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 with the organization listed below. Skaters must fill out a release form and meet our essential eligibility criteria for ice skating programs.
Winter 2018/2019 adaptive skating schedule
East Boston
Tuesdays, 11:30am–1:20pm
November 27, December 18, January 15, February 12, March 5
Pre-register by calling Marcy at (413) 545-5758 or emailing marcy.marchello@mass.gov.
Fall River
Arthur R. Driscoll Memorial Rink
Wednesdays, 11am–12:50pm
January 30 & February 27
Pre-register by by calling Laila at (857) 260-1519 or emailing laila.soleimani@mass.gov.
Holyoke
Sundays, 1pm–2:50pm
November 18, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10
Pre-register by calling Marcy at (413) 545-5758 or emailing marcy.marchello@mass.gov.
Worcester
Thursdays, 10am–11:50am
January 24 & March 14
Pre-register by by calling Laila at (857) 260-1519 or emailing laila.soleimani@mass.gov.
Winter 2018/2019 assisted public skating schedule
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.
Brockton
Sundays, 1pm–2:50pm
January 20, February 3, February 17, March 3
Pre-register by calling All Out Adventures at (413) 584-2052 or emailing info@alloutadventures.org.
Sled hockey
Play sled hockey with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (SASC) at DCR's Allied Veterans Memorial Rink in Everett and DCR's Emmons Horrigan O'Neill Memorial Rink in Charlestown. Practices include skills training and games while ensuring age appropriate instruction and play.
Cost: $5 per session or $100 for a season pass. Free for veterans.
To register, visit the SASC online calendar, call (877) 976-7272, or email spauldingadaptivesports@partners.org.
Emmons Horrigan O'Neill Memorial Rink in Charlestown
Sundays, 12pm–1:50pm
September 16, 23, 30
October 7, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18, 25
December 2, 9, 16, 30
January 6
February 3, 10, 24
March 3, 17, 24, 31
Allied Veterans Memorial Rink in Everett
2pm–4pm
November 14, 28
December 5, 19
January 9, 23
February 6, 20
March 6, 13