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Want to add an exciting new activity to your life? Abilities Expo showcases a wide range of special events that not only entertain, they also give you the opportunity to test your own skill, expand your interests and find out how you can become involved in the local Los Angeles area.
- Try a host of different adaptive sports
- Discover some basic dance moves
- Find out how you can get into gardening
- Learn how to work with assistance dogs
- Experience the future of assistive technology today
- See the newest features available for manual and power wheelchairs
* 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.
Events & Activities At-A-Glance
Friday, April 9, 2010
All Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Row of Life and Adaptive Rowing Machine
12:00pm-3:00pm
Meet Actor Richard “Jaws” Kiel from the James Bond Films
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Adaptive Vegetable Gardening
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Competitive Billiards Demonstration
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Manual Wheelchair Review
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Aaron ”Wheelz” Fotheringham
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Wheelchair Super X Fun Course
Saturday, April 10, 2010
All Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Meet Patches the Clown!
Row of Life and Adaptive Rowing Machine
11:00am - 11:30am
Assistance Dogs Demo
11:30am - 12:00pm
Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Platform Speeches
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Technology Showcase
12:00pm-3:00pm
Meet Actor Richard “Jaws” Kiel from the James Bond Films
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Table Tennis - David Lega
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Aaron ”Wheelz” Fotheringham
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Colours ‘n Motion Dance Team
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Final Competition
3:30pm - 4:00pm
Competitive Billiards Demonstration sponsored by Colours Wheelchair
Sunday, April 11, 2010
All Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Meet Patches the Clown!
Row of Life and Adaptive Rowing Machine
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Ballroom and Latin Wheelchair Dancing Demonstration
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Competitive Billiards Demonstration sponsored by Colours Wheelchair
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Power Wheelchair Review
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Aaron ”Wheelz” Fotheringham
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Meet “Norky” the Peneagle!
Events & Activities Descriptions
Friday, April 9, 2010
All Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by Mark Wellman, No Limits
Mark Wellman, adventure athlete and motivational speaker, will demonstrate his innovative climbing techniques and sports gear adaptation. Adaptive climbing is not just for the experienced athlete with disabilities. It is for anyone who has the desire to explore and try something different. Using Wellman’s custom climbing equipment, anyone with a disability can participate. Rock Climbing is a powerful tool in building confidence and reachable goals. It demonstrates how a successful climb is the result of fundamental teamwork. Climbing is not only a fun and challenging sport, but provides health benefits to improve better strength and flexibility. Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and 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 our disabled war veterans. Read more
All Day
Row of Life and Adaptive Rowing Machine
Discover the world of adaptive rowing, a sport that most people with disabilities can participate in. Angela Madsen, Paralympian Adaptive Rower, will be available all day to meet with attendees and share the many benefits of rowing, including exercise and fitness, improved self-esteem, goal setting and a sense of accomplishment. See an indoor rowing machine demonstration and try it out for yourself as well. Hear about Angela's many accomplishments as a disability athlete - she is the only person with a disability to have rowed across 2 oceans (Atlantic and Indian)! Angela is also a 2008 Paralympian (Beijing Games) and World Rowing Record Holder. Her ocean rowing boat, Row of Life, will also be on display.
Presented by Angela Madsen, Row of Life and the California Adaptive Rowing Program
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Meet Actor Richard “Jaws” Kiel from the James Bond Films
Sponsored by Tichi Wilkerson-Kassel Movement Therapy Foundation
Actor Richard Kiel is probably best known for his role of "Jaws" in the James Bond films "Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker." Richard also acted in “Happy Gilmore”, “Twilight Zone” and even “The Monkees.” Richard enjoys meeting fans at events, and signing James Bond photos and other photos from his 40 year career. Read more
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Gardening Demo
Presented by Wendy McPherson, Organic Gardener/Horticulturalist
Would you like to get into gardening? Join us to learn helpful adaptive techniques for hands-on organic vegetable gardening for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges. Perfect for first timers and the experienced, attendees will have fun learning methods and skills to successfully grow vegetables. Discover how inexpensive common garden tools and household items can be adapted to improve your leverage, grip and reach. Find out great ways for you to grow your garden using all sorts of barrier-free methods and easy-to-grow vegetables. The focus is on organic methods of growing and attendees will have the opportunity for hands-on experience at this event.
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Competitive Billiards Demonstration
Presented by Hydred Makabali, Semi-pro Pool Player
Meet semiprofessional pool player Hydred Makabali as she shows of her skills playing pool, a sport that has recently gained recognition for it's pure recreation value. Hydred, who uses a wheelchair, began playing pool as part of her therapy following her injury. Hydred will demonstrate adaptive techniques for the sport, play against several other players and give attendees a chance to try the game for themselves. It's a lot of fun, picking up a pool stick, shooting the array of balls and practicing over and over to get the shots just right!
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Manual Wheelchair Review
Presented by Users First Alliance
Modern manual wheelchairs are more advanced than ever and can be equipped with a many options to meet your needs! Join us for a showcase some of the exciting products on display at Abilities Expo including chairs, cushions, wheels and more. Learn some key principles and questions that will help you to work more effectively with your therapist and dealer to be sure you get the best chair for you.
