Abilities International Accessibility Conferences 2026

Author: Raccoon Media Group
Published: 20 Mar 2025 - Updated: 11 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Event

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

The Abilities International Accessibility Conferences in 2026 represent a transformative opportunity for professionals, caregivers, and individuals connected to the disability sector. These events, held in Long Beach, New York, and Chicago, will provide a robust platform for education, networking, and innovation. Attendees can explore cutting-edge assistive technologies, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain insights into market dynamics and regulatory requirements. With specialized sessions for occupational therapists, rehab specialists, and product developers, the conference aims to foster collaboration across industries while addressing the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The inclusion of CEU-accredited training ensures that healthcare professionals can enhance their skills while discovering practical solutions to improve accessibility and quality of life. By bridging the gap between consumers and industry leaders, these conferences promise to drive meaningful advancements in mobility, independence, and inclusion for seniors and people with disabilities.*

At a Glance

1 - Each conference runs two days, held Thursday and Friday. It sits alongside the consumer-facing Abilities Expo, which is open Friday through Sunday.
2 - The 2026 dates are Long Beach on March 26 - 27, New York on April 30 - May 1, and Chicago on June 11 - 12. The first conference is held in Los Angeles in March 2026.
3 - The program delivers three main content streams: clinical education, optimizing business, and market access. Attendees also gain full access to the co-located Abilities Expo.
4 - The event targets professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistive technology professionals, and rehab technicians. Product manufacturers and service providers can build alliances through interactive networking sessions.

Topic Definition

Abilities International Accessibility Conference: The Abilities International Accessibility Conference is a two-day business-to-business event created by Raccoon Media Group to unite the professional side of the disability sector, running alongside the long-standing consumer-facing Abilities Expo. Built around three content streams - clinical education, business optimization, and market access - it brings together occupational and physical therapists, assistive technology professionals, rehab technicians, complex rehab providers, product manufacturers, and service providers for structured learning and collaboration. Attendees can earn at least ten hours of CEU-accredited training, join hands-on demonstrations from leading manufacturers, attend plenary sessions and break-out workshops, and take part in exclusive networking events, with 2026 editions planned for Long Beach, New York, and Chicago.

Overview

This ground-breaking conference will deliver three main content streams to professionals connected to the disability market; clinical education, optimizing business and market access programs. The two-day conference will bring the industry together to enhance professional practice and business through education, networking and thought leadership. The events will take place in Long Beach, New York and Chicago in 2026. The first Abilities International Accessibility Conference will be held in Los Angeles in March 2026.

Abilities Expo is the nation's leading event for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and healthcare professionals. For more than four decades, the disability community has gathered at Abilities Expos all over the country to explore cutting-edge products and services, gain valuable knowledge from expert-led workshops and engage in fun, adaptive activities - including sports, fitness, dance, service dog demonstrations and more. This event is designed to empower independence and enhance everyday life, and admission is always free.

Raccoon Media Group, organizers of the long-standing Abilities Expo held annually in seven major cities across the US, announced new collaborations with important associations to create thought-leadership, education and networking among industry professionals in the disability sector.

Working in partnership with a number of industry-recognized organizations and associations, the three-tier program will focus on delivering insights, expanding market access and driving business growth.

Designed to unite the entire community of disability care providers, service providers and innovative product developers, this conference will be an international platform to network, learn and discover the latest advancements in mobility therapy. Attendees can participate in CEU sessions and hands-on workshops for practical, real-world knowledge.

This image shows a large, bustling indoor expo with many attendees and exhibitor booths. The event is the Abilities Expo, as indicated by large banners at the entrance. The expo is focused on accessibility, disability services, and assistive technology. The venue is a spacious convention hall with high ceilings and bright lighting. There are numerous booths showcasing mobility aids, wheelchairs, adaptive vehicles, and assistive devices. Many attendees are using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. Some booths have demonstration areas where people are trying out equipment or engaging with exhibitors. In the foreground, there is a check-in area with staff members assisting visitors. The registration tables are covered in purple tablecloths, matching the expo's branding. The background is filled with exhibitor stands, promotional banners, and crowds of people exploring the event. The overall atmosphere is lively and inclusive, with people of all abilities engaging, networking, and learning about the latest innovations in accessibility.

Product developers, manufacturers, dealerships and vendors will also have the opportunity to build alliances through networking and engage in interactive sessions focused on market dynamics, FDA requirements, product distribution and consumer needs.

