ConnecTra Society's Abilities Expo: Curiosity. Creativity. Community.

The Vancouver Abilities Expo is back in 2024!

ConnecTra Society's flagship event, the Abilities Expo, brings together exhibitors, vendors, resources, guest speakers, and more to enrich the well-being and connectedness of the disability community.

ConnecTra Society's FREE annual flagship event is back for its 13th year. The theme is "Curiosity. Creativity. Community."

Date: May 22, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC

Connect and satisfy your curiosities alongside our community in person on this day for disability-focused exhibitors, vendors, speakers, and so much more! Whether you’re looking for adaptive activities to join this summer, arts-related programming for a creative outlet, resources to help with all aspects of living life to the fullest with a disability, or inclusive travel opportunities – there’s something for everyone.

Features:

50+ Exhibitors and vendors from in and around the Lower Mainland

Disability resources & adaptive activities

Presentations by:

• Stephanie Cadieux: Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer - "Everyone’s Business: Accessibility in Canada"

In her keynote, Ms. Cadieux will discuss her role as a special, independent advisor to the Minister responsible for the Accessible Canada Act and the findings and recommendations made in her report. She will discuss priority areas of focus for helping to create a barrier-free Canada, offer examples of promising accessibility initiatives, as well as a look at issues she will be placing an emphasis on in the months ahead.

• Marco Pasqua -“Building Authentic Connections through Curiosity, Creativity, and Community: The CUBE Principle"

In this captivating keynote, Marco Pasqua will empower the audience to recognize and celebrate their curiosity and creativity. Using personal anecdotes and the powerful "CUBE Principle," Marco will share how he creatively utilized his best energy to overcome challenges and forge meaningful relationships. He will inspire attendees to build new connections during Abilities Expo, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Moreover, Marco will motivate the audience to be intentional about building connections beyond Abilities Expo, ensuring that the impact of this special event extends far into their professional and personal lives. This talk will leave a lasting impression, encouraging individuals to embrace authenticity and purposeful interactions as they navigate their ongoing journeys of connection and growth

• Dr. Jewelles Smith - “Creative Leadership: Let your strengths and values lead your story”

Is creativity a secret asset to building a career and sustaining an activist life? And how have I built a business based on my own passion for human rights, diversity, and creativity? I believe that unpacking our personal values, and letting these lead us is the truly a way to move forward through an ableist world while maintaining our core strengths, pride, and momentum. In this keynote, I will share the story of how I use creativity, values, and relationships to be human rights change maker.

• Science World

There's always lots of excitement and audience interaction with Science World On the Road.

Science World’s live shows feature spectacular science demonstrations from a wide variety of topics including electricity, air pressure, forces and chemistry. From flying chickens to hair raising electrical demonstrations, there’s always lots of fun and audience interaction with Science World On the Road.

• Adaptive Yoga with Bobbie-Seale Cobiskey

Relax and connect with body and breath! This accessible Chair Yoga class will weave together practical breathing techniques with sensitively taught yoga postures and movements to meet the needs of all participants.

• BC Wheelchair Basketball

Ever wanted to try out wheelchair basketball? Now is your chance! Everyone is welcome!

• FREE catered lunch from Casalinga Food

*We will not be live-streaming presentations this year, but after the event, we will upload the videos of the presentations to the Disability Foundation YouTube channel for those located outside of the Lower Mainland or otherwise unable to attend.

Learn more about this year's Abilities Expo and check out the line-up of vendors on the ConnecTra website!

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If you have any questions, please send our event organizers an email at info@connectra.org.

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About the ConnecTra Society: Formed in 1999 by Vancouver tetraplegic Sam Sullivan, the ConnecTra Society is a connecting agency linking people with physical disabilities to activities and programs that will, over time, allow them to grow, gain confidence and become increasingly more active and involved in community life. We aim to get all people with significant disabilities living in British Columbia as socially active and engaged as possible through our workshops and other resources. Learn more are www.connectra.org.