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham
Guinness inducted Aaron Fotheringham into the World Record Books in the Fall of 2008 for the 1st Wheelchair Back Flip. Join us at the back of the Expo Hall near the Events Arena to see Aaron in action and watch this amazing feat. Aaron will also perform on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Wheelchair Super X Fun Course
Presented by Trevair Chair and Trevor Snowden
This event is fun and open to everyone regardless of ability! Enjoy yourself as you ride around this cool obstacle course. Use your own chair or transfer to a Trevair Chair with Electric Scooter. Trevair Chairs, developed by wheelchair athlete Trevor Snowden, are active lifestyle wheelchairs that are specially designed with more suspension to reduce the shock and strain to your back. Trevor himself will be on hand to demonstrate the course and assist attendees with questions and skills. Wheelchair X provides a great opportunity to try out a different type of wheelchair!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
All Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by Mark Wellman, No Limits
Mark Wellman, adventure athlete and motivational speaker, will demonstrate his innovative climbing techniques and sports gear adaptation. Adaptive climbing is not just for the experienced athlete with disabilities. It is for anyone who has the desire to explore and try something different. Using Wellman’s custom climbing equipment, anyone with a disability can participate. Rock Climbing is a powerful tool in building confidence and reachable goals. It demonstrates how a successful climb is the result of fundamental teamwork. Climbing is not only a fun and challenging sport, but provides health benefits to improve better strength and flexibility. Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and 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 our disabled war veterans. Read more
All Day
Row of Life and Adaptive Rowing Machine
Discover the world of adaptive rowing, a sport that most people with disabilities can participate in. Angela Madsen, Paralympian Adaptive Rower, will be available all day to meet with attendees and share the many benefits of rowing, including exercise and fitness, improved self-esteem, goal setting and a sense of accomplishment. See an indoor rowing machine demonstration and try it out for yourself as well. Hear about Angela's many accomplishments as a disability athlete - she is the only person with a disability to have rowed across 2 oceans (Atlantic and Indian)! Angela is also a 2008 Paralympian (Beijing Games) and World Rowing Record Holder. Her ocean rowing boat, Row of Life, will also be on display.
Presented by Angela Madsen, Row of Life and the California Adaptive Rowing Program
All Day
Patches the Clown
Patches the Clown will join in the fun at Abilities Expo Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. Kids - visit Patches to see him make balloon animals and take one home with you*! Patches is one of the LA Goal Artists exhibiting at the Artists Market.
* Balloon animals will be distributed to kids 12 and under, first come first serve while supplies last.
11:00am - 11:30am
Assistance Dogs Demo
More than ever assistance dogs are meeting the needs of people with different disabilities. Meet several assistance dogs and their human partners. Watch them demonstrate the many ways they work together to achieve independence in various areas of their lives. Following the demo, join us to learn some of the basic commands for the dogs.
Presented by Canine Companions for Independence
11:30am - 12:00pm
Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Platform Speeches
Presented by Ms. Wheelchair California
The Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Pageant is taking place at Abilities Expo! Hear the contestants delivery their platform speeches and the join us at 2:30pm for the finals of the competition. The Ms. Wheelchair California pageant is a competition designed to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the millions of Americans with disabilities. The competition does not take outward appearance into account. Judges select a winner who radiates beauty and poise because of her accomplishments, speaking skills and personality.
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Technology Showcase
Presented by Neurotechnology Network
Don't miss the Technology Showcase! This session features a wide array of assistive technologies that are currently available and those being developed. Get up close to the technology and see what it can do to improve daily living for people with disabilities.
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Meet Actor Richard “Jaws” Kiel from the James Bond Films
Sponsored by Tichi Wilkerson-Kassel Movement Therapy Foundation
Actor Richard Kiel is probably best known for his role of "Jaws" in the James Bond films "Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker." Richard also acted in “Happy Gilmore”, “Twilight Zone” and even “The Monkees.” Richard enjoys meeting fans at events, and signing James Bond photos and other photos from his 40 year career. Read more
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Table Tennis Demo
Presented by David Lega
David Lega was born in 1973 in Gothenburg, Sweden with the odds stacked against him. He was born with AMC, a serious disability which means he was paralysed in both arms and lacked muscles in his legs. The doctors told his parents that it was unlikely that he’d ever be able to sit up by himself without support. But David started training and today he is a two-time Paralympian in swimming with multiple world records. David is also an entrepreneur and recipient of “The Outstanding Young Person of the World” award.
David will demonstrated one of his favorite pass times, adaptive table tennis, which he learned to play at the age of 12. This game is one of the also most enjoyable sports on the Paralympic Games program. David is a sought after speaker and following the demo he will share some of his thoughts on personal development and the power of positive thinking.