Three Abilities International Accessibility Conferences are planned for 2026 and will sit alongside the existing consumer-facing Abilities Expos in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Chicago. Portfolio Director Katy Roberts explains:

"Abilities Expo offers those with disabilities, their families and caregivers the chance to get together as a community and discover new products and resources that can lead to more independence and empowerment in their day-to-day lives. As event organizers, we want to expand this mission, bring the wider community together and work with incredible associations and their members to galvanize education, business, distribution and networking opportunities across the sector on a national and international level. By creating this new series of conferences alongside our existing events, we believe we can bring the industry together and ultimately support the community of consumers we already serve."

Mike Seaman, Group CEO at Raccoon Media Group, commented:

"These launches represent a strong commitment and investment from Raccoon Media Group in the disability sector, bringing together unmatched opportunities for consumers, businesses and professionals across the US and beyond. In just one year, we have taken an event with an 80-year legacy and expanded all seven shows to better serve the communities they support. Now, with the addition of the Abilities International Accessibility Conferences, we are creating an even greater platform for industry collaboration, education and business growth. We look forward to shaping a much larger opportunity for the B2B sector while continuing to champion the needs of the consumers who are at the heart of everything we do."

About Abilities International Accessibility Conference

Event Dates:

Long Beach (March 26-27)
New York (April 30 - May 1)
Chicago (June 11-12)

Who should attend?

Occupational therapists
Physical therapists
Assisted technology professionals
Rehab technicians
Complex rehab therapy providers
Product manufacturers
Service providers

Content Program:

The two-day conference, held Thursday and Friday alongside the consumer-focused Abilities Expo (open from Friday to Sunday), will offer a comprehensive learning experience for industry professionals. Attendees can expect at least ten hours of CEU sessions led by delivery partners, hands-on demonstrations from leading manufacturers and a diverse range of content. The program will include high-level plenary sessions with keynote speakers, practical break-out workshops, business coaching, full access to Abilities Expo and exclusive networking events.

Sponsors:

We are looking for a select group of leading international brands to sponsor the event. offering premium brand positioning and networking opportunities throughout the conference.

Abilities Expo 2026: October 9-11 at Osceola Heritage Park, Orlando: Abilities Expo launches Orlando event in October 2026, expanding access to disability products, assistive technology and inclusive resources across Central Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Which cities host the Abilities International Accessibility Conferences in 2026

The 2026 conferences take place in Long Beach, New York, and Chicago. They sit alongside the existing consumer Abilities Expos.

What are the conference dates for 2026

Long Beach runs March 26 to 27, New York runs April 30 to May 1, and Chicago runs June 11 to 12. Each conference is a two-day event held Thursday and Friday.

How many CEU hours can attendees earn

Attendees can expect at least ten hours of CEU sessions led by delivery partners. These accredited sessions help healthcare professionals enhance their skills.

Who organizes the Abilities International Accessibility Conference

The conference series is organized by Raccoon Media Group. The same group runs the long-standing Abilities Expo held annually in seven major US cities.

What is the difference between the conference and the Abilities Expo

The conference is a business-to-business event for industry professionals, while the Abilities Expo is a free consumer-facing event for people with disabilities and their families. The two run together, with the conference on Thursday and Friday and the Expo open Friday through Sunday.

What topics do product manufacturers and vendors cover at the conference

Manufacturers, dealerships, and vendors join interactive sessions on market dynamics, FDA requirements, product distribution, and consumer needs. They can also build alliances through networking.

Is the Abilities Expo free to attend

Admission to the consumer-facing Abilities Expo is always free. The professional conference is a separate program aimed at industry attendees.

What professional roles benefit most from attending

The event is designed for occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistive technology professionals, rehab technicians, and complex rehab therapy providers. Product manufacturers and service providers also gain value from the networking and business sessions.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The expansion of the Abilities Expo into a dedicated professional conference series signals a significant maturation of the disability sector, recognizing the critical interplay between industry innovation and the well-being of the individuals it serves. By creating a focused environment for education, networking, and business development, these conferences promise to accelerate the availability of cutting-edge assistive technologies and services, ultimately enriching the lives and increasing the opportunities for people with disabilities and the aging population. By creating a dedicated platform for professionals and businesses while maintaining its commitment to serving individuals and families, this initiative strengthens the bridge between innovation and real-world application. In an industry where progress directly impacts quality of life, bringing together those who create, regulate, and use accessibility products isn't just beneficial - it's essential.*

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Raccoon Media Group and published on 20 Mar 2025, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.