Latest Tech & Disability Products
Abilities Expo brings you thousands of game-changing tech, products and services. Regardless of the type and level of your disability, we strive to provide the resources you need.
Abilities Expo Has it ALL for the
Disability Community!
We can't wait to show you all of products, technologies and resources to help you up your game! Buckle up for a a slew of adaptive sports, fun dance opportunities, info-packed workshops, an all-inclusive climbing wall and more. It's all free so join us and register today.
Informative Workshops
Attend free, info-packed workshops on issues that matter to you. Get tips on self-advocacy, making your home accessible and traveling with a disability. There's more, check it out!
Interactive Events and Features
Try such inclusive activities as adaptive sports, dance, and so much more for the kids of all ages! If something sparks your interest, you can find out how to engage year-round.
Must-See and Can't-Miss Expo Experiences
There is just so much to see and do at Abilities Expo. Here are a few opportunities you don't want to let pass you by.
Cool Show Features
Meet Star of New TV Show "Just Hands: For the Love of Racing"
The on-site preview of Just Hands: For the Love Of Racing will feature Torsten Gross, a C6 quadriplegic, as he navigates the world of race car driving.
Scale the Adaptive Rock Wall
If you thought your climbing days were behind you, think again! Whatever your ability, YOU can conquer the completely inclusive climbing wall with the help of adaptive equipment.
Your Accessible Dream Vacation
With tried-and-true accessible travel tips from this info-packed workshop, the world can be your playground! Get the 411 so you can plan your ultimate adventure.
Plan Your Visit to Abilities Expo
Don’t miss our life-enhancing exhibits, dynamic workshops and fun events for kids of all ages!
Calendar
All Day, Every Day
Friday, May 3, 2024
10:00am – 12:00pm Balancing Function and Independence: Clinical Considerations for Power Positioning and Memory Seating Jr. Ballroom
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Disability Services for Expo-goers
In our efforts to ensure a positive show experience, Abilities Expo endeavors to accommodate the disability community with a host of special show services including loaner scooters, sign language interpretation, free wheelchair, captioning services for the workshop and so much more!
Special Show Services for People with Disabilities
Loaner Scooters and Wheelchair Repair
Free loaner scooters are available during show hours on a first come, first served basis. Wheelchair need a tune-up? Swing by the Sunrise Medical Free Wheelchair Repair Pavilion for minor maintenance.
Sign Language and CART Services
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for those who need translation. All workshops are captioned through CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services.
Large Print Accommodations
Large print versions of the exhibitor list as well as the events and workshops schedule will be available on demand at the Expo. Please request your copy at the registration counters.
Assistance Animals Play Critical Role
Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent.
Service Animals
All About Service Dogs
Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids
Friday, May 3: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
Sunday, May 5: 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with many different disabilities. Find out the many ways service dogs can help achieve independence in people's lives – from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money! Service dogs are available for many different types of disability, including vision and hearing loss, mobility, autism and seizure/allergy alert. Learn about funding support, the process to acquire a dog, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.
Integrating Animals: How Animals Contribute to Holistic Health
Presented by: Carolyn Beisiegel, COTA/L, C-AAIS, CTRI, CARSS II, DIR-BASIC
Saturday, May 4: 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Animals have been healers for a long time, and it is just recently that they have been recognized as an important part of holistic health. This presentation will provide an overview of different animals and the ways they contribute to our livelihood. It will break down the differences between the types of working animals such as therapy, service, emotional support, and facility, as well as the ways in which we integrate them into daily practices such as in therapy, education, counseling, and recreation.
Learn the Latest Adaptive Dance Moves
Dancing is great for the body, and even better for spirit! Don't miss your change to get in the groove.
Inclusive Dance Performances
Dance-Based Exercise for Self-Care and Mindfulness
Dance with The Rollettes!
Everybody Dance
Michael Jackson Dance Program for Special Needs
Never Miss a Chance to Dance
Tap-Dancing Hands Down
Dance-Based Exercise for Self-Care and Mindfulness
Presented by: ZCO/Dance Project
Saturday, May 4: 4:00 - 4:30 pm
The ZCO/Dance Project Self-Care Dancing Mindfulness Workshop will connect you to dance-based exercises which work on cognitive and physical skills to replenish the body. Class participants will be guided to break old habits, find new pathways, and discover their own movement conceptions.
