AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

ASHA supports our member teams who provide hockey for individuals with intellectual, development and physical disabilities. Participation and inclusion on the ice, and not from behind the glass, gives players the opportunity to be involved and learn life lessons to development both physical and emotional skills. ASHA supports its members as they go beyond adapting the game to fit the player, we support the growth in the sport of hockey. The results benefit social, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and athletic development. Our specific coach training identifies appropriate skills, drills and safety measures are tailored to the of those we serve. This training and support is crucial to our memberships success as it provides consistency and measurement for success. We also include "Peer Coaching" which junior coaching staff. These typical peers are essential to our programs. ASHA Special Hockey benefits the lives of all of those involved.

The American Special Hockey Association has developed unique, specialized and innovative programs that are turn-key ready for implementation.
These programs include:
Specialized training for coaches and peer mentors. This training is reviewed by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Adaptive Physical Education Professionals, Behavioral Therapists and Special Education Administrators.
Specialized support for semi-pro and professional teams which to volunteer or engage with our teams, player and community.
Specialized community integration activities which promote the sport of hockey for everyone.
We are committed to leading the adaptive sports opportunities in our nation in our dedication to the care, safety and quality of our programs. We have the tools, knowledge and self-confidence they need to succeed in today's challenging world.

ASHA supports its members as they go beyond adapting the game to fit the player, we support the growth of the player and those involved to participate fully in the sport of hockey. The results benefit the players' social, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and athletic development while making each individual more independent, self-reliant, and a better citizen.

ASHA embraces the opportunity and responsibility to educate and engage our communities to expand their knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Our unique coach training which identifies appropriate skills, drills and safety measures. This training and support is crucial to our memberships success by providing a national consistency and measurement for program success. We also include "Peer Coaching" which junior coaching staff. These typical peers, are essential to the inclusivity of our program.

Of the many sports and recreational opportunities available, hockey is unique. Both on and off the ice, hockey players and fans are a community. Making the sport accessible, involves adaptations and accommodations that go beyond the typical playing field. The equipment is specialized as are the venues in which the game is played.

ASHA was formed to support the specialized needs of hockey to achieve inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (special hockey) . ASHA provides the much needed support for new and existing hockey teams with players diagnosed with a developmental disability (i.e. autism, behavior disorders, brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, intellectual disability, Spina Bifida, etc.)

ASHA is the largest special hockey organization in the world with over 80 member programs in more than 75 cities, serving thousands of athletes across the United States.