Abilities Expo to highlight latest ways for disabled to live life fully

You likely know what wheelchair basketball is. But how about wheelchair rugby or tennis? Sled hockey, ride-along racing, freestyle wheelchair dance and ... wheelchair cosplay?

These and many other adaptive sports and fun activities, along with the latest products and services for the disabled, will be showcased at Abilities Expo, Friday through Sunday at NRG Center. People with disabilities, their families and caregivers and health care professionals can interact as both peers and experts at exhibitor booths, workshops and in the "Abilities Meetup Zone," where they can share experiences and get answers, enjoy a photo booth and, for kids, face painting.

"It's about having a good time and, 'I don't feel like I'm the only one,' " said David Korse, president and CEO of Abilities Expo.

The event has come to Houston, one of eight North American tour stops, since 2010. Last year's gathering drew 4,000 adult visitors, making the Bayou City the fastest-growing Abilities Expo event, according to Korse.

Vendor booths will highlight new mobility products, devices for people with developmental disabilities, medical equipment, low-cost daily living aids, products for those with sensory impairments and more. An "Assistive Technology Showcase" will let visitors experience cutting-edge tech hands-on.

Workshops are set to address travel, emergency preparedness, autism, therapeutic cannabis, financial planning and stress relief for caregivers, among other topics. Physical and occupational therapists and other disability professionals can find continuing education and career-development seminars as well.

But it's in the events arena where people with disabilities will have a chance to shine.

The "Mock Cosplay Competition" invites attendees of all ages to dress as their favorite character. Everyone will get a prize, but for those who incorporate a mobility device, the look garners bonus points.

Visitors of all ability levels can test their skills with a wide variety of adaptive sports, dance with Auti Angel of SundanceTV's reality show "Push Girls" and meet wheelchair motocross athlete Jerry Diaz.

Also on the floor: service-dog demonstrations; a market featuring works by VSA Texas, a network of artists with disabilities; and free 22-point wheelchair inspections (call to schedule at 800-488-0359).

The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Department of Veterans Affairs and adaptive sports councils of Houston, Pasadena and Pearland are among the dozens of agencies, organizations and other nonprofit sponsors.

Abilities Expo was born in Los Angeles in 1979 when polio survivor Richard Wooten, disappointed in the limited products available, launched it so "his (fellow disabled) friends could go shopping," Korse said. "Now it's a three-day party. ... If you're part of this community in any way, get down here."