When skating at other rinks, I remember a coach or two who would specifically work with children/adults who had disabilities. Some were physical, and included a boy with a prosthesis. Some had cognitive or emotional disorders. They were learning to figure skate, doing mohawks and spins and basic jumps. I wish I had spent more time with them, but other than giving them a high five I didn't interact much. The coaches kept these kids off to her own.
My current rink and club seems to be doing nothing to help disabled skaters. Another local rink has activities for amputees, playing sled hockey.
What are some things I can do or need to know before trying to launch any type of suggestion for having the rink open to disabled skaters and children.
Yesterday, i went to a shoe store. They asked me for $3 to help a local skate park (skateboarding) with a disabled skater program. I asked more detail and it was mainly autistic kids. I thought it was a great idea and I gave money. I bet I could get this funded because there is a also very wealthy local charities I know of that have millions to give to children projects. Since our local figure skating club is a 501(c)(3), could I run the disabled program through the club? Is that done, or would the club scoff at the idea?
Mod note: topic moved to On The Boards forum.