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 providing organization. Skaters must fill out a release form and meet our essential eligibility criteria for ice skating programs.
Our next skating season will begin in November 2019. If you'd like to sign up be notified of upcoming skating dates, please email us.
Skating in summer social in east Boston
Join us for our annual summer skating cookout on Wednesday, August 89th from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 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
Seasonal adaptive skating locations
Our adaptive skating programs run from November through March each year. Below, you'll see the rinks where you can usually find us, though this schedule is subject to change. Check back in November to see the schedule for the 2019-2020 season. If you'd like to sign up be notified of upcoming skating dates, please email us.
East Boston
Porrazzo Memorial Rink, Tuesdays once a month, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Fall River
Arthur R. Driscoll Memorial Rink, Wednesdays twice a season, 11 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
Holyoke
Henry J. Fitzpatrick Rink, Sundays once a month, 1 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
Worcester
Charles J. Buffone Rink, Thursdays twice a season, 10 a.m.–11:50 a.m.
Additional Resources for
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 in November to see the schedule for the 2019-2020 season. If you'd like to sign up be notified of upcoming skating dates, please email us.
Brockton
John G. Asiaf Memorial Rink, Every other Sunday: 1pm–2:50pm
Seasonal sled hockey
Play sled hockey September through March 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.
To learn about the 2019–2020 season, visit the SASC online calendar, call (877) 976-7272, or email spauldingadaptivesports@partners.org.
