ABILITIES: AMPLIFIED
MUSIC + TECH + DISABILITY
Hatch Memorial Shell • Boston, MA
Join a one-of-a-kind, FREE event on the Charles River Esplanade celebrating people with disabilities, music, and assistive technology!
LIVE MUSIC
The main stage will serve as the heart of the celebration, showcasing a diverse mix of genres and performance styles. Rock out to an unforgettable and inclusive show!
Performances by globally touring artist Lachi, the high-energy musical hosts Luigi's Fishtank, the BIAAE Jazz Trio from Berklee, and Plugged In.
TECH DEMOS
Explore the interactive resource fair's booths to connect with local organizations and get hands-on experience with cutting-edge assistive technology.
Discover wearable robots developed in the Harvard Biodesign Lab, see demonstrations of intelligent robotic knee braces from REEV, interact with smartphone navigation assistants from Mobilio, and learn about the latest clinical trials advancing neurorecovery.
DISABILITY COMMUNITY
Abilities: Amplified is fundamentally a celebration of people with disabilities. We showcase how technology can enable fuller participation, and how music can build bridges.
Bring a blanket, your dancing shoes, and your crew. Connect with incredible advocacy groups like SCIboston, the Boston Center for Independent Living, and the Bionic Project. Come celebrate the joy of music and the power of community!
FREE FOOD & FUN
Arrive early! We are giving away FREE empanadas for the first 120 people from Bocadillos.
Enjoy refreshing slushies, Polar Beverages, Natural Fruitberri, and lawn games hosted by Navigation Games and Y.E.S. We will also have a limited number of free picnic blankets and stadium seating chairs available to loan out during the event!
Participating Organizations
Connect with these incredible groups at the event.
Luigi's Fishtank
Serving as the event's musical hosts, Luigi's Fishtank plays a dynamic mix of rock, pop, and Latin music. Watch them perform while wearing assistive robots from the Harvard Biodesign Lab!
Harvard Biodesign Lab
Developing assistive and wearable technology for people with movement impairments. Look out for their wearable robots being worn and demonstrated live on stage by Luigi's Fishtank!
Lachi
Recent GRAMMY nominee and USA TODAY Woman of the Year! Lachi will be performing an incredible vocal and EDM set. Visit her table to purchase her book, "I Identify as Blind".
BIAAE Jazz Trio
Enjoy smooth jazz from the BIAAE Jazz Trio: Featuring teacher Stefan Winkler on bass and students Evan Taylor on piano and Adam Smith on drums. Visit their table for info sheets and BIAAE swag!
Plugged In | 3 Day Reign
A non-profit music program fostering creativity, inclusivity, and social activism. Enjoy 80s covers from 3 Day Reign on stage, and stop by their table for flyers, class signups, and fun giveaways like fidget toys and bracelets!
Tactus
Creating wearable technology that translates music and sound into vibrations, making live events and music experiences more accessible and immersive for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Feel the music of this concert!
UMass Amherst Robotics
Bringing cutting-edge research to the Esplanade! Stop by for interactive demos with wearable robotics for gait assistance, plus an interactive guide-dog quadruped robot for individuals with visual impairments.
Bionic Project
Dismantling disability bias through school programs and inclusive athletic events. Discover how they build empathy and foster connection through education and sport.
Reachable
Developing a soft, wearable robot and digital platform for high-intensity arm rehabilitation at home. Learn how they are optimizing prototypes to restore independence for stroke survivors and others with arm impairments.
REEV
Empowering mobility with DREEVEN, an intelligent robotic knee brace. Visit their booth to see live demos on REEV staff, watch videos of real patients using the brace, and grab informational flyers.
Mobilio (Harvard Slade Lab)
Experience interactive tech demos of a smartphone navigation assistant for people who are blind or low-vision. Try the app's audio and haptic feedback designed to alert users of nearby obstacles and provide orientation.
Stride Bionics
Pioneering advancements in lower limb assistance. Stop by their table to see a robotic ankle device specifically designed to assist people with mobility impairments.
Boston Center for Independent Living
A frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities. Visit their table for extensive resources supporting independent living, including technology and device opportunities.
BU Center for Neurorehabilitation
Showcasing research that promotes technology in rehab, including a Parkinson's exosuit and an upcoming trial using a music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation device. Clinicians will be available to answer your rehab questions!
MGH Lab for Translational Neurorecovery
Engage with researchers and find patient-facing materials regarding ongoing rehabilitation trials. Learn about their research and how to participate in clinical trials.
SCIboston
Hosted by SCIboston staff, their table will share resources and programs for the spinal cord injury community. Connect directly with community members in attendance who will speak to the benefits of these programs.
Dephy
Try on the Dephy Sidekick! Discover the cutting edge in lightweight exoskeletons that assist walking through live try-on demos at their booth.
Imago Rehab
Learn about their innovative rehabilitation services. Their booth will feature information on their programs as well as video displays showing real patient sessions and progress.
Assistive Technology in New Hampshire
Discover the Assistive Technology Act Program and MakerAbility Hub! Learn how they leverage local MakerSpaces and makers to provide low-tech assistive technology for people with disabilities.
Navigation Games
Hosting accessible, family-friendly lawn games throughout the event. Have fun while learning about navigation and spatial awareness!
Youth Enrichment Services (Y.E.S.)
Empowering Boston youth through outdoor experiences and leadership development. Stop by to learn about their inclusive youth programs.
Polar Beverages
Keeping attendees refreshed with crisp, cool seltzers and beverages available at the vendor fair.
Natural Fruitberri
Serving up delicious and refreshing slushies perfect for a sunny evening on the Charles River Esplanade.
Bocadillos
Providing incredible free empanadas for the first 120 people! Get there early to enjoy authentic, mouth-watering Caribbean and Hispanic flavors.
Location & Directions
- Walking: Use the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge between Beacon St & Beaver Place.
- MBTA: 10-minute walk from Arlington (Green) or Charles/MGH (Red).
- Blue Bikes: Closest station at Beacon St meets David Mugar Way.
- Parking: NO PARKING on Esplanade. Use Newbury Street lots or Boston Common Garage.
- Ride Share: Drop off on Beacon St near Arlington St (Cheers is a good reference).
About the Organizers
- GroundBeat: Fosters opportunities on the Hatch Shell for producers committed to inclusivity.
- Esplanade Association: The community-supported nonprofit working to revitalize the Charles River Esplanade.
- Luigi's Fishtank & Harvard Biodesign: Combining expertise in music and technology to empower individuals and foster a more accessible community.
Additional Info
- Registration: The event is completely FREE! Register online to secure your spot.
- Seating: Limited free picnic blankets and stadium seating chairs available to loan.
- Weather: In the event of extreme conditions, participants will be emailed and a cancellation notice posted.