Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 6 – 8pm

Join the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation on Wednesday, February 5th for the 2020 kick-off of its award-winning, Innovative Lives program series at the National Museum of American History. Innovative Lives: Adaptive Skateboarding, WCMX, and Inventing Your Own Path features adaptive skaters Oscar Loreto, Jr. and Dan Mancina, and WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross) icon Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham. Together, through personal stories and conversation, these inspiring figures will explore how innovation drives accessibility and the critical role of diversity, adaptability, and inclusion in skate and wheelchair motocross culture.

Each of these incredible athletes use creativity and invention to overcome tremendous obstacles. Oscar uses prosthetics to overcome congenital birth defects to compete at the highest levels of competition and is the Chair of the Paralympic Committee for USA Skateboarding. Dan, diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition that left him blind at age 20, now skates using special canes, designs accessible skateboards and parks, and though blind, “changes how other people see.” Wheelz, born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect of the spinal cord, is WCMX’s most influential pioneer who continues to push his sport to its absolute extremes. During this special Innovative Lives program, Oscar, Dan, and Wheelz will encourage people, of all ages and all abilities, to invent their own path forward.

The National Museum of American History welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities. Sign language interpretation and real-time captioning of programs and special events are available upon request. Two weeks’ notice is preferred. Please email nmahprograms@si.edu, or call 202-633-3150.

Venue: American History Museum

Event Location: 1st Floor, West Wing

Cost: Free

Get Tickets: 2020innovativelives.eventbrite.com