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Toronto Recreation Guide

For families who have children with disabilities.

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This is a list of some sports, activities, hobbies, social groups and leisure programs that may be helpful to families.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital does not endorse or support any specific program or service mentioned in this booklet.
Resources can change quickly.  The information in this guide may not show recent changes or updates made by any particular agency or organization. You will need to contact each organization directly to get current details. If you notice a need for updating the information in this document, please email: resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca

How to read this guide

The Recreation Guide for families who have children with disabilities was created by Family Support Specialists, with input from families and youth at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. This reference guide is meant to make recreation information as accessible as possible to families.

The symbol beside the name of the recreation source helps you to sort through eligibility, based on age. Here is a table to show you what the symbols mean:

Symbol*

Meaning

□

This program is meant to support children between the ages of 0-12

△

This program is meant to support teens between the ages of 13-17

☆

This program is meant to support adults 18 years of age and older

❖

This program supports people of many/all ages

∞

This program supports caregivers(parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.)

Camps

CampTO (□△)

Description

  • Children and youth can be active, learn new skills and make fun memories close to home at the City’s seasonal camps.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-16

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More information

Camp Kirk (□△)

Description

  • Camp Kirk programs are designed to build confidence and encourage participation

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 6-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More information

Camp Maple Leaf (□△)

Description

  • Each session at Camp Maple Leaf is designed as a unique program dedicated to children or families who share a specific life challenge.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 7-16

  • Eligibility: all abilities

More information

Easter Seals Camps (□△)

Description

  • Easter Seals offers individual camps, voyager camps, and family camps  

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 6-18

  • Eligibility: primary diagnosis of a physical disability

More information

Geneva Centre for Autism Summer Camp (□△☆)

Description

  • Participants will have exposure to theme-based social, recreational and leisure opportunities in a group setting.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-17 and 18+

  • Eligibility: Autism Diagnosis

More information

Reena Summer Camp (□△)

Description

  • Reena’s thriving social programs are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 6-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More information

SAAAC Camp (□△☆)

Description

  • SAAAC Camp is designed for fun, laughter, and victories - big and small!  

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-18+

  • Eligibility: Autism Diagnosis

More information

Shadow Lake Camp (□△☆)

Description

  • A place where kids, youth and adults with special needs can experience the magic of camp

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 7+

  • Eligibility: all abilities

More information

Variety Village Summer Camp (□△☆)

Description

  • From March Break Camp to Holiday Camps, Variety offers a wide range of integrated full-day camps

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-20+

  • Eligibility: all abilities

More information

Clubs, Groups and Mentoring Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (□△)

Description

  • Matches and monitors volunteers who serve as friends and provide positive influences to children and youth.

  • Fee: No

Eligibility

  • Age: 6-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario (□△)

Description

  • 8 clubs based in the Toronto area offer a variety of programs such as summer day camps, youth leadership, sports leagues, life skills, after school drop-in, and special events.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Extend-A-Family (❖)

Description

  • Assists families, individuals, children and groups to get to know and welcome a child or person with a disability into the community.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages

  • Eligibility: Physical or developmental

More Information

Girl Guides Toronto (□△)

Description

  • Guiding is a safe, all-girl environment that allows girls to express themselves and meet new friends. Girl Guides participate in activities such as camping, sports, leadership training, and community service.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 5-18

  • Eligibility : Female, all abilities

More Information

Scouts Canada: Toronto Council (❖)

Description

  • Scouts Canada offers programs that provide leadership skills, environmental awareness, social development and indoor and outdoor recreational activities.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 5-26

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Lumenus (□☆)

Description

  • Lumenus provides after-school and summer respite programs and skill development programs for youth with a dual diagnosis.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 12-18

  • Eligibility: Developmental disability and/or complex mental health challenges

More Information

General Recreation Programs & Community Centres

Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre: Active and Able Programs (❖)

Description

  • Provides integrated and adapted recreation programs to promote active living, wellness and full inclusion for people with disabilities in East Toronto.Fee:

  • Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

  • Website: www.bbnc.ca

  • Phone: 416-396-4310

  • Email: contact@bbnc.ca

  • Address: Address: 93 Birchmount Rd, Toronto (at Kingston Road) Toronto, ON, M1N 3J7

  • Season: All year

Strides Toronto (△☆)

Description

  • After school programs, social clubs, summer and March break camps for youth with developmental disabilities or autism. The programs provide a safe, structured, and fun environment where youth can learn the skills necessary to become more independent.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 12-35

