My First Abilities Expo: Connection, Technology, and Advocacy

My first Abilities Expo in Orlando, Florida, was amazing. The technology, the people, and the energy throughout the event left a strong impression—and gave me fresh ideas for my podcast.

I handed out a lot of business cards, hoping those introductions would lead to future guests, collaborations, and opportunities to share more stories.

One of the highlights was attending a Q&A with Shane and Hannah, known online as Squirmy and Grubs. They share their experiences as an interabled couple, opening up conversations about disability, relationships, and everyday life.

I was even able to tell them how important they have been in my life. Their openness and willingness to share their experiences helped shape my own path as an advocate for the disabled community. Having the opportunity to let them know what that meant to me made the experience especially personal.

Their Q&A reminded me of the importance of listening to different perspectives. Making space for disabled and nondisabled people to share their experiences can help us question assumptions and better understand one another.

It also reinforced why storytelling matters to me. Honest discussions about relationships and everyday life can challenge stereotypes and help people feel seen. That’s something I want to carry into my podcast: giving people room to speak openly about their experiences in their own words.

The adaptive technology at the expo was another highlight. Seeing the innovations made me curious about the tools people use, the barriers they still face, and how better access can support everyday independence. I left with new topics I’d love to explore with future guests.

What made the event memorable was having all of this in one place: technology, shared experiences, and a community eager to connect. Getting to express my appreciation to two people who influenced my advocacy made it even more meaningful.

I left Orlando motivated to follow up with the people I met and see where those connections might lead. The experience strengthened my commitment to using my podcast to amplify disabled voices, encourage honest conversations, and keep advocating for a more accessible and inclusive world.

Keywords: Abilities Expo · Orlando · Adaptive technology · Disability advocacy · Squirmy and Grubs · Community

Image: Abilities Expo Orlando promotional banner, courtesy of Abilities Expo.