6 Reasons You Should Attend an Abilities Expo
Quick answer: The Abilities Expo is a free annual event for people with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals. You’ll find cutting-edge assistive tech, adaptive sports, free expert workshops, a supportive community, and celebrity guests. Seven locations across the U.S. in 2025–2026; 30,000+ attendees annually.
Looking for a place where innovation, community, and adventure converge? The Abilities Expo is exactly that—a massive annual conference for people with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals. Whether you’re exploring new technology or looking to connect with others on a similar journey, the Abilities Expo delivers.
1. Discover Cutting-Edge Assistive Technology
The Abilities Expo showcases the latest in accessibility innovations. From high-tech mobility devices to adaptive home solutions, you’ll get hands-on experience with products that can transform your life. See all-terrain wheelchairs like the Extreme Motus, smart prosthetics, voice-controlled devices, and adaptive sports equipment—all in one place. Most importantly, you can try them out yourself, ask questions, and get direct feedback from manufacturers.
2. Participate in Inclusive Activities & Adaptive Sports
This isn’t just a trade show. The expo includes live activities: wheelchair sports demonstrations, adaptive dance, service animal showcases, adventure sports challenges, and more. It’s hands-on, interactive, and genuinely fun. You can test chairs on obstacle courses, try wheelchair basketball, or watch extreme athletes in action. For kids, families, and competitive enthusiasts alike, there’s something to do.
3. Learn from Expert-Led Workshops (All Free)
Throughout the expo, experts lead free workshops on topics like:
- Disability rights and advocacy strategies
- Financial planning and disability insurance
- Adaptive fitness and wellness programs
- Employment rights and job accommodations
- Assistive technology training and troubleshooting
- Independent living and accessibility modifications
These workshops are genuinely educational—packed with real advice, not just marketing.
4. Connect with a Supportive Community
One of the most underrated parts of the Abilities Expo is the community. Thousands of people gather—some newly disabled, some navigating mobility challenges for decades, some in full careers, some pushing for policy change. The energy is collaborative, not competitive.
Meet nonprofits and advocacy organizations
Many disability-focused nonprofits staff booths: Reeve Foundation, National Disability Rights Network, disability-specific advocacy groups (for spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, MS, etc.). They offer resources on housing, transportation, employment, legal rights, and financial assistance programs. If you’re navigating the system, these organizations can point you to help.
Find peer mentors and role models
Many influencers, athletes, and entrepreneurs with disabilities attend to share their stories. Paralympians, content creators, business owners—all willing to chat, sign autographs, and answer questions. There’s real value in seeing someone who’s lived a life similar to yours and hearing how they got there.
Network with like-minded people
People attend alone, with families, with caregivers. You’ll find others with your disability type, others learning to navigate the same terrain, others who get it. Some attendees form lasting friendships, join advocacy groups together, or end up collaborating on projects. The connections are real.
5. Seven Locations Nationwide in 2025–2026
The Abilities Expo runs seven events annually across the U.S., making it accessible to most regions. Here’s the 2025–2026 schedule:
New York Metro – May 2–4, 2025 at New Jersey Convention & Expo Center
Chicago – June 20–22, 2025 at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
Houston – August 1–3, 2025 at NRG Center Hall E
Phoenix – September 5–7, 2025 at WestWorld of Scottsdale
Ft. Lauderdale – October 17–19, 2025 at Broward County Convention Center
Dallas – December 5–7, 2025 at Dallas Market Hall
Los Angeles – March 27–29, 2026 at Long Beach Convention Center
Admission is free—no hidden fees, no upsell required. Just show up.
6. Meet Inspirational Guests & Celebrity Advocates
The Abilities Expo regularly features celebrity guests and influential advocates:
- RJ Mitte – Actor from Breaking Bad and disability rights advocate
- Ali Stroker – Tony Award-winning Broadway performer and wheelchair user
- Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham – Extreme wheelchair athlete and Nitro Circus performer
- Auti Angel – Dancer and Push Girls star
- Paralympic Athletes – Competing in wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, and more
- Squirmy and Grubs (Shane & Hannah Burcaw) – YouTubers sharing disability advocacy and interabled relationships
- Sam and Ryan from Extreme Motus – Innovators behind the all-terrain wheelchair, bringing outdoor adventures within reach
These guests do panels, Q&A sessions, and casual meet-and-greets. They share real stories—failures, breakthroughs, funny moments—that inspire and educate.
The bigger picture: 45+ years of community
The Abilities Expo has been connecting people with disabilities since 1979. That consistency matters. It’s not trendy or temporary—it’s a longstanding movement dedicated to accessibility, innovation, and inclusion. With 30,000+ attendees annually, it’s the largest gathering of its kind in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
Is Abilities Expo admission really free?
Yes, admission is completely free. No tickets, no registration fees. Just walk in and explore.
What type of people attend?
Everyone. People with disabilities, caregivers, family members, therapists, doctors, social workers, vendors, and allies. The event is designed for all backgrounds and experience levels.
Do I have to be disabled to attend?
No. Family members, caregivers, healthcare providers, and allies are all welcome. Many people attend to support a loved one or learn about assistive technology.
Can I try products out before buying?
Absolutely. Most vendors let you test chairs, prosthetics, tech, and adaptive gear right there on the expo floor. It’s one of the biggest advantages of attending in person.
Are there workshops for specific disabilities?
Yes. Workshops cover topics relevant to many disability types—but also specific tracks (e.g., spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, visual impairment). Check the event program when you arrive.
Can I bring kids?
Yes. Many families attend, and the expo includes activities designed for children and teens. Bring them along.
Conclusion
The Abilities Expo isn’t just about shopping for products or hearing motivational speeches. It’s about seeing possibility. You see people doing things you thought you couldn’t do. You talk to engineers and designers who are genuinely trying to solve real problems. You meet peers who get it. You learn that you’re not alone—and that the disability community is building, innovating, and pushing forward every day.
Whether this is your first time exploring adaptive tech or you’re a veteran attendee, mark your calendar. The next Abilities Expo is closer than you think.
Learn more at abilities.com
Ryan Grassley · ryan@extrememotus.com
Since 2019, Sam and Ryan have been demonstrating that nature is wheelchair accessible with the Extreme Motus All Terrain Wheelchair. From National Parks to Skateparks, their adventures prove that a manual off-road wheelchair can offer laughter and joy while navigating diverse terrains.
Join us as we continue to share these inspiring journeys.
Light, comfortable, and compact, the Extreme Motus glides over sand, rocks, grass, gravel, and even floats in water.
It’s more than a outdoor wheelchair; it’s your ticket to freedom. Embrace the outdoors with confidence, knowing our off-road wheelchair is engineered for durability and ease of use.
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