Here's what we did in 2012. Stay tuned for 2013!

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. Watch a sneak peak of an upcoming episode of the new TV series Push Girls. Discover how an assistance dog can enhance your life and learn how to advocate for your best wheelchair.

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.

Friday, November 16, 2012

11:45am – 12:45pm
How to Select the Right Accessible Vehicle for You
Presented by Justin White, 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 such topics as what solutions are available and where to find them, key terminology, the shopping and evaluation process, funding options and much more.

Click here to learn more.

11:45am – 12:45pm
Screening of "Not Home" A Documentary About Kids Living In Nursing Facilities
Presented by Eliza Riley, Abilities Expo San Jose Ambassador
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.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
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.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Improving Your Nutrition and Wellness
Presented by Tiphany Adams, star of Push Girls
It can be a challenge to decide the best foods to eat or to stick with a gym routine. Add your disability to the mix and there are even more complications to consider. Tiphany Adams, star of the hit TV series Push Girls and a person with SCI, joins us to talk about how you can achieve your goals in these areas of your life. Tiphany walks her talk and through self-research and perseverance has discovered many of the benefits of nutrition and fitness. Tiphany will share tips on eating habits and physical fitness. She’ll discuss the importance of building your knowledge about nutrition and the importance of research. Some simple changes in nutrition and fitness can improve your wellness, independence and state of mind. She’ll close the session with examples of simple stretching and work-out techniques, plus a time for questions and answers.

2:30pm – 3:30pm
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 and Vice President of Community Initiatives, 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
Home Modifications and Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Access
Presented by Jeramy and Molly Hale, Executive Directors, Ability Production and Hale House
Do you need to modify your home or create an accessible environment for a family member? There are many possible choices to make when considering accessibility for specific and individual needs. Most homes were designed for young, healthy people. In this presentation and open discussion, we will present concepts of Universal Design principles and modifications that can be made to ensure that our homes are accessible and visitable for the greatest number of people in our family and community. Home modifications based on Universal Design principles add value to our lives, allow us to live comfortably as we age and increase the value of our homes. Learn more at www.abilityproduction.org.

3:45pm – 4:45pm
How to Claim Your Identity and Sexuality as a Person with a Disability
Presented by Stacey L. Coffman, MA, Doctoral Candidate in Human Development, Fielding Graduate University
This interactive workshop will explore disability, gender, and sexuality, and the impact of these factors on the lives of people with disabilities. As the largest minority group in the United States, people with disabilities face common stereotypes like “all people with disabilities are asexual” or “all people with disabilities are heterosexual.” This workshop challenges these and other false assumptions, and emphasizes the importance of being able to identify as disabled and proud. Examples from popular culture and media including the Sundance Channel’s “Push Girls” and MTV Film’s “Murderball” will be discussed. Participants should come prepared for lively discussion of the multiple identities we all have and the way disability is integrated into one of many aspects of self.

Click here to learn more.

* Please note this session is for attendees 18 and older, and contains material that is appropriate only for adults.

3:45pm – 4:45pm 
Practical Tips for Living Life to the Fullest
Presented by Team Hotwheelz, a project of the Walk and Roll Foundation
The young women of Team Hotwheelz range in their wheelchair experience from seven months to 20 years. Through their determination and passion, these young ladies have grown into role models for other wheelchair users. They are joining us to share some of their personal stories and the tips they want to pass along for living life to it’s fullest. They will share their ideas about pursuing your career, talking about your injury, spreading awareness and making a difference. They’re also looking forward to your ideas during some question and answer at the end of the session. Learn more about Team Hotwheelz presented by the Walk and Roll Foundation at
www.facebook.com/TeamHotwheelz.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

11:45am – 12:45pm
Computer Access: From Head to Toe
Presented by Debbie Drennan, MSW, Assistive Tech Specialist, Parents Helping Parents iTECH Center
This workshop will focus on a wide range of computer access tools for individuals of all ages who have physical limitations that make operating a standard computer difficult or impossible. In this workshop you will find out about free access options available within the computer operating systems as well as free access tools available on the web. You will also learn about a variety hardware options for accessibility including eye-gazing systems, head/camera mouse, adapted keyboards, foot mouse, switch/scanning access and more. Learn more by visiting the Assistive Technology Pavilion (see the floor plan on page 4 of the Show Directory for location) or by visiting www.php.com.

11:45am – 12:45pm
Disasters and People with Special Needs: How to Engage, Interact and Improve Communication During Emergencies
Presented by Louise Sattler, NCSP, Owner, Signing Families
Communication is key during a disaster or medical emergency. The first ten minutes are crucial. During these exceptional circumstances, safety and help are greatly increased by knowing techniques to help people with learning and/or developmental disabilities, Deafness, Autism, and other people who are limited with verbal communications. Hear about these techniques and learn what you can do during a disaster or medical incident. Get tips for how to facilitate communication using signs, gestures, and people in the surrounding area. Learn the differences between working with children and working with adults. Each attendees will receive a free sign language communication chart. Learn more at www.SigningFamilies.com.

1:00pm – 2:00pm
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.

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.

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.

2:30pm – 3:30pm
Increasing Your Independence with an Assistance Dog
Presented by Canine Angels Service Teams (CAST)
Have you wondered what an assistance dog could do for you? Want to know how you apply for an assistance dog and what the costs are? Atthis workshop you will learn this and more. Discover how assistance dogs can help increase your independence as well as provide a better quality of life through a canine connection. This workshop will include demonstration with a dog and time for questions and answers. Canine Angels Service Teams raises and trains exceptional dogs for children with physical and developmental disabilities.Learn more at www.canine-angels.com.

3:45pm – 4:45pm
Push Girls: Sneak Peak for Season 2 and Meet Some of 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. Enjoy the Season 1 Finale and catch a sneak peak of what’s coming in Season 2. 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. Push Girls has been renewed for a secondseason on The Sundance Channel. Find out what’s in store and meet some of the s tars of the show. Learn more at www.push-girls.com.

Click here to learn more.