The Universal Access Program offers adaptive skating programs each winter. You can lace up a pair of conventional skates or glide around the ice in your manual or power wheelchair. Ice sleds are also available to use. In a sled, you can push yourself with small hockey sticks or be pushed around the rink by a friend. Spin, slide, race, slalom, and play gently competitive games. Activities on the ice include obstacle courses, a tower of blocks for building up and crashing down, races, colorful balls and pucks to shoot around, power chair games, and gently competitive hockey matches.
Ice sleds, skate walkers, helmets, ice grippers, and ice skates are available at our programs. Admission and equipment are provided free of cost, but you have to pre-register. Skaters must sign a release form and meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria for ice skating programs.
Skating in summer social in east Boston
Join us for our annual summer skating cookout on Wednesday, August 29th from 11am–2pm at Porrazzo Rink in East Boston. We'll be skating and playing games on the ice and grilling burgers and hot dogs outside. This beautiful skating rink is located on Constitution Beach, which has beach wheelchairs and beach mat for you to use. You can enjoy the beach and warm up after skating.
There is no cost to attend the program, but pre-registration is required. To sign up, call the Universal Access Program at (857) 260-1519 or email laila.soleimani@state.ma.us
Where: Porrazzo Memorial Rink, 199 Coleridge St., East Boston, MA, 02128
When: Wednesday, August 29th from 11am–2pm
Seasonal adaptive skating locations
Our adaptive skating programs run from November through March. Below, you'll see the rinks where you can usually find us. Check back here in November to see the schedule for the season.
East Boston
Porrazzo Memorial Rink, Tuesdays once a month, 11:30am–1:20pm
Fall River
Arthur R. Driscoll Memorial Rink, Wednesdays twice a season, 11am–12:50pm
Holyoke
Henry J. Fitzpatrick Rink, Sundays once a month, 1pm–2:50pm
Worcester
Charles J. Buffone Rink, Thursdays twice a season, 10am–11:50am
Seasonal assisted public skating
This adaptive skating program takes place during public skating on a separate section of the rink. Ice sleds, skate walkers, and ice skates are available. There is no cost to attend the program, but pre-registration is required. Check back here in November to see the schedule for the season.
Brockton
John G. Asiaf Memorial Rink, Every other Sunday: 1pm–2:50pm
Additional Resources for Seasonal assisted public skating
Sled hockey
In the winter, you can play sled hockey at selected DCR rinks in eastern Massachusetts with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (SASC). Check back here in November for more information about winter sled hockey opportunities.
In the summer, you can join SASC for community practice sessions. These sessions are open to friends and siblings who do not have disabilities to play on the ice as well. Coaching and equipment are provided to participants in all sled hockey sessions. Cost: $5 Per session or $100 for a season pass. Visit the SASC Calendar for dates and locations.
September will begin tryouts for the adult competitive team, The Shamrocks. SASC will also be introducing their youth team, the Sledgehogs! If you are interested in playing competitively, please come to SASC summer practices in Wilmington and contact Nicole Taylor.
Sundays: September 9, 16, 23
12:00pm to 2:00pm
Allied Veterans Memorial Rink, 66 Elm St. Everett, MA