Adaptive equipment is available in many countries across the world. Here's some suggestions for you. Always undertake your own risk assessment of the equipment for you and your needs as we cannot provide any assurances, warranties or guarantees.

 

Always follow the Inclusive Skating Safety Policy and any additional requirements and advice from your coach, rink, product supplier, medical team and your risk assessment. Most Inclusive Skaters require products that meet their own particular needs and an individual assessment for this purpose.  We make no recommendations  for any individual or for any produce and the following is for information only. Always obtain professional advice on your individual circumstances.

Here are some suggestions of products for you to consider, indications of price and reflections on our experience so far:

1. Balance Aid - The TykeSkater from Finland. https://tykeskater.com

This product is designed for the ice and an accessories pack with additional elbow support, handle extenders and wheels for off ice use. This product has the advantage of being adjustable for height and folds flat for easy storage. The additional handles are useful for guiding the visually impaired and the deaf blind. 

The accessories pack prototype is available and is expected to go into production in the autumn of 2019. The company that sells this product is Tukimet Oy and they sell this product through the EU via an online shop. 

2. Gliding Stars Products

Gliding Stars is based in the US and they have a range of products available from their on line shop. These include orthotic skates, skates for pronation and various levels of balance aid. http://www.glidingstars.org/ The advanced balance aids require training before they can be purchased. Here's the orthotic skates that are particularly useful for people challenged by cerebral palsy, spina bifida or other physical challenges. This skate has 21 individual modifications from a basic figure skate, most notably a widened heel pocket and extra ankle wrap to reach around the orthosis. The heel has also been substantially reduced to enhance Achilles tendon stretch and match the flat bottom and correct angle of the orthotics. Sizes range from US child 7 to Adult 9, and this model runs much larger than traditional shoe sizing. Gliding stars is a not for profit and they provide useful ordering and sizing guidance.

3. Off-Ice Skates and additional resources for skating

In line skates are useful for Inclusive skaters who often find access to ice time difficult. Off-Ice skates are based in the UK and has an online shop that also provides beginner ice skates, a range of off ice skates and additional resources and protective gear. http://www.off-iceskates.com/shop International sales are available too.

4. Reidell Skates

Reidell Skates are based in the US and they provide custom fit boots for those with additional needs. Their order form is available in the related resources below. Here's an example of custom boots provided by Reidell with supports built into the boot. The skater's medical team helped with the impressions and the foot impressions and supports were sent to Reidell with the order form and the measurements of the skater's foot.

5. The Leckey MyWay walker is available in the UK and has many distributors across the globe. A single frame is available but that can be used with multiple harnesses. The frames come in three sizes. The harnesses are interchangeable between person and are colour coded for size. Leckey representatives will come to the rink to do free assessments too. It comes with a pommel seat and handles for the person using the walker. Leckey also supply the Kidwalk (see below).

https://www.leckey.com/products/myway

6. The KidWalk is available in the US and is not currently available for direct international orders but it is available from Leckey in the UK (See above). This has been used for ice skating activities. This is bespoke product for use by one child only. Priced on October 1st 2019 at $2,300. It is manufactured in the US by Prime Engineering. https://primeengineering.com/gait-trainers/

7. Protective Gear is readily available from high street stores and online. Specialist suppliers provide an Ice Halo which is a form of light weight head protection. This is available directly from Ice Halo in Canada or from Skate Safe in the UK. The Ice Halo is available in a range of sizes and styles and there's even a soft helmet too.

 

Skate Safe also provide a range of protective gear for all skating activities too.

8. SkateABLE in Canada

SkateABLE have an adaptive ice skating program available throughout Canada that was founded by Lisa Himmelman.

SkateABLE currently have adaptive ice walkers available for purchase. The standard model walker is great for beginner skaters. It is extremely stable and will not collapse or tip over on the ice. The lightweight material makes the walkers easy to push along for skaters of all ages and abilities. The walkers will never collapse as they have a locking mechanism while in use, and they fold up conveniently for storage. Lisa Himmelman, the Founder of SkateABLE says, "The walkers are fantastic for children with any sort of disability that needs an extra element of support and safety when learning to take their first steps toward independence on the ice."

The walkers are available in small (21" -28" great for small children) and medium (35" perfect for youth and young adults up to 5'9"sizes. SkateABLE are selling these for $300 Canadian Dollars each, plus shipping as at February 2020 and subject to availability.

SkateABLE also have a supply of harnesses for disabled children, as well as skates which accommodate AFOs and other foot orthotics.

SkateABLE can be contacted through the contact form on their website. https://skateablecanada.com/contact-us

They have more information available on their website about SkateABLE adaptive courses available throughout Canada. These can be purchased on line too. See: www.skateablecanada.com

9. In-line Skates for Active Travel - an information guide from a keen in-line skater!

The key difference between these active travel skates and in-line skates is the existence of the top stopper at the front.