Dance with The Rollettes!
Presented by: The Rollettes Los Angeles
Sponsored by: IndeeLift, The People Picker Upper
Friday, May 3: 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 4: 10:30 - 11:15 am (Special Performance)
Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes - the incredible team of wheelchair dancers from Los Angeles! These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs, and content creation they dazzle and push barriers out of their way. It's not just a performance; it's also your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves! Come fulfill your dreams to dance!
The Special Rollettes Performance on Saturday morning before the Expo begins is full. If you would like to be added to a waiting list, please click here.
Every Body Dance!
Presented by: Center for Modern Dance
Saturday, May 4: 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Join the Center for Modern Dance Education (CMDE) for a short performance featuring a physically integrated cast of dancers, followed by an interactive dance workshop for all ages and abilities! Stretch your body and your imagination through the language of dance. Founded in 1962, CMDE is an award-winning nonprofit organization with the mission to make dance available to everyone.
Michael Jackson Dance Program for Special Needs
Presented by: MJXpressions and Stefan Hercel, CEO and DDD NJ Provider
Sunday, May 5: 2:00 – 2:30 pm
Students of all ages and all abilities will perform the most famous Michael Jackson dances from the Moonwalk to Thriller. All original choreography is taught by a professional Michael Jackson Tribute Artist. Come enjoy the performance and learn some of the most popular Michael Jackson dances of all time.
Never Miss a Chance to Dance
Presented by: Envision Dance Exchange (EDE) and Artistic Director, Susan M. Coutts
Saturday, May 4: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Enjoy a live dance performance featuring members of Envision Dance Exchange (EDE) and choreographed by Artistic Director Susan M. Coutts. Then it's your chance to participate! Join the dancers and discover their spirit of dance! Dance Innovations & EDE is proud to once again be a part of the Abilities Expo and look forward to seeing you all there!
Tap-Dancing Hands Down
Presented by: Mary Six Rupert and Tap: On Tap - An All Abilities Tap Ensemble
Sunday, May 5: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Experience all-abilities tap dancing! Learn how Tap-Dancing Hands Down works. Join in by tapping with the performers using your own abilities. Next, divide into groups to learn and have fun with "follow-ups" and "call and response" (standard tap-dancing skills). There will be a challenge between a tap dancer and a dancer using Tap Dancing Hands Down. The Tap: On Tap Dance Company conclude with a performance combining Tap-Dancing Hands Down with traditional tap dancing.
Get in the Game with
Adaptive Sports & Fitness
The sidelines are no place for you so take your pick from a variety of interactive, adaptive sports. Not only will you get the blood pumping, improve fitness and build confidence, the fun factor is off the charts!
ADAPTIVE SPORTS & FITNESS
Adapted Wheelchair Basketball
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Adaptive Golf
Power Wheelchair Floor Hockey
Tennis for All!
Wheel With Me Adapt Fit
Adapted Wheelchair Basketball
Saturday, May 4: 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Presented by: Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball Program
Come try out some adapted wheelchair basketball! The Adapted Wheelchair Basketball Program was created to give children of all levels of physical abilities the opportunity to play together as a team and to reach their highest potential as athletes. The game is structured to allow each child to have fun as independently as possible. The program teaches the players to respect each other's individual needs and limitations as well as providing guidance for learning individual skills, team skills and good sportsmanship.
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Coloplast and Mark Wellman, No Limits
All Day, Every DayThe Adaptive Climbing Wall is open to people of all abilities! There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. 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. 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.
Adapted Golf
Presented by: Gianna Rojas, The One Handed Lady Golfer and Founder, AdaptiveGolfers.org
Friday, May 3: 4:00 - 1:45 pm
The game of Golf provides a wonderful recreation opportunity for all. But Golf is so much more than just a leisure game or a sport. It can be a therapeutic activity as well. Adaptive Golf means understanding how to apply one's own abilities to enjoy Golf by making modifications (big or small) to how the game is learned, swing techniques and equipment used to allow an individual to play golf to their fullest potential. Come try the sport at this interactive demo!
