Abilities Expo

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.

“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.

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.

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. In addition to his business leadership, Steve has contributed to the wider assistive tech community, including co-founding the AT Banter Podcast — a long-running platform for accessibility discussions and assistive technology news.

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 a 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.

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.

Photo credit: K. Ho