People with mobility impairments often have difficulty finding opportunities to be active. Wheelchair-bound Paul Rebello thought there had to be some way to make local resources available to others with disabilities, so he made some phone calls which led to the opening of the Driscoll Skating Arena near B.M.C. Durfee High School to dozens of people who might never experience the fun of moving on ice. Working the State Representative Carole Fiola, arrangements were made to open the arena on February 5, 2017 to groups from around the area. Once arrangements were made, students from Durfee High School and people from the Southeast Center for Independent Living and the Crystal Springs School gathered at the private rink for an hour of fun on ice. Plans are now underway to arrange for a trip to the Bioreserve. Click here for a four-minute video of the event. Click here for the Herald News article. For further information, contact Representative Carole Fiola at 617-722-2460 or Representative Alan Silvia at 617-722-2060.

(Top row) Representative Carole Fiola poses for a photo with Paul Rebello who advocated for the opportunity before Carole and Cymry Costa go over the registration list with Sue Tracy, Program Director of All Out Adventures, (Row two) Cymry Costa gets excited about the opportunity to skate on the rink as the children begin to go out on the ice. (Row three, left and center) Fall River School Paraprofessionals Savita Makjani and Amy Tripp accompany the children onto the ice while Representatives Silvia and Fiola assist Gilda Maria from Durfee High School as she moves onto a sled. (Bottom row) Pamela Martin of Fall River Government Television interviews one of the All Out Adventures staff while Gilda Maria and Jasmen Varga enjoy the experience with Paraprofessionals Amanda Oliveira and Cecelia Croteau.