Power Wheelchair Floor Hockey
Presented by: Philadelphia Flyers Powerplay
Sunday, May 5: 11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Power Hockey is essentially floor hockey for power wheelchair users. The sport follows the rules and regulations of the United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (USEWHA) and is open to all competent power wheelchair users. The Philadelphia Flyers Powerplay team is made up of about 30 players with various disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Cord Injuries.
Tennis for All!
Presented by: Presented by: Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Tennis Program
Friday, May 3: 2:00 - 3:00 pmCome discover how tennis offers opportunities for anyone to play and enjoy the sport! Join us to try both wheelchair tennis and adaptive tennis. Learn how you can play wheelchair tennis in the NY metro region. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Wheel With Me Adapt Fit
Presented by: Jesi Stracham and Nikki Walsh, Wheel With Me Adapt Fit
Saturday, May 4: 2:00 - 2:30 pmWheel With Me Adapt Fit is helping wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users achieve their health and fitness goals. This event is a place to provide education surrounding nutrition and fitness, as well as to build a community where we can all celebrate each other and encourage each other to live our best lives!
AT Showcase: Interact with Tomorrow’s Technology Today
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved
ones bridge the gap between ability and disability!
Assistive Technology Showcase
Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! The Showcase will feature an array of assistive technology for people of all disabilities to experience hands-on. In addition, the staff will offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge to help determine the most appropriate technology match for your abilities and situations. Advancing Opportunities provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families so they can lead fuller lives at work, home, school and play. Their team of technology specialists will be available for free hands-on demonstrations of technology and tools. From low-tech tips to advice about sophisticated software, we can help you find solutions.
Getting to Abilities Expo
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue,
Edison, NJ 08837
Directions, Parking and Transpo
Get Directions to the Expo from any Location
From Route 1& 9 Southbound:
Exit at “Bonhamtown” onto Main Street, continue for ½ mile to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light onto Route 514 East (Woodbridge Avenue). Turn right at the Sheraton Hotel into Raritan Center. Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From Route 1 Northbound:
After crossing the Raritan River Bridge, get into the right lane. After passing, “Open Road Honda”, take the 3rd right hand exit for Route 514/Woodbridge Avenue. Follow Woodbridge Avenue for 3-4 miles. Make a right at the Sheraton Hotel into Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From Route 287 South:
Follow 287 South to Route 514 West labeled “Raritan Center”. Follow jug handle on the right hand side to traffic light and then follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From the NJ Turnpike (NORTH AND SOUTH)
Follow the NJ Turnpike to Exit 10. Bear right after you go through the tollbooth, following Route 514 West to Raritan Center. Take the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From the Garden State Parkway Southbound:
Follow the Parkway to Exit 129. Take Route 287 North to Route 514 West. Follow Route 514 West to the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From the Garden State Parkway Northbound:
Follow the Parkway to Exit 127. Follow Highways 287N/440S to Route 514 West. Route 514 West is the first exit from this route. Follow Route 514 West to the first exit marked Raritan Center. Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From Route 35 & Route 9 North:
Follow Routes 35 & 9 over the Driscoll Bridge, bear right at the end of the bridge. Take the second exit labeled “Raritan Center/ Riverview Drive”. Get into the far right lane and take the Raritan Center Exit. Follow this route all the way down to the second light. Make a right onto Parkway Place. At then, make a left onto Raritan Center Parkway. Follow signs from here which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From Route 278 Westbound:
Take the Goethals Bridge onto the New Jersey Turnpike South. Follow the Turnpike to Exit 10. Bear right after you go through the tollbooth, following Route 514 West to Raritan Center. Take the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL.
From Brooklyn & Staten Island Via Outerbridge:
Take the Staten Island Expressway (RTE 278) to Outerbridge Crossing into New Jersey. Three miles from the bridge are signs for Route 514, Raritan Center. Be in the right lane so you can exit at 514 West Bonhamtown. Follow signs to Raritan Center, exit there and follow jug handle to light. Follow signs for EXPO HALL located throughout the Industrial Park.
From Brooklyn & Staten Island Via Goethals Bridge:
Take the Staten Island Expressway (RTE 278) to the Goethals Bridge. This will bring you into New Jersey. Follow signs to the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 10. After Toll Plaza, Bear right and follow signs to 514 West/Raritan Center. Stay in two right lanes and follow jug handle to light. Follow signs posted throughout the Industrial Park for EXPO HALL.
