FREE workshops!
Plan your Abilities Expo experience today!

Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on everything from tips for traveling with a disability and eye gaze technology to the steps for getting the best accessible vehicle. Watch a sneak peek of an upcoming episode of the new TV series Push Girls. Discover how a positive attitude really can enhance your life and learn how to advocate for what you need, from the best wheelchair, to accommodations at work and access to public places.

Workshops are FREE! All attendees are welcome – you don’t need to register or sign up in advance. Just arrive early to the workshop to make sure you can get a seat!

There is so much more happening at Abilities Expo! Be sure to check out the FREE Events for demonstrations of adaptive sports, dancing, assistance dogs, horse therapy – and more. Most events include time for attendees to participate!

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 2012. Stay tuned for 2013.

Friday, August 3, 2012

11:45am – 12:45pm
How to Select the Right Accessible Vehicle for You
Presented by BraunAbility
Join us for an educational guide for consumers and related healthcare professionals who are in the process of purchasing adaptive equipment or advising someone in the process. This workshop will cover suchtopics as what solutions are available and where to find them, key terminology, the shopping and evaluation process, funding options and much more.

11:45am – 12:45pm
Disability Accommodation: Effective Communication and Cooperative Problem-Solving
Presented by Roberta M. Diddel, PhD, Executive Director, Disability 101
Are you prepared to request an accommodation for a disability at work?  If you’re a supervisor, are you ready to discuss with an employee or supervisee the expectations surrounding his or her disability? The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act provides protections for people with disabilities in the workplace by requiring employers to make “reasonable” accommodations. In reality the law is unclear about what is “reasonable,” and the new regulations put pressure on employers without necessarily making clear how to properly achieve these accommodations. At this presentation people with disabilities will learn how to communicate their needs and clarify their expectations, decreasing the chance for misunderstanding and failure. Psychologist Roberta Diddel, Executive Director of Disability 101,will discuss the social and emotional obstacles to accommodation, includingovercoming the stigma of disclosure, addressing the awkwardness of discussing something usually considered to be private, and handling the fear of saying the wrong thing. Learn more about Disability 101 at www.disability101.org.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Push for More! Getting the Wheelchair that Works for You
Presented by Ann Eubank, LMSW, OTR/L, ATP Executive Director, UsersFirst, a program of United Spinal Association; VP of Community Initiatives
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.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Get Motivated to MOVE! Discover Movement Therapy and How It Can Benefit You
Presented by Michael S. Laky, ATP, Movement Specialist, Ri, LLC
Sir Isaac Newton stated, “A body at rest remains at rest.” This popular quote emphasizes the importance of Movement Therapy by traditional physical therapy and other applicable technologies. Learn why it is important to keep the human body from remaining static, including health concerns and complications that can arise from the lack of movement. Discover solutions to help you get moving and the types of movement you can achieve regardless of your disability. The presenters will review passive movement, movement with assistance, obtaining movement actively and training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). These four (4) options can help you with everything from reducing spasticity and edema, to building muscle strength and improving circulation. Explore the equipment that is available to support Movement Therapy and find out how you can receive this therapy for yourself in either a home or professional setting.

2:30pm – 3:30pm
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).

2:30pm – 3:30pm
Communication and Beyond: Accessing Your Computer Using Eye Gaze Technology
Presented by Elizabeth (Betsy) Walker, MS, North American Content Sales Representative, TobiiATI
Eye gaze technology can enable users to control their mouse and computer with only a glance, opening up new possibilities for those with impaired motor function or communication disabilities. Learn about this technology, what it is and how it works. Individuals with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, ALS, and a variety of other conditions can now type, browse the Internet, and take advantage of a wide variety of software that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Find out if you are one of those who would benefit from using eye gazing. The PC Eye from TobiiATI will be discussed and demonstrated. Attendees will also receive resources for other available technologies, including Eye Tech, and LC Technologies.

3:45pm – 4:45pm
Access to ALL Public Properties Is a Civil Right: Be "Inclined" for Inclusion
Presented by Mariah Kilbourne, Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2012
Texas is proud home to many historic downtown districts, each offering enriching programs, services and activities. Improving access to historic buildings is provided for under ADA but can be challenging on many fronts. As a result people with disabilities are often denied access to these cultural sites. There are solutions and you can be part of the process. Learn how you can help through fundraising, awareness, and education. Gain specific knowledge on ADA as it applies in these cases and discover how you can increase inclusion at your community's public places.

