That’s right, CURE NATION! The Abilities Expo will be back in Houston at NRG Center on August 3-5, 2018.
The Cure Medical team is excited to return to the Lone Star State for this year’s Abilities Expo in Houston. It’s sure to be a great event for families and friends who have disabilities.
Even better than Tex-Mex, the Houston Abilities Expo brings you out-of-this-world opportunities. It could be the products and tech. It could be the chance to play sled hockey or dance with Auti Angel. It could be the workshops or connections you make with others in the disability community.
David Korse, Abilities Expo President and CEO, and his entire team have done a fantastic job creating a positive, welcoming and educational environment for the disability community during this event.
David shares, “Why do we love organizing the Abilities Expos? The short answer is that although we work pretty hard, it is really fun and rewarding to do and it doesn’t feel like a ‘real job’, but for us, a passion.”
“We’re just about to celebrate our 10th anniversary of ownership (Aug 1st) and we’re so pleased to see that every event so far this year has set a new attendance record.”
“And with Houston only weeks away, our fingers are crossed for another record-setting show with our pre-registration currently running 24% ahead of last year’s pace. Come see us in Houston!”
Admission to Abilities Expo is always FREE! To pre-register and save time at the door, click here.
There’s always so much to do at Abilities Expo, it’s easy to stay all three days. Here are some suggestions that you won’t want to miss:
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Adaptive climbing is a sport that is open to people of all abilities! It’s not just for experienced athletes. There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark has SCI and is an adventure athlete, speaker and author. Come climb the wall using Mark’s innovative adaptive climbing techniques and adaptive sports gear!
Climbing has tremendous benefits – building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength, and improving flexibility. And it’s fun! Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and he 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 disabled war veterans.
Learn more: www.nolimitstahoe.com
Artist Market
Are you an art lover or aspiring artist? Then, you won’t want to miss the Artist Market, where local artists with disabilities will have their creative and diverse works of art on display. Many pieces, including paintings and photography, will be available for purchase. Artist Market sponsor VSA Texas challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. They’re an expert resource on inclusive arts – creating and maintaining an accessible and open community where everyone can participate.
Play Activity Area
Calling all kids!! This is a new feature at Abilities Expo taking place all weekend and open to kiddos of all abilities. The Play Activity Area provides an opportunity for children to participate in open play with parent oversight and involvement. The area will be supervised by Shriners Hospitals for Children staff and volunteers. Activities are structured for children/teens 18 years old and younger. Resources about adaptive recreation and play opportunities will also be available.
Amputee Soccer
Another first at Abilities Expo, this demonstration is presented by Lone Star Amputee Soccer Association and American Amputee Soccer. Amputee Soccer was invented in the United States in 1980. The sport is now played in more than 40 countries and presents its own World Cup. Male and female amputee players are welcome. Field players use forearm crutches and may play the ball with only one leg. This takes place on Friday from 3-3:30 pm.
Adaptive Sport Zone
If you’ve been curious about adaptive sports, you’ll have the opportunity to try out some different equipment and find out about local programs on Saturday, from 12:45 to 1:45. It’s presented by the Houston Parks and Recreation, Adaptive Recreation Department and will feature athletes, program coordinators and equipment from local adaptive sports program. Attendees will get the chance to try out a variety of sports, including rugby, basketball, tennis, soccer, and softball, as well as beep baseball, goalball, hand cycling, track and Adaptive Fitness!
Accessible Home Design: The Basics
This workshop will be held on Friday, from 11:45 to 12:45, by Wayne W. Broadfield, III, AIA, Associate Director Architecture, Paralyzed Veterans of America. It will address improving the accessibility in each specific area of a home, as well as what you need to know before taking on a renovation project. Whether it’s a new accessible residence or retrofitting your existing home, information will be presented with real examples and case studies. Subject matter will include entering your home; residential elevators and lifts, kitchen design, bathrooms and plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, outdoor areas and gardens, and much more.
Open Your World to Accessible Travel
From 2:30 to 3:30 on Saturday and 11:45 to 12:45 on Sunday, accessible travel expert John Morris, will be on hand sharing his experience, tips and tricks. This workshop will provide attendees with information and tools to plan an accessible vacation, opening their world to new experiences and possibilities. There will be an opportunity to participate in an accessible travel Q&A with the presenter, who will bring firsthand knowledge from nearly one million miles flown with a wheelchair. Learn more here.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: A New Era of Accessibility Products
Welcome to the future! For people with disabilities, virtual reality can open up a whole new world of experiences! From 2:30 to 3:30 on Sunday, this workshop will help attendees navigate the world of augmented and virtual reality while discovering how these technologies are transforming the accessibility space. Just imagine being placed at the top of Mount Everest, being able to perform computer tasks handsfree, or even the ability to control smart devices with your eyes, all in the comfort and safety of your living room! Find out more here.
Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop – Presented by Cure Advocate Kristina Rhoades
Kristina Rhoades is a Cure Advocate, a life coach and the founder of Flower of Life Retreats in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. In this session, attendees will learn about the numerous benefits of mindfulness and meditation, as well as tips on getting started and incorporating these ancient practices into daily life.
The workshop will cover breathing techniques, how to bust common meditation fears, the basic concepts of the law of attraction, and Kristina will wrap up with a short, guided meditation.
“I believe we’re all capable of much more than we think,” Kristina explains, “but we often underestimate the power of our own minds and the influence our own thoughts have on our bodies and realities. Tools like meditation and mindfulness can help us reduce stress, find clarity and open up for personal growth.”
Before and after her workshop, Kristina will be appearing in the Cure Medical booth #313, so be sure to stop by and say hi! Read more about Kristina and why she Chooses a Cure here.
And, while you’re there at the Cure Medical booth, grab a free whistle and join us as we Blow the Whistle on Scary Chemicals! We’re proud to say that Cure Catheters are not made with DEHP, BPA or natural rubber latex. Learn why here.
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