From New York City, Philadelphia, or anywhere in New Jersey by train or bus:
Please visit www.njtransit.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center is Metuchen Station. For example, if you are coming from Manhattan, log onto www.njtransit.com and find the Trip Planner at the top of the home page. Enter Penn Station New York in "Travel From," enter Metuchen Station in "Travel To," indicate your preferred day and time of travel, and click the Accessible option if appropriate. The travel planner will do the rest!
For maps and directions, please visit here.
Parking and Drop-off:
Parking is free and located all around the convention center property. If you would like to drop off any passengers before you park, please do so at the flag pole in front of the EXPO HALL.
Transpo to the Expo
Free Shuttle from Metuchen Station
Provided by Abilities Expo
Accessible, round-trip transportation from Metuchen Train Station to Abilities Expo will be provided free-of-charge to expo-goers travelling to the event by train.
Shuttle hours:
Friday, May 3: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, May 4: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, May 5: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Two shuttles each holding 2 wheelchairs plus seating for non-disabled passengers will do laps between Metuchen Station and the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center during the hours of operation. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes, one way.
The shuttle will feature an Abilities Expo sign prominently on the side door panel. Those travelling southbound from New York City should exit the rear of the train to meet the shuttle at the wheelchair accessible ramp at Pennsylvania Avenue and Station Place, pictured blow:
Passengers returning to Metuchen Station will be dropped off at Woodbridge Avenue and Main Street, pictured here:
Free Shuttle from Local Hotels:
One shuttle and two wheelchair accessible vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers at the Delta by Marriott, the Hilton Garden Inn and the Sheraton Edison Hotel. Shuttle hours are:
Friday, May 3: 10am -12pm; 4pm-6pm
Saturday, May 4: 10am-12pm; 4pm-6pm
Sunday, May 5: 10am-12pm; 3pm-5pm
NJ Transit’s Access Link:
Access Link is the public, paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to use the NJ Transit local fixed route bus systems. In order to use Access Link, you must first apply for eligibility. Click here for more information.
Access Link service is comparable to the bus in that it is available during the same days and hours as the regularly scheduled local fixed route bus service, including weekends and holidays.
Eligible individuals may make transportation appointments to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center for Abilities Expo any day between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm by calling (973) 491-4224 [TTY (800) 955-6765]. Same day reservations can not be accommodated. Click here for more information on Access Link’s riding policies.
NJ Transit:
From New York City, Philadelphia, or Anywhere in New Jersey by Train or Bus:
NJ Transit provides accessible travel via rail and bus from all over New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia. Please visit www.njtransit.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center is Metuchen Station. For example, if you are coming from Manhattan, log onto www.njtransit.com and find the Trip Planner at the top of the home page. Enter Penn Station New York in "Travel From," enter Metuchen Station in "Travel To," indicate your preferred day and time of travel, and click the Accessible option if appropriate. The travel planner will do the rest!
Other Transportation:
- Gold Medal Transport (732) 994-9929
Meet the Ambassadors
Local disability activists spearhead Abilities Expo's community outreach initiatives.
Ambassador Program
Meet the impressive individuals who have chosen to represent Abilities Expo to the Community.
Ian James Brown
Ian James Brown graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. Extremely active, he played football, rugby and volleyball as well competed in boxing, power lifting and martial arts.
Ian became a paralyzed veteran during his service in the United States Air Force.
Undaunted, Ian began a post-baccalaureate program to finish the pre-requisite courses in preparation for medical school.
Sarah Best
A native New Yorker with Cerebral Palsy, Sarah resides in Westchester County, just outside of New York City. She is determined and driven to go places and do things that she is passionate about. She says, "I get things done because I have learned that nothing in life comes easy. Everything requires work. Sometimes the work is very, very hard, like physical therapy. It is difficult for me to walk because of my CP, but I try. I work on my muscles and coordination." Sarah currently works in the Marketing Department for Convaid Products, a pediatric mobility equipment manufacturer. She loves to spend time with her family and friends and her service dog, Edison.
"I am so thrilled to be part of Abilities Expo and love the strong sense of community it creates," she said. "I truly enjoy meeting all the people who attend the expo and have made great friends along the way!"
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