Age
Regions
Seasons
Registration
The Skate program provides participants on the spectrum the opportunity to develop and practice basic skate skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Experience the Joy of Skating
Program Structure
Skate lessons include skill practice that are individualized based on each participant’s abilities.
- Each session consists of 30 minute lessons, once per week, for six weeks.
- Sessions take place twice a year: In the fall (October to late November) and winter (January to early March).
- Each lesson consists of up to 10 participants who may be split into smaller groups.
- Participants are provided with a high ratio of support (1:1 or higher, if needed).
Supports Provided
At Canucks Autism Network, we strive to meet the needs of each participant through parent collaboration.
Please do not hesitate to speak with coaches and on-site staff about support strategies that work for your child (e.g., visual schedules, first-then boards, token systems, social stories, etc.).
You can also access our Skate Activity Storybook to help prepare your child for the program. Activity Storybooks describe activities or situations as well as the expected behaviours in a given context using words and often pictures. Participants can read Activity Storybooks prior to engaging in an activity to help prepare them and build predictability.
Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Program Criteria
- Participants must meet session age requirements as of first-day of the program
- Have an autism diagnosis and an active CAN Membership
- Individuals across the autism spectrum are welcome (ratio of support can be adjusted if necessary; 1:1 or 2:1 support)
- Commit to pay highly subsidized program fee of $30 ($5/session x 6; see Program Fee Payment Options.)
- Commitment to attend session on a weekly basis (See Attendance Policy)
- Skate rentals are provided at all locations on behalf of CAN and will be sanitized before use
- Proper skate helmets MUST be worn (not all locations provide helmet rentals)
This program is specifically designed and adapted for individuals on the autism spectrum. We kindly ask that parents and siblings remain on the side.
Registration opens seasonally
Registration opens 6-8 weeks before the start of each season:
- Fall (Sep-Dec): Reg opens mid-Aug
- Winter (Jan-Mar): Reg opens mid-Nov
- Spring (Apr-Jun): Reg opens mid-Feb
Full program & reg details for the current/upcoming season can be found at canucksautism.ca/guide.
Don’t miss a registration date!
All important dates are communicated in the monthly member newsletter.
Missed a registration period?
Programs that still have space remaining will open for late registration.