The Arc's Day Habilitation program went on an adventure at the ice-skating rink! Program participants Violet Gingras, Paul Allen, Kenny Leblanc, Jeanette Campbell, and Mary Ann Berthiaume were brave enough to try something new and go ice skating last Friday 12/15/23. The Day Hab group was able to access the ice through DCR's Universal Access Program. DCR provided ice sleds, ice grippers, ice friendly-walkers and support from professional staff members, all free of cost. The ice was decked out with obstacle course items such as colorful blocks and there were many gently competitive hockey games occurring.
Paul Allen led the way for his peers and got into an ice sled first. Many of the participants were nervous and unsure because they thought ice skating would not be safe for them due to them requiring wheelchairs or being unsteady on their feet. DCR professionals did a wonderful job explaining the equipment and reassuring program participants. As Paul got onto the ice, he was hesitant and stiff in the sled. Within 2 minutes that drastically changed. Th DCR professional working with him assisted in navigating the sled quickly towards a tower of colorful blocks. As soon as Paul knocked over that tower, his smile and laugh unmistakably represented someone having a lot of fun! Soon the entire group, including staff members Justine Buckley and Sharleen Kaupu, were on the ice enjoying the experience.
