New Theme "Access, Applied." Underscores Program’s Practical Impact, Tickets Go on Sale September 24
The Abilities International Accessibility Conference will return to the Long Beach Convention Center on January 14–15, 2027, bringing together clinicians and professionals across Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), assistive technology and related fields for two days of accredited education, nearly 10 hours of CEUs, hands-on learning and industry connection.
Co-located with Abilities Expo Los Angeles, the conference is built for professionals who assess, prescribe, supply and support complex rehab and assistive technology, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, ATPs, speech-language pathologists, rehab case managers, DME and equipment suppliers and students entering the field.
Following its 2026 launch, the 2027 conference introduces a new overarching theme: Access, Applied. The theme reflects the conference’s focus on taking ideas, knowledge and emerging solutions beyond the classroom and putting them into practice.
“We were thrilled with the response to our inaugural conference, and we can’t wait to bring it back to Long Beach in January,” said Katy Roberts, Managing Director of the Abilities International Accessibility Conference and Abilities Expo. “Access, Applied. captures where we’re headed as we continue to put practical knowledge, real-world ideas and new perspectives into action. We’re carrying that momentum into 2027 with a conference designed to deliver even more value for attendees.”
The conference is developed in partnership with RESNA, International Seating Symposium, iNRRTS, Clinician Task Force, NCART and ADED, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists.
Conference Program Built for Real-World Practice
The 2027 program brings together education across clinical practice, hands-on skills and the broader applications of assistive technology, with close to 10 hours of Continuing Education (0.975 IACET, CPTA and AOTA CEUs) offered across two days. Attendees can choose from three education tracks—Assessment & Provision, Clinical Skills Workshop and Adapted Living—with sessions ranging from foundational to advanced levels.
The program will cover topics including assessment techniques and documentation tips, seating and mobility, power wheelchair skills and programming, 24-hour posture care, adaptive driving, smart home technology, adaptive sports and recreation, adaptive gaming, equipment-focused learning sessions and more.
Beyond the Classroom
The conference experience extends beyond the session rooms, with hands-on opportunities to work with real equipment and explore new technologies, giving professionals the chance to strengthen the skills that directly inform assessment, equipment selection and patient care.
Attendees can get practical experience with manual and power wheelchair setup, adjustment and maintenance, power wheelchair programming, wheelchair skills, seating assessment, posture care, power assist, drive controls and seating for asymmetries. These opportunities help professionals translate what they learn into more informed clinical decisions and solutions that better meet the individual needs of the people they serve.
The Abilities Conference also includes ample networking opportunities, breakfast, lunch, evening receptions and direct access to the co-located Abilities Expo show floor, the largest accessibility showcase in the U.S.
From education and networking to hands-on learning and discovery, Access, Applied. reflects a conference experience designed to turn knowledge into skills and ideas that attendees can put to work when they return to their daily practice.
Tickets for the Abilities International Accessibility Conference Long Beach go on sale on Tuesday, September 24, 2026.
For more information and to view the 2027 program: www.abilitiesconference.com
About Abilities International Accessibility Conference
The Abilities International Accessibility Conference brings together professionals working across Complex Rehab Technology and Assistive Technology for accredited education, hands-on learning and industry connection. Designed for OTs, PTs, ATPs, clinicians, equipment providers and other professionals, the conference covers clinical practice, assessment and provision, hands-on skills, adaptive technology and adapted living.
The conference is co-located with Abilities Expo in Los Angeles (Long Beach) on January 14–15, 2027, and in New York Metro (Edison, NJ) on April 30 – May 1, 2027, creating an opportunity for professionals to connect education and real-world practice with the broader accessibility community.