When members of their community identified a gap in programming, the Pictou County Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia developed the All-Abilities Skate Program. The program is designed to be a comprehensive learn-to-skate program for autistic individuals, tailored to participants’ sensory sensitivities and distinct support needs.
The first All-Abilities session started in January 2024 and ran for six weeks. Each session can accommodate 15-20 participants, with the program aimed at children ages four to 12. Participants are brought through different skill-building stations and activities, enabling them to develop their skills in a structured environment suited to their needs.
“We wanted to be mindful when designing this program to ensure it met the needs of all participants,” said Kelsey Robson, Autism Support Coordinator with Autism Nova Scotia Pictou County Chapter. “We worked with rink staff to create a sensory-friendly atmosphere and with volunteers to maintain a smaller ratio of skaters to volunteers.”
Partnering with Trenton Parks and Recreation, Special Olympics, and the Weeks Junior Crushers Hockey team enabled Autism Nova Scotia Pictou County Chapter to secure rink time within their community, a head coach, and volunteers, which has been integral to the success of the All-Abilities Skate program.
There has been an outpouring of community support, contributing not only to the initiative’s success but also to the hope that it can continue to grow and be offered as a regular program alongside the other recreational programming that Autism Nova Scotia Pictou County Chapter runs.
“There was a very positive reaction by members of the community as well as families connected to the Pictou County Chapter when this program was announced,” said Robson. “Partnering with other organizations in the community from the early stages of this program and onwards has truly helped to support this program in getting off the ground.”
Currently, participants are required to use their own helmets and skates, and Autism NS provides larger equipment, such as skate trainers. While the current program has ended, stay up to date with Autism Nova Scotia’s program deadlines in the Pictou County area and head over to their Facebook Page Autism NS Pictou County Chapter.
The All-Abilities Skate programming was partially made possible with the assistance of Sport Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility grant. For more information about how Sport Nova Scotia can help support your community sport initiative, check out our Sport Fund eligibility.