Here is an example of the type of tri-skate that's probably best suited to active travel. The wheel diameters range from 90mm which feel just like the traditional four wheeled inline with around 80mm wheels to 125mm which is used mainly by speed skaters and is currently the largest wheel allowed in competition. The 100mm wheels provide the best all round agility, speed and ability to roll over obstructions and they smooth out rough surfaces.

Unified skaters may have no problem at all using four wheeled inlines on cycle paths but you are limited to smoother surfaces. Skating in the larger wheels is a little different but many who already skates may get used to them very quickly.

https://www.slickwillies.co.uk/powerslide-zoom-pro-100-inline-skates.html

For anyone feeling a little more adventurous here's an example of the current off road version for skating on mountain bike trails. They're not recommended for smooth surfaces due to the sticky pneumatic tyres although the frames can be swapped for the type that polyurethane wheels can be mounted on so you don't have to buy two pairs of skates.

https://www.skatepro.uk/122-28432.htm

 

10. Proactive Prosthetics and the Story of Stef Reid on Dancing on Ice

Here's the story of the development as told by ProActive Prosthetics

"Last year on a soggy September day a small gathering occurred near the arrivals gate at Terminal 5 Heathrow to welcome home our Paralympians. We were a disparate but colourful and at times noisy bunch with various flags, outfits, gifts and even instruments as the athletes and coaches filtered into the arrivals hall. It was a joyous occasion that marked the triumphant end to yet another successful Paralympics for Team GB as the athletes returned home for what is traditionally a time of rest and reflection before the next Paralympic cycle.... But one athlete, Stef Reid, fresh from competing in the long jump and the Channel 4 Tokyo Paralympic commentary box had barely touched British soil before she embarked on her next challenge; to learn how to ice skate and compete in Dancing on Ice. For those that don't know, Dancing on Ice is a TV series on ITV where celebrities compete with each other with a professional ice dance partner to impress the celebrity judges and public voters. Whilst secrecy still shielded the identity of the celebrity skaters, ProActive were busy working out how a prosthetic skating leg would work. The first prototype was a foot which fitted snugly into the skating boot and got Stef onto the ice for her first lesson with none other than Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean! A radical proposal then ensued from Stef; 'how about having a blade connected directly to the skating blade with no boot?' The team at ProActive rose to the challenge and before long the next prototype emerged - a blade on a blade! As well as looking really cool in black carbon fibre to match her skating partner Andy's carbon fibre skating boots, it gave Stef a much better connection and 'feel' to her skating blade. The technical development did not stop there. Reflective foil was laminated inside the carbon fibre socket to keep Stef's residual limb warm on the ice and an electric heated socket sock meant that Stef could stay cosy during long training sessions. And the rest is history, some tweaks and strengthening followed by the occasional 'pedicure' repairs to keep it looking good. The black carbon fibre socket with the carbon blade with her black knee sleeve became Stef's trademark for the series of costumes and performances. Once the skating leg was made and fitted the journey on the ice was incredible. Stef had skated in her youth before she became an amputee but not since. Stef is an athlete not a dancer. She had new new skills to learn in an extremely pressed timeframe. But as with everything that Stef does she applied 100% effort and commitment to learning these new skills, at first, with a coach and then with her dance partner Andy Buchanan... From those first tentative steps onto the ice to their final skate off in the competition so much time, passion, hard work, bravery, falls and pain followed taking Stef to new levels of achievement than she ever thought possible. Having made it through to week 8, being eliminated the week before the semi-finals was disappointing for Stef and Andy but they were a great partnership had such a fantastic time during the competition. In Stef's words; 'I'm sad to go but I'm leaving with a very full heart! This has been the most incredible adventure! Andy Buchanan I have loved every moment of skating with you. I am so proud of what we achieved and I loved every character we played and every story we told! You taught me to do things on the ice (and in the air!) no one thought was possible! Thank you to all the celebs and pros! We probably wouldn't have crossed paths if not for this show, and I am so glad to have met all of you! It's the people around you that make the experience. Thank you Proactive Prosthetics and Ossur for making me a leg to skate on. It wouldn't have been possible without you! Thank you to the coaches and the medical team who kept us safe!'"

contact +44 (0) 1252 702 500

clinic@proactiveprosthetics.co.uk

VENUES

There are many specially designed venues for skating activities across the world that have sound operating systems and safety policies in place.

At all venues follow the local and national government guidelines, the local rinks rules and the Inclusive Skating Safety Policy at all times.

Modern ice rinks have Zambonis for ice preparation and skilled staff to prepare a good surface. Outdoor rinks rarely have such equipment so extra care must be taken to avoid uneven surfaces and debris on the surface. Extra care must also be taken to ensure that the ice surface is safe and of sufficient thickness for skating.

Plastic ice is a potential venue for skating activities. There are a range of products available and you should always follow the manufacturers instructions for their use.

Dedicated In-line and roller skating rinks are available. Wheel based skating also takes place on indoor facilities on a range of surfaces including wood. The Skate People have provided a FAQ on floors and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers have also provided a statement on the use of their wooden flooring.