Inclusion Takes Center Ice: Anaheim Ducks Inspire Young Fans with Autism

Easterseals SoCal (ESSC), the official disability inclusion partner of the Anaheim Ducks, was front and center for an exciting night on the ice during Autism Acceptance Night at the Honda Center in April. 

Throughout the Easterseals-themed game, ESSC’s new PSA campaign, Every1 With Autism Belongs, played on the big screen, showing what true inclusion can look like.

There for the festivities and the game as the Ducks faced off against the Calgary Flames were four young hockey fans who receive or have graduated from Easterseals autism services—all introduced to the fans on the jumbotron.

• Myles, 10, had the opportunity to ride the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine as the 9,000-pound+ device prepped the ice during intermission, a long-time, game tradition for the Ducks and a fan favorite.
• Ben, 10, joined Myles for a spin around the ice on the Zamboni machine, while his younger brother, Ted, 8, attended DJ JoJo’s dance party to help ramp up the fans’ energy level.
• Adalynn, just weeks before her 6^th birthday, also showed off her moves at the dance party.

A Surprise for Myles

Myles’ parents kept the Zamboni machine ride a secret until the night of the game—a surprise for the dedicated hockey fan, who was attending his first hockey game in person. 

“Myles loves hockey and it was very exciting to see him so happy to be there,” said his mom, Amanda. “He’s not going to forget it!”

“It’s great to be able to bring him into a public space where he's comfortable and he's accepted,” she continued. “It’s very special for the public to see kids who are autistic participating in everyday activities, enjoying events with their families and really kind of taking the stigma away from disability.”

What was Myle’s favorite part of the experience? “Doing the peace signs,” he said, flashing an example as the Duck’s mascot, Wild Wing, looked on.

“I don’t think he would be able to do this without Easterseals,” his mom continued. “They taught him communications and social skills so he can successfully attend these events. He’s learned to say when he needs a break.”

Ben & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

I never thought I’d be able to do something like that,” said Ben, enthusiastically after disembarking from the Zamboni machine on game night. “It was really amazing! I’m excited to see if my friends saw it!” Reported his father, Alex, the next day, “Not only did he appear on TV, but they said his name too. I just picked him up at school and he was elated.”

“It was awesome seeing him up there,” continued Alex. “When they scored their first goal, he went crazy. This is a lifelong memory that he’s going to be talking about forever.”

When asked how it felt to be in such a big arena in front of thousands of people, Ben’s very grownup reply was, “I feel like I’ve been prepared for this and I feel great about it.” Agreed Dad, “The services he received at Easterseals gave him the tools to be around different people and to experience situations that are a little uncomfortable or that are new and unique. He absolutely loved it.”

Meanwhile, Ben’s younger brother, Ted, was rocking out at DJ JoJo’s dance party. “He had a good time and really enjoyed the game and really got into cheering for the Ducks,” recalled Alex. 

“Ted wants to be a DJ when he grows up—either that or an astronaut or deep-sea diver,” he laughed, sharing that the boy spent extended time periods in the hospital several years ago when he was diagnosed with leukemia—and is thankfully now in remission. “He had a small turntable when he was in the hospital that had rave lights. He had a little, bald head and would rock out to the tunes he was mixing and invite the nurses to dance.”

During six months of isolation (able to go home for just four weeks), Easterseals continued to remotely provide autism services to Ted online. “It was crucial during that time to have these familiar faces that were comforting to him,” said their mom, Jenette. “We’re so appreciative of everything Easterseals has done for us.”

Adds Dad, “Both my boys are now Ducks fans and are asking me when the next game is!”

A Family Affair

At the much-anticipated dance party, DJ JoJo kicked off with “Soda Pop,” a dance Adalynn learned from her big sister, McKinzley, that had the kindergartener excitedly exclaiming, “Dance like, Sissy!”

Adalynn also cheered on the team beside her dad, Derek, who grew up playing hockey and was on a team throughout his school years—playing for more than 20 years—until an injury sidelined him in college.

“It was Adalynn’s first hockey game and she was excited,” said her mother, Coryn. “She loved it and it was a full circle moment for her dad. We’ve always wanted to take her to a hockey game but worried about how she’d do. She did great and cheered the Ducks on, shouting ‘1-2-3, Go Ducks!’ When she woke up the next morning, she said, ‘Daddy, I want to watch hockey!’”

“We credit all of her growth to Easterseals ABA services, which she began when she turned two,” added Coryn. “She graduated at 5 ½ years old and we just continue to see her flourish. I could go on and on about what Easterseals has done for us. They have forever changed our lives!”