Welcome!

Thank you for joining us at ConnecTra Society’s 2026 Abilities Expo: Connected Futures.

We believe this long-standing opportunity for social engagement and connection is important for maintaining well-being and increasing awareness in this community. We’re very excited to welcome you to our 15th annual flagship event. Enjoy!

About ConnecTra Society

The ConnecTra Society is a non-profit connecting agency that links people with disabilities to activities, services and programs to help them become more active and involved in community life.

We aim to have all people with significant disabilities living in the Lower Mainland as socially active and involved as possible through our workshops, events and other resources.

ConnecTra was formed in 1999 by Vancouver tetraplegic Sam Sullivan who was invested as a member of the Order of Canada in 2005 for his service to people with disabilities.

The Disability Foundation, in supporting our affiliated societies, has been fostering meaningful experiences for people with disabilities through outdoor recreation, social connectedness and innovative adapted devices for more than 35 years, from Metro Vancouver, throughout B.C. and across Canada.

Join the ConnecTra mailing list!

ConnecTra Society’s weekly newsletter contains information and registration for our ConnecTogether programming, plus upcoming events and initiatives.

Donate to the ConnecTra Society

Your support makes it possible to continue offering programs and events that bring full community participation to British Columbians with disabilities.

Floorplan and Exhibitors

Floorplan map of the Roundhouse Community Centre. Booth numbers written below.

1	Accessibility Support Booth
2	Volunteer Booth
3	Disability Foundation
4	Enviro Bag Evolution
5	Leash of Hope Assistance Dogs
6	My Care Matters Health Services
7	WorkSafeBC
8	WorkBC Centres
9	PASS Adult Services Society
10	SCI-BC
11	ICBC
12	Canada Revenue Agency
13	Makers Making Change
14	Neil Squire Society
15	Canadian Assistive Technology
16	Public Service Commission of Canada
17	Technology for Living
18	HME
19	Qualicare Home Care
20	Trexo Robotics
21	Theatre Terrific
22	Power for All Adventure Therapy
23	BC Wheelchair Basketball Society
24	AquaStar Therapies Inc.
25	Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
26	FreshPrep
27	Advanced Medical
28	SPARC BC
29	Lime
30	Macdonald’s Home Health Care
31	Nurse Next Door
32	Vancouver Public Library
33	Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
34	BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association
35	Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture
36	Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
37	Seniors First BC
38	CAYA BC
39	Plan Institute
40	COSCO BC
41	Disability Alliance BC
42	Right Fit Program
43	Individualized Funding Resource Centre (IFRC)
44	All Bodies Dance
45	The Sexuality Clinic
46	Miss Wheelchair Canada
47	Richmond Centre for Disability

Presentation Schedule

Mainstream Technology Products

Assistive Technology Purposes with Jody Dickerson

Explore how free or low‑cost mainstream technologies – originally designed for coding, gaming, productivity, and smart‑homes – can be repurposed as assistive technologies to support more accessible digital and physical environments. Learn about how everyday tools can enhance efficiency, independence, and cognitive access for people with a wide range of needs.

Jody Dickerson is an Assistive Technology Professional and Trainer with the Neil Squire Society. With a degree in User Experience (UX) Design and a belief in reshaping technology to fit people, not the other way around, she has spent more than a decade working alongside the disability community to broaden opportunities in education, employment, community life, and independent living.

WorkBC Assistive Technology Solutions

With Nate Toevs

“Have a barrier to employment? WorkBC Assistive Technology Solutions has the solutions!” Learn about who qualifies, how to apply and what can be covered in the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program.

Nate Toevs is the Marketing Manager at Neil Squire for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program, a non-profit organization that has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984 through accessible technology. Nate has a long-standing background in Retail, Wholesale and Business to Business sales and marketing activities. His talk will focus on a program that can benefit British Columbians with assessments, training and adaptive or assistive technology solutions, that range from lo-tech to hi-tech, ergonomics, hearing aids, and visual aids.

Everyday Accessibility

3D Printing for Cost Reduction and Easy Access with Kris Stirling

Learn about how, with the help of volunteers and their Open Source digital library, Makers Making Change distributes everyday accessibility devices to community members and occupational therapy clinics across Canada at low- or no-cost using 3D printed technology. From accessible switches and adapted toys to bottle openers and pen grips, there are hundreds of devices available for people of all ages.

Kris Stirling is a longtime event specialist with a decade of experience across live event genres. She is passionate about community organization and lifelong learning, which has taken her to all sorts of unexpected places and helped her collect an array of skills. In her time at Makers Making Change she has engaged with hundreds of students of all ages teaching them about the importance of accessibility in everyday life with the use of 3D printed devices.

A Look into the World of Assistive Technology

With Steven Barclay

Canadian Assistive Technologies carries a wide array of specialty technologies designed for people with disabilities. Join their President, Steve Barclay for a look at the current available technologies and insight into where the technologies might be heading in the years to come. Covered areas include technology for: Low vision, Blindness, Physical Disabilities, Augmentative Communication, Cognition/Dementia Care, Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Steven Barclay is a seasoned Canadian leader in the assistive technology industry with over 36 years of experience in delivering technology solutions that enhance accessibility and independence for people with disabilities. He is the Founder and President of Canadian Assistive Technologies Ltd., a Vancouver-based company specializing in the distribution, sales, training, support, consultation, and servicing of assistive technology for individuals, schools, agencies, and organizations across Canada.

Interactive Activities

Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey stands in under a wooden structure in front of the ocean. She is wearing a plaid shirt and a green jacket.

Adaptive Chair Yoga

with Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey

Join Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey for an in-person, Accessible Chair Yoga session! Bobbie is a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) and longtime ConnecTogether host. 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.

Andrea Cownden wearing a white turtleneck and a navy-blue dress.

Movement Workshop

with Andrea Cownden, All Bodies Dance

Dance is for every BODY. Join Andrea Cownden with All Bodies Dance Project for an in-person workshop to connect with the joy of movement, self-discovery, and imagination. Explore and improvise through action prompts, phrases, shapes, and activities that celebrate the diversity of inclusive community dance. No experience is required; everyone is welcome. Move as much or as little as you would like.