The complex rehab technology industry will come together at the inaugural Abilities International Accessibility Conference, co-located with Abilities Expo, March 26–27, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Developed by the organizers of Abilities Expo, the new annual conference is designed as a collaborative meeting place for occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistive technology professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, and associations working across complex rehabilitation and accessibility. Across two days, attendees will experience three dedicated tracks of CEU-accredited content — Improving Patient Outcomes, Business Optimization, and Adaptive Living — alongside RESNA posters and platforms, and full access to the Abilities Expo consumer event.
The Improving Patient Outcomes track is built specifically for OTs, PTs, ATPs, and clinicians seeking high-quality continuing education grounded in evidence-based practice. Sessions focus on wheelchair skills training, posture care management, pediatric seating, ethical decision-making, and collaboration between clinicians and CRT professionals — all with the shared goal of delivering better functional outcomes for people with disabilities.
This track is developed in partnership with leading organizations including RESNA, the Clinician Task Force, iNRRTS, the International Seating Symposium, and the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, bringing nationally recognized expertise directly into the classroom.
Featured Sessions Include:
Unlocking Possibilities: How AT Act Programs Expand Access and Empower Lives
Jeannie Krull, Executive Director, MS/CCC-SLP, ATP, CAPS, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
Discover how Assistive Technology (AT) Act Programs expand access to life-changing tools that support independence, learning, and inclusion. This session highlights core services, universal eligibility, and program innovations like telehealth and smart tech. Real-world stories will showcase the impact on students, older adults, and workers. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to promote equity and empower people with disabilities.
Positioning With Purpose: Sustainable Strategies for 24-Hour Posture Care Management
Lee Ann Hoffman, EdD, OTD, MSc, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, CAPS
Tamara Kittleson, MSc, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Executive Director, Clinician Task Force
This two-part education session introduces participants to the principles and practice of 24-hour posture care management (PCM) across lying, sitting, and standing orientations.
Session A (Theory) explores the impact of posture, gravity, soft tissue adaptation, and time on body shape, identifying the characteristics of healthy versus destructive postures and their related secondary health conditions.
Session B (Lab) offers hands-on experience in analyzing asymmetrical postures, applying practical and sustainable positioning strategies, and exploring outcome measures to guide intervention. Through this integrated approach, attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills needed to implement effective, real-world lying posture care management (LPCM) solutions that support long-term health, function, and well-being.
Ethics in Action: When the Going Gets Tough
Andrea Van Hook, Executive Director, RESNA
Everyone wants to follow RESNA’s Code of Conduct and Standards of Practice, but how do you do that in the real world? In this highly interactive session, learn how to navigate ethical quandaries when the going gets tough.
Role and Responsibility of the CRT Professional
Andrea Madsen, ATP, Executive Director, iNRRTS
This course provides an essential overview of the professional responsibilities and expectations of a CRT Supplier. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how adherence to the iNRRTS Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice serves as the foundation for ethical and effective service delivery. Through discussion and applied examples, the course will explore how ethical principles guide decision-making, communication, and interactions with clients and colleagues. Participants will also learn to assess their own practices to ensure alignment with recognized professional and ethical standards that support quality outcomes and accountability in Complex Rehab Technology provision.
Power Wheelchair Skills: Indoor Mobility
Juli Harrison, OTD, ATP
Julie Gallagher, DPT
Lynn Worobey, PhD, DPT, ATP
Rachel Hibbs, DPT, NCS, ATP/SMS
Rebecca Russell, DPT, ATP
Many power wheelchair users lack skills crucial for mobility, independence, and safety. It is important that clinicians have access to effective and evidence-based interventions to teach users these skills. This workshop will provide an overview of training approaches rooted in the principles of the evidence-based Wheelchair Skills Program. During this course, clinicians will have hands-on opportunities to learn power wheelchair skills and best practices for teaching these skills to power wheelchair users. An overview will be presented on motor learning theories for timing and content of feedback. Participants will be provided with a blueprint for how these methods can be translated to their clinical setting with a clear understanding of how to progress from basic to advanced skills.
Disability Language: Think Before You Speak
Jenny Siegle, Producer, Altitude Sports & Entertainment
Tamara Kittleson, MSc, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Executive Director, Clinician Task Force
Do you think before you speak? Communication can be challenging at the best of times, and especially when interacting with clients, patients, and customers. We may cause offense or facilitate engagement, depending upon the words we use. Spend an hour with a wheelchair rider, clinician, and mother, discussing how language matters and ways to expand communication skills related to disability. Explore current thoughts on the evolution of language about disability. Gain confidence and build relationships in everyday interactions with people who are more than their disability.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with peers at the LA Abilities International Accessibility Conference. It is the premier event advancing accessibility, innovation, and business excellence.
A ticket to the conference includes:
- Morning coffee & pastries
- Opportunity to earn 1.0 CEUs.
- 3 tracks of content all day
- Access to the plenary session
- Access to RESNA Posters
- Lunch (boxed) & drinks
- Access to Abilities Expo, consumer event
- Preferential hotel rates, save 20%.
- Evening Mixer (Thursday)
- Abilities Expo Exhibitor Drinks (Friday)
Full details of ticket offers can be found at abilitiesconference.com