigate this process. Subjects including: finding the most appropriate doctor, how to work with your local equipment supplier, what to do if you are denied the equipment you want, locating resources specific to your needs and consumer rights will be discussed. The seminar will include video and on-line access to resource sites. Learn more at www.usersfirst.org.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Managing Your Money
Presented by Jacqueline Wilks, Executive Director, The Center for Financial Independence and Innovation and Daphne Brookins, Credit-Able Consumer Liaison, The CFII
When we take care of our finances we become free to make our own decisions and to run our lives exactly as we wish with no strings attached. Financial independence allows for more choice, freedom, flexibility and peace of mind. Money management is a skill that anyone can learn. It's the footwork that brings us closer to achieving our financial goals and dreams. The strategies covered in this workshop can help you take control of your financial life through organizing your finances, creating a livable budget, recognizing the importance of paying bills on time, and understanding credit as an asset.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Ten Things People with Disabilities Should Know and Do To Be Safe In a Disaster
Presented by Nancy Duncan, Executive Director, Disability Resource Group and Laura George, Community Outreach Coordinator, Disability Resource Group
This interactive workshop will help participants understand concrete steps they can take to prepare for a variety of disasters from tornados to chemical spills. Additionally, participants will learn specific activities for each type of disability. The trainers combine knowledge from personal experience and from working closely with emergency planners and first responders.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Disabled and Dating! Relationships, Intimacy and More!
Presented by Rev. A. Virginia Rodes, PhD., Russell Professional Group and Robin Nelson, Photojournalist and Storyteller, Assignment Atlanta
It’s a basic human right to date, be in a relationship, experience and satisfy the needs for intimacy. Participation in healthy and constructive dating relationship is an important and meaningful part of life. When you have a disability, dating presents some unique challenges. As you gain confidence, maintain a healthy self-esteem, and understand your intimacy needs, you will begin to increase your comfort with dating, discovering that your emotional and intimacy desires are the same as individuals without disabilities. It’s likely you may face certain challenges as you seek a dating partner, enter into a relationship, and feel comfortable expressing intimacy. The focus of this workshop is to normalize dating, relationships, and intimacy for people with disabilities. Participants will learn about barriers to intimate relationships, how disability affects dating, and ways to adapt your relationships within the context of disability.
* Please note this session is for attendees 18 and older, and contains material that is appropriate only for adults.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
11:45am - 12:45pm
Young, Hip and Disabled: College, Work and More
Presented by Stevie Hopkins, Co-Founder/Annie's Brother, Director of Awesome, 3E Love
Now that you've finished high school, you're ready to venture out on your own. There's a lot of excitement about these changes but also a lot of challenges too. Hiring and firing PA's, living on your own, dating and relationships, and getting a job. Stevie Hopkins, co-founder of 3E Love, will share his thoughts on making the jump to life after school. Stevie is a a serial entrepreneur. After many ventures he found his life's work in 3E Love, his sister Annie's dream. Calling on his experiences in the financial industry, music business, and web startups, Stevie was able to turned the dream into a reality. The experiences he has had traveling thousands of miles, meeting people all over the country and speaking to groups telling his story, has changed his life forever. Learn more at www.3elove.com.
