This weekend is the annual Abilities Expo and with many activities to choose from it can be quite overwhelming. Below is a general information guide to everything that is happening at the expo.
Venue
The Abilities Expo is at the Houston NRG Center and Hall E. This is at the enormous convention center building across from the Astrodome. Like all previous years, the expo is admission free. The only cost is the $15 parking lot. Also, its recommended to park in the Red Lot since it’s the closest to Hall E.
With regard to Hall E, the building is accessible with wheelchair accessible bathrooms and easy access throughout. In addition, they have a Starbucks on the premises if you need your coffee rush. Lastly, the hall is all inside and air-conditioned. Always a nice feature to avoid the brutal August heat.
Things to Do
- Artist Market
- Vendors
- Cosplay Competition
- Face Painting for Kids
- Workshops
- Adaptive Climbing Wall
- Adaptive Sports
- Dance Events
- Technology Showcase
Points of Interest
- Free Wheelchair Repair
- Free Loaner Scooters
- Sign Language Interpreter On-Site
- Service Dog Relief Area Available
- Help Desk Available
- Personal Care Services Available
- First Aid On-Site
- Free Curbside Shuttle from Hotels:
Springhill Suites by Marriott Houston Medical Center
Holiday Inn Express Houston Medical Center
Schedule
Below is a list of events and workshops that are happening during the three days. All shows and sports are located at the Event Arena (EA) and workshops are at the Workshop area (WK).
Friday
- 10:00 am – 2 pm WK
The Case for Wheels: Selecting the Clinically Appropriate Base - 11:45 am – 12:45 pm WK
Protecting Your Workplace Rights - 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm EA
Adaptive Fitness: Tabata Workout - 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm EA
All About Service Dogs - 1:00 pm – 2 pm WK
Home Modifications - 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm EA
The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents - 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm WK
Metro’s Introduction to Travel Training - 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm EA
Adaptive Tennis - 3:45 pm – 4: 15 pm EA
Pantomine Performing Troupe of the Down Syndrome Associaton of Houston - 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm WK
Service Dogs: In & Out- Untangling the laws on Public Access
Saturday
- 11:15 am – 11: 45 am EA
All About Service Dogs - 11:45 am – 12:45 pm WK
Access the World: Tips for Traveling with a Disability - 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm EA
TIRR Memorial Hermann Adaptive Sports - 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm EA
The Stage Awaits! Let’s Put On A Play! - 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm WK
Understanding Pain Medication - 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm EA
The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents - 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm WK
Adapted Fashion Show - 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm EA
Mock Cosplay Competition - 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm WK
Medical Marijuana: Making an Informed Decision - 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm EA
Ayita Wheelchair Dance Presentation & Class
Sunday
- 11:45 am – 12:30 pm EA
Wheelchair Rugby - 11:45 am – 12:45 pm WK
Talking to Your Landlord about Reasonable Accommodations and Accessible Parking - 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm EA
The Rollettes Los Angeles Presents - 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm WK
Living Well with Chronic Pain - 2:00 pm -2:30 pm EA
Service Dog Demonstration - 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm WK
Open Your World With Accessible Travel - 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm EA
Adaptive Dance