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham
Guinness inducted Aaron Fotheringham into the World Record Books in the Fall of 2008 for the 1st Wheelchair Back Flip. Join us at the back of the Expo Hall near the Events Arena to see Aaron in action and watch this amazing feat. Aaron will also perform on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Colours 'n Motion Wheelchair Dance Team
The Colours 'n Motion wheelchair hip hop dance team will perform and then teach the latest hip hop and dance moves to members of the audience. Stop by for great fun and entertainment. Read more
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Final Competition
Presented by Ms. Wheelchair California
The Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 Pageant is taking place at Abilities Expo! Hear the finalists as they compete in the interview portion of the competition and see Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 crowned! The Ms. Wheelchair California pageant is a competition designed to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the millions of Americans with disabilities. The competition does not take outward appearance into account. Judges select a winner who radiates beauty and poise because of her accomplishments, speaking skills and personality.
3:30-4:00pm
Competitive Billiards Demonstration
Presented by Hydred Makabali, Semi-pro Pool Player
Meet semiprofessional pool player Hydred Makabali as she shows of her skills playing pool, a sport that has recently gained recognition for it's pure recreation value. Hydred, who uses a wheelchair, began playing pool as part of her therapy following her injury. Hydred will demonstrate adaptive techniques for the sport, play against several other players and give attendees a chance to try the game for themselves. It's a lot of fun, picking up a pool stick, shooting the array of balls and practicing over and over to get the shots just right!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
All Day
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by Mark Wellman, No Limits
Mark Wellman, adventure athlete and motivational speaker, will demonstrate his innovative climbing techniques and sports gear adaptation. Adaptive climbing is not just for the experienced athlete with disabilities. It is for anyone who has the desire to explore and try something different. Using Wellman’s custom climbing equipment, anyone with a disability can participate. Rock Climbing is a powerful tool in building confidence and reachable goals. It demonstrates how a successful climb is the result of fundamental teamwork. Climbing is not only a fun and challenging sport, but provides health benefits to improve better strength and flexibility. Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and 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 our disabled war veterans.
Read more
All Day
Patches the Clown
Patches the Clown will join in the fun at Abilities Expo Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. Kids - visit Patches to see him make balloon animals and take one home with you*! Patches is one of the LA Goal Artists exhibiting at the Artists Market.
* Balloon animals will be distributed to kids 12 and under, first come first serve while supplies last.
All Day
Row of Life and Adaptive Rowing Machine
Discover the world of adaptive rowing, a sport that most people with disabilities can participate in. Angela Madsen, Paralympian Adaptive Rower, will be available all day to meet with attendees and share the many benefits of rowing, including exercise and fitness, improved self-esteem, goal setting and a sense of accomplishment. See an indoor rowing machine demonstration and try it out for yourself as well. Hear about Angela's many accomplishments as a disability athlete - she is the only person with a disability to have rowed across 2 oceans (Atlantic and Indian)! Angela is also a 2008 Paralympian (Beijing Games) and World Rowing Record Holder. Her ocean rowing boat, Row of Life, will also be on display.
Presented by Angela Madsen, Row of Life and the California Adaptive Rowing Program
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Ballroom and Latin Wheelchair Dancing Demonstration
Presented by William Valencia, certified wheelchair dance instructor and WheelChairDancers.org
Learn wheelchair dancing from the first organization to offer classes in Southern CA! WheelChairDancers.org will present a demonstration of ballroom and latin wheelchair dancing. Then it's your turn to learn some steps! Attendees of all ages and mobility levels are welcome to join us to learn the steps to dances like the Fox Trot, Salsa, or Cha-Cha, working with an able-bodied partner. Individual dancers are welcome! Wheelchair Dancing crosses the boundaries of age, gender, and physical ability and includes individuals using manual or power chairs with varying levels of ability. Read more
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Competitive Billiards Demonstration
Presented by Hydred Makabali, Semi-pro Pool Player
Meet semiprofessional pool player Hydred Makabali as she shows of her skills playing pool, a sport that has recently gained recognition for it's pure recreation value. Hydred, who uses a wheelchair, began playing pool as part of her therapy following her injury. Hydred will demonstrate adaptive techniques for the sport, play against several other players and give attendees a chance to try the game for themselves. It's a lot of fun, picking up a pool stick, shooting the array of balls and practicing over and over to get the shots just right!
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Power Wheelchair Review
Presented by Users First Alliance
Modern power wheelchairs are more advanced than ever and can be equipped with a many options to meet your needs! Join us for a showcase some of the exciting products on display at Abilities Expo including chairs, standing features, cushions, wheels and more. Learn some key principles and questions that will help you to work more effectively with your therapist and dealer to be sure you get the best chair for you.
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham
Guinness inducted Aaron Fotheringham into the World Record Books in the Fall of 2008 for the 1st Wheelchair Back Flip. Join us at the back of the Expo Hall near the Events Arena to see Aaron in action and watch this amazing feat. Aaron will also perform on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Meet “Norky” the Peneagle!
Kids! Join us for Norky’s official meet and great at Abilities Expo! Enjoy story time, songs, dancing and visiting with Norky. Parents love Norky - he’s the “Ambassador of Peace through Literacy.” Norky will be making appearances all three days of Abilities Expo but this is the one time you can be sure to meet him!
Part-penguin, part-eagle, Norky can't wait to see you at Abilities Expo!
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