What is Adaptive/Therapeutic Skating?

The Skating Club of Boston® believes everyone should have the opportunity to ice skate and is committed to providing positive and supportive programming for all to participate, learn from, and enjoy!

Adaptive/Therapeutic Skating is a unique program providing children and adults with disabilities access to the sport of figure skating by offering them an opportunity to participate in a specialized skating experience. The program director, instructors, volunteer coordinator, and volunteers, work closely with each skater and family to tailor their individual instructional needs.

Typically, skaters begin their lessons with 40-minute one-on-one lessons. As the session progresses, they are re-evaluated to determine if they are ready to transition into small groups of one instructor and a maximum of 3 students. For many skaters, there have been amazing transformations week to week, and session to session!

What are the benefits?

Ice skating improves balance, circulation, coordination, and strength. Adaptive/Therapeutic Skating instructors guide skaters in an adaptive and supporting environment. Individuals progress and explore the sport of figure skating at their own rate, building confidence in the pursuit of a new lifelong activity.

Many family members enjoy seeing their skater develop and progress in the sport of figure skating and have also come to enjoy the company of others in the program. They have served as wonderful resources and support for each other.

Where are the classes located?

The Skating Club of Boston – 750 University Avenue, Norwood, MA

2022-2023 Program Schedule

How do I register?

The program director, Michael Phaneuf, personally contacts each new skater’s family to make a placement determination. Once a skater is ready to sign up, the registration process will be completed by the program director.

Space is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register or learn more information, please contact Michael Phaneuf at Michael.Phaneuf@scboston.org.

Program Professionals

Michael Phaneuf has been the Program Director for Adaptive/Therapeutic Skating since 2014. He is a graduate of Babson College and has his master’s in Middle School Math Education and Special Education from the University of Massachusetts. He is currently a Special Education and English language teacher in Boston Public Schools.

In addition to his work with Adaptive/Therapeutic Skating, Michael has served on the creative team for Ice Chips, Frog Pond Skating Spectacular, and An Evening with Champions. He is the Program Coach for Adaptive/Therapeutic Theatre on Ice of Boston team.

As a former ice dance competitor and Eastern Sectional Championship medalist, Michael coaches private lessons in all disciplines in addition to being a group instructor for Skating Academy. He is a member of the Professional Skaters Association and has his Registered Ratings in Group Instruction and Ice Dance.

Instructors

Adaptive/Therapeutic Skating instructors are current competitive skaters with regional and national competitive skating experience, highly qualified Basic Skills coaches, and active adult skaters from The Skating Club of Boston.