11:45am – 12:45pm
Fun Free (or Cheap) iPad Applications for Kids
Presented by Audrey Gargiullo, MS, OTR/L, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
This presentation will demonstrate some of the wonderful free or inexpensive iPad apps available for kids. iPads can be fun tools for learning and game apps are a great way to engage children so they develop new skills in a play environment. The presenter will share a number of iPad apps, giving attendees the opportunity to see them in action. Some of the games to be presented are designed to improve fine motor skills like tracing, drawing, writing, pinching and pointing through fun activities. Mazes, hidden pictures, and puzzles applications will also be included. Other games focus on social skills including recognizing emotions, expressing emotions and creating social stories. Attendees will receive a list of programs available for developing fine motor, visual motor and social skills.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Travel the World! Tips for People with Disabilities or Who Are Aging
Presented by Debra Kerper, Easy Access Travel
Would you like to travel the country or the world, but believe you cannot because of your disability? At this workshop you will learn that travel by air, sea and car is a real option for you. The presenter, a professional travel agent who has a disability and has travelled extensively, will share with you how to plan a trip, including what to expect form hotels, rental car companies, cruise lines and the airlines. Learn about the common challenges, methods for addressing them and what the law requires. Attendees will receive recommendations for disability-friendly destinations and accessible travel resources. Be sure to bring your pressing questions and a list of places you'd like to visit. Learn more at www.easyaccesstravel.com.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Intensive Pediatric PT—The Benefits for Your Child’s Body, Mind & Spirit
Presented by Melissa McGinnis, PT, MPT, Senior Pediatric Intensive PT, Euro-Pēds National Center for Intensive Pediatric PT
Research continues to point to the benefits of physical activity for children who have gross motor disorders caused from cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other non-progressive neuromuscular disorders. While the primary goal of Intensive therapy is to teach new and lasting functional physical skills to children within this population, there are other benefits that are equally important to the child’s well being. As Intensive Pediatric PT has evolved we are recognizing additional benefits such as improved self-esteem and confidence as the body gets stronger. This presentation will provide definitions for European-inspired Intensive Pediatric PT, the benefits of this emerging therapy, explanations of the European-inspired concepts and tools used during an intensive PT session, and benefits beyond physical that are based on increased activity levels. The speaker, who is an expert in this emerging field of Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy, will review the research and theories highlighting the need for Intensive Pediatric PT and provide compelling video samples of how this model of therapy is creating better outcomes for children at several levels. More information available at www.europeds.org.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Screening of "Not Home" A Documentary About Kids Living In Nursing Facilities
Presented by Narcel Reedus, Director
Can you imagine how a child feels growing up in a nursing home? Celebrating Christmas, birthdays and other milestones alongside elderly bedridden patients is the mainstay for thousands of children with a developmental disability throughout America. Award-winning filmmaker, Narcel Reedus, reveals the stories of children growing up without a childhood in the heart-felt documentary, "Not Home." Abilities Expo is pleased to screen a portion of this 99-minute film that examines the complex national phenomenon of children living in nursing homes and state-run institutions. Often times parents of medically-fragile children feel forced to make the decision to institutionalize their child because some states disproportionately allocate funding for brick and mortar institutions rather than the less expensive home and community based living. Time for questions and answers will be available following the session. Learn more at www.nothomedocumentary.com. A limited number of DVD's will be available for purchase following the screening.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Pediatric Power Mobility: Functional Solutions for Kids
Presented by: Amy Morgan, PT, ATP, Pediatric & Standing Specialist, Permobil, Inc.
When is the right time for power mobility? What are the benefits of providing access to power mobility early in a child’s life? This course will address these questions and help the audience understand and articulate a child’s skills and abilities, prior to prescribing a power wheelchair. Pediatric mobility issues can be extremely complex. It is important for members of the rehab team to differentiate between therapeutic mobility and functional mobility with all clients; but it is particularly important in the pediatric population. This session will discuss the various types of mobility assistive equipment (MAE) as they apply to pediatrics. Various wheelchair seat functions will also be explored regarding their effect on a child’s functional performance. Through the use of research and case studies, participants will learn the importance of a thorough subjective evaluation in addition to physical examination to determine the most appropriate mobility device for pediatric clients. Time will also be allotted for audience participation and discussion.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Thriving, Not Just Surviving, as the Parent of a Special Needs Child
Presented by Karen Kain, Founder, Lorrin's World and Abilities Expo Ambassador
Karen Kain, mother of Lorrin who was grievously vaccine injured in 1994, shares her story of how she went from being a broken-hearted, desperate mother who was isolated and alone to accepting, enjoying and even thriving as the parent of a unique child. Karen will tell the process that led her to a loving and fulfilling parenting experience, as she learned life lessons from Lorrin. Karen will describe how she found success in getting from despair to discovery to love of self. She brings you tips she learned from others along the way – parents, health-care workers, and more – along with discoveries of her own. If you are new to this journey, join Karen for this workshop to gain support and ideas for thriving in your new life. Learn more about Karen at www.lorrinsworld.com.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Sitting Pretty: Understanding Your Child’s Seating Needs
Presented by Lee Johnson, Manager Planning, Production and Control, Kids UP by Quantum
The world of seating and positioning is full of “clinical” language and concepts that can be difficult. This session is designed to help bring clarity through a fast-paced hour of real-time, rubber-meets-the-road information and training for you, the front line players caring for a person with mobility challenges. Bridging the gap between the intentions of clinicians and the day-to-day challenges faced by caregivers, this workshop will bring you a new perspective and practical tools to help achieve both comfort and therapeutic outcomes. Learn the basics of how the body actually “sits” properly, the most common “positioning” enemies of healthy sitting, strategies and creative ways to address specific challenges. You will leave with a framework for how you can partner together with your care team to give your loved ones some of the best of both worlds!
