The Aquarium of the Pacific featured a showcase of diverse talents and abilities from performers with disabilities at the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities Saturday, Jan. 25.
Mia Schaikewitz and her dance partner Martijn Sedgfield during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The pair perform with, Infinite Flow, America’s first professional wheelchair ballroom dance company which has inclusive dance, making it accessible for all. The event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The Love in Motion Signing Choir performs during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The event took place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
A group of assistance dogs from Canine Companions for Independence behaving perfectly during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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The Love in Motion Signing Choir performs during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The Love in Motion Signing Choir performs during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Diana Possum and her mom, Bonnie Fossum learning some dance moves during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The two-day event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Mia Schaikewitz and her dance partner Martijn Sedgfield during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The pair perform with, Infinite Flow is America’s first professional wheelchair ballroom dance company which has inclusive dance, making it accessible for all.The two-day event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Larry Ponce from Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, painting during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
A group of assistance dogs from Canine Companions for Independence behaving perfectly during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Mia Schaikewitz, right, and her dance partner Martijn Sedgfield leading the crowd in a dance lesson during the 17th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. The pair perform with, Infinite Flow is America’s first professional wheelchair ballroom dance company which has inclusive dance, making it accessible for all.The two-day event takes place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Saturday, January 25, 2020. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Attendees enjoyed a number of spectacular performances from artists including Love in Motion Signing Choir; Zendrea Mitchell, with an American Sign Language musical performance; and Auti Angel, with a hip-hop music performance.
An adaptive scuba diving presentation served as a reminder than anyone can experience life below the sea.
In the Honda Pacific Visions Theater, the aquarium’s 15-minute film, “Designing Our Future,” played on loop. Although the film debuted last year, this rendition featured multi-sensory features to allow for a more in-depth experience.
The Festival of Human Abilities will continue at the aquarium Sunday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to aquariumofpacific.org.
