Abilities Expo Chicago took place June 20-22, 2025, in Schaumburg, IL, a northwest suburb of Chicago. I had been to the expo several years ago and debated about going this year. I won’t lie, I “fan girled” a little and decided to go when I saw that YouTubers Squirmy and Grubs were going to be there.

What Is It?

If you’ve never been to an Abilities Expo in your area (Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, Dallas, New York Metro, Ft. Lauderdale, or Los Angeles), I highly recommend checking it out. The expos feature vendors, workshops, gadgets and new tech, adaptive activities, an artists’ market, wheelchair repair, disability “celebrity” guest speakers, and so much more. I always enjoy looking at all the vendors to see what cool, new adaptive gadgets people have come up with.

What Was at the Chicago Expo?

I walked up to the Illinois Assistive Technology Program table (well, set of tables, arranged in a square) and spoke to a woman who let me try out several utensils made for those with tremors. She took my information and emailed me links to four products I might want to try (some that were not at the expo). As I walked around their displays of gadgets, I stopped to watch a 3D printer make a device (I believe it was a jar opener?). One of their representatives talked to me about the program and said that they lend out devices for folks to try for free. They also have used items people can use for as long as they need it, only asking that you return the item to them once you’re done with it. Such a cool program!

I did have to chuckle as the representative told me with glowing expression about all of the voice-activated items they have. I didn’t want to burst his bubble, but with my laryngeal dystonia, those items would be pretty useless to me.

Zot Artz, an organization that creates new art activities for people with disabilities rather than adapting activities that already exist, had their floor painting station set up. An expo attendee was using a giant paint roller attached to his wheelchair. They also had large stampers available for stamping the floor with paint.

The adaptive climbing wall is always a big hit and features a seat to help climb, for those who may not have full use of their limbs.

Can I just say that I LOVED WOW Fitness and Wellness’s workout?! The instructor, Justin Graham, NASM-CPT, FNS, had SO much energy, and I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched the workouts. While I didn’t exactly participate, I couldn’t help but move to the music as Justin shouted out instructions and waved pom-poms all around. WOW is based out of Arizona and does online classes, so anyone can join from anywhere!

Squirmy and Grubs (Shane and Hannah Burcaw) were featured speakers. While I missed their Friday talk on their relationship, I was able to make it to the Sunday Q&A. If you don’t know who they are, check out their YouTube (linked in the first paragraph of this blog). Shane has spinal muscular atrophy, and Hannah has no disabilities. They share the day-to-day of their lives and give a close look into an interabled relationship.

Shane is head of the non-profit Laughing at My Nightmare (which is also the name of one of his books). As stated on the LAMN website, they “provide vital equipment & emergency support to people with disabilities“. Shane and Hannah also released a book in January of 2025 called Interabled, which shares the love stories of couples where at least one person has a disability. I’ll have to write a review on that book soon, but suffice it to say that it’s one of the few books I’ve read all the way through recently.

I asked a question (technically two questions) during the Q&A. With my voice shaking and cutting out the whole time, I asked, one, why is their book considered “for young adults” (look on the copyright page of the book), and two, are they planning to do anything else with interabled couples in the future, like another book or videos on their YouTube? Regarding question one, they said that was just a weird publisher choice. Regarding question two, well….I didn’t take notes. But I do remember them saying that they weren’t necessarily big planners, so it’s kind of a “we’ll see” type of thing.

They let attendees come up to take photos with Shane and Hannah after their Q&A. I figured, Why the heck not? 🙂 So I did get a photo with them, but that’s a “Facebook friends only” type of picture.

Ultimately, I enjoyed myself. I didn’t get food this time, as I remember it being a little pricey last time I was there. They had accessibility options for attendees, such as loaner scooters, ASL translators, a calm room, and an adult changing station. The bathrooms were simply the ones the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center offered, which had two accessible stalls and only regular sinks. Parking was great; the parking attendants asked you as you pulled in if you needed an accessible spot. I did not, and the walk wasn’t too far, even in the sweltering Chicagoland heat. I do wish there were more benches and places to sit throughout, which I did make sure to mention in a survey they sent to my email. I was sad to miss the workshop I wanted to see the most, which was about accessible home design.

The Best Part (in My Opinion)

What was my favorite part of the expo? Honestly… not worrying about how I look. With my oromandibular dystonia, my facial muscles contract constantly, so my face is puckered, contorted, and pushed into my neck (I have a permanent triple chin — woohoo!). Surrounded by people with disabilities, I didn’t feel like I stood out like a sore thumb. I mean, hey, even people with disabilities could judge my appearance! And the pain certainly doesn’t go away. But I didn’t feel like I had to hide my disability. Although my cervical dystonia shaking my head in a “no-no” fashion does tend to confuse even the most seasoned disability advocates.

I’d say the 2025 Abilities Expo Chicago was a smashing success! It’s worth a little bit of a drive to get to your local(ish) expo.