3:45pm – 4:45pm
Simple Home Modifications for Everyone
Presented by Antoinette Verdone, MSBME, ATP, New Life Medical Equipment
Would you like your home to be more accessible, but the prospect of remodeling is too time consuming or not possible because you rent? Are you unsure which modifications are most important because your needs are temporary or changing? This workshop will address these concerns and more by sharing many ways to improve home access with little to no structural modifications. Learn the key areas to modify in every home for basic access, regardless of disability. Discover basic safety tips everyone should implement in their home. Gain a list of products that are specially designed to improve your home access with little or no structural modification. Improving home access can seem daunting, but fortunately solutions do exist!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

11:45am – 12:45pm
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.

11:45am – 12:45pm
The Psychology of Happiness: Using Positive Psychology to Enhance Your Life
Presented by Dr. Michael Klaybor, Disability 101
People say that “attitude is everything,” and researchers are now discovering that this may actually be true. By studying people who have achieved lasting happiness, psychologists have discovered that life satisfaction is associated with certain attitudes, life skills, essential traits, strengths and virtues, like humor, originality, optimism and generosity. Join us in exploring the keys to health and happiness. You may become wiser for it – and experience a little happiness along the way. Learn more at www.disability101.org.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
The Sleeping Environment: Safety and Peace of Mind
Presented by Aaron Clow, Beds by George
Does the safety of someone’s sleep keep you up at night? If you worry about things like wandering and entrapment, you’re not alone. This workshop will educate you on the challenges of the sleeping environment for many people including special needs children, people of all ages with disabilities, and medically-fragile individuals. Attendees will learn about the benefits of safety beds, how they differ from hospital beds, and how to choose the correct solution for your needs. Important physical protections will be discussed, but also the psychological and developmental impacts and long term implications of the sleep environment. It is possible to find an attractive solution that avoids the institutional look and meets all the needs of the individual. Funding options will also be discussed.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Music Therapy and Your Musical Brain
Presented by Pamela Haynie, MT-BC, Music Therapist
Did you know that music therapy was a part of the treatment plan for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords during her stay at TIRR in Houston? The human brain reacts to musical stimuli in many interesting ways. Learn about music therapy, how it is used in multiple settings, and the type of results that can be achieved. The session includes interactive time with musical instruments and each session attendee will receive a copy of the 1992 Act for Music Therapy for Persons with Disabilities.

2:30pm – 3:30pm
The Next Step in Physical Therapy for Children with Disabilities
Presented by Ashley Dungan, PT, DPT, Euro-Peds National Center for Intensive Pediatric PT
It has long been established that children with gross motor disorders such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, or Spina Bifida be provided physical therapy once a week to manage their symptoms.  This viewpoint is being challenged as parents and professionals are recognizing that a more intense model of therapy can not only manage the symptoms but teach the children new skills that will lead to greater independence.  The goal of Intensive therapy is to teach new and lasting functional skills.  Some of the European-inspired concepts and tools used during an intensive PT session were first practiced at Euro-Peds, a specialized hospital-based clinic in Michigan that opened in 1999.   The speaker, who is an expert in this emerging field of therapy will review the research and theories behind Intensive Pediatric PT and provide compelling video samples of how this model of therapy is creating better outcomes for children with non-progressive gross motor disorders. Learn more at www.europeds.org.

2:30pm – 3:30pm
Building Mainstream Relationships For Children Who Are Unique
Presented by Karen Kain, CEO, Lorrin's World and a Family Advocate
Karen Kain talks to parents about the 15 years she spent raising her medically fragile daughter Lorrin who was cortically blind, non-verbal, and a quadriplegic with an uncontrolled seizure disorder. Lorrin was totally comfortable with who she was and lived a full life filled with best friends, slumber parties, concerts, Girl Scouts, and endless travel. She even swam with the dolphins! Lorrin also participated in the school play and won first place for the middle school Halloween dance with her canine companion by her side.  Karen shares her experiences and talks about how she made it all happen by setting goals, getting creative, and making a decision to live a life without boundaries. Discussion among parents encouraged! To learn more visit www.lorrinsworld.com.

3:45pm – 4:45pm
Travel the World: Tips for Travelers with Disabilities and Seniors
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.

3:45pm – 4:45pm
Push Girls: Sneak Peek Episode and Meet the Stars
Presented by The Sundance Channel
In June 2012 The Sundance Channel introduced an unfettered, uncensored glimpse at what it means to be sexy, ambitious and living with paralysis in Hollywood with PUSH GIRLS, the new original non-fiction series from producer Gay Rosenthal (Ruby, Little People, Big World). The docu-series traces the lives of four dynamic, outspoken and beautiful women who, by accident or illness, have been paralyzed from the neck or the waist down. See a Sneak Peek of an upcoming series episode and meet some of the stars as they share what it's like to be part of a show that challenges perceptions about life in a wheelchair, giving the audience an honest, no nonsense look into their world. It's real, it's outspoken and it's from the heart. Learn more at www.push-girls.com.