Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Skating is a popular sport, especially as the colder weather arrives. And Middlesex Centre is hoping that a new initiative will make the activity more inclusive.
The municipality featured a Sensory-Friendly Skate at the Ilderton Arena and the Komoka Wellness Centre on the afternoon of November 4th. The event was intended to create a calm environment for people with sensory sensitivities who may benefit from a quieter environment.
“Traditional public skating sessions can sometimes be loud and crowded, which can be challenging for some participants. Our Sensory-Friendly Skates provide a welcoming space where individuals can enjoy skating in a calm, supportive, and inclusive setting. We hope participants simply have fun and feel comfortable engaging in recreation at their own pace, says Middlesex Centre Recreation Coordinator Sam Cormier.
Similar to a conventional public skating event, participants were required to wear a helmet and provide their own skates. They could then enjoy the skate at their own pace, either alone or with a helper or support person. “The key difference lies in the environment, during these sessions, several adjustments are made to create a calmer, more comfortable atmosphere for individuals who may find traditional public skating overwhelming. These include no music, minimizing unnecessary loud noises, limiting the number of skaters on the ice, and slightly dimming the lighting,” says Cormier.
The concept was developed with an eye to increasing accessible recreational opportunities in the municipality. “We were inspired by similar initiatives introduced by other municipalities, that have successfully implemented sensory-friendly recreation programs. Learning about the positive impact those programs had on participants and families encouraged us to explore how we could offer the same kind of inclusive opportunity here in Middlesex Centre,” says Cormier.
As for future endeavours, the municipality is open to collaborating with local service providers and professionals who have experience in accessibility and sensory-friendly programming.
“Once the Sensory-Friendly Skates have concluded, we will evaluate the program and look for opportunities to offer them again and/or adapt it to other recreational offerings,” says Cormier.