  • Eligibility: Developmental disability or ASD

More Information

Geneva Centre for Autism (❖)

Description

  • The Geneva Centre offers a variety of evening, weekend, and summer respite programs for children and youth with autism.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital: Adapted Recreation & Friendship and Belonging (□☆)

Description

  • The Recreation and Life Skills department at Holland Bloorview provides recreation, life skills and community development programs and services for children, youth, and families development programs and services for children, youth, and families.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 7-29

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

Monarch House (□△)

Description

  • Monarch House believes in turning differences into strengths. They offer recreation programs including groups and camps.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 0-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More information

Variety Village Sports and Recreation Complex (❖)

Description

  • Offers a variety of sports, swimming and recreation, life skills, creative arts and outreach programs and special events for people of all abilities.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: all ages

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Snoezelen

Agincourt Community Centre: Snoezelen Room (❖)

Description

  • This Snoezelen room is run by the Toronto Parks, Forestry, and Recreation department.

  • January 2024: The Snoezelen Room, located in Agincourt Recreation Centre, is closed until further notice due to technical issues.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital: Snoezelen Room and Pool (❖)

Description

  • The community Snoezelen room and pool is open to Holland Bloorview clients, community agencies, schools and support organizations for children and adults with disabilities.

  • Fee:  No

Eligibility

  • Age:  All ages

  • Eligibility:  All abilities

More Information

Variety Village: Snoezelen Room (❖)

Description

  • The Multi-Sensory Room is a multi-sensory environment where children with severe disabilities can enjoy non-structured leisure activities. The room is equipped with music, lighting effects, gentle vibrations, tactile sensations that appeals to the senses.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: all ages

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

Social Skills Groups and Activities (Recreation-based)

Autism Teenage Partnership (△)

Description

  • Autism Teenage Partnership (ATP) is a youth led initiative connecting teens living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ATP's weekly programming enables individuals with ASD to express themselves through games, arts and crafts, team-building activities, social discussion, and excursions into the community.

  • Fee: No

Eligibility

  • Age: Teens

  • Eligibility: ASD

More Information

Child Development Institute (□△)

Description

  • CDI is a Children's Mental Health Centre leading in the treatment of children and youth with learning disabilities. The centre offers recreation-based programs such as social skills groups and therapeutic martial arts.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 8-18

  • Eligibility: Learning disability

More Information

Kerry’s Place Toronto (❖)

Description

  • Evenings and weekends at Kerry's Place Autism Services Toronto focus on developing leisure skills, following personal pursuits, enjoying family time, taking courses, making friends and having fun for individuals we support through our residential services.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages

  • Eligibility: ASD

More Information

Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District: Social Skills Program (□△)

Description

  • LDATD's Social Skills and Socialization Programs are designed to provide the opportunity for developing important and positive peer relationships. Participants use these skills in a variety of activities, such as group discussion, art projects, and recreational activities.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-17

  • Eligibility: Learning disability and/or ADHD

More Information

Sports - Baseball

Challenger Baseball (❖)

Description

  • Challenger Baseball is an adaptive and inclusive baseball program that ensures that athletes with cognitive and/or physical disabilities have lots of opportunities to play, develop, learn and compete.

  • Fee: yes

Eligibility

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More information

Sports – Hockey

Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association: Toronto Division (❖)

Description

  • CEWHA provides a quality hockey program for people who have limited upper body strength and/or mobility and who could benefit from the use of an electric wheelchair in competitive sport and daily living.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: all ages

  • Eligibility: Limited upper body strength or mobility

More Information

HADC Gladiators (Hockey Association for the Developmentally Challenged) (❖)

Description

  • The HADC  Gladiators is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide individuals with developmental challenges with opportunities to play hockey in a structured program.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages

  • Eligibility: Developmental disability

More Information

Grandravine Tornadoes (□❖)

Description

  • The Grandravine Tornadoes is a hockey club for individuals with developmental disabilities. Players do not have to know how to skate or play hockey to join.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages (6 +)

  • Eligibility: Developmental disability

More Information

Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (□☆)

Description

  • The TPWHL is for kids with various disabilities who have limited upper body strength and/or mobility.
    *Potential new players will be assessed based on their skills, understanding of game play, and mental and emotional maturity. The TPWHL reserves the right to limit the number of players approved to participate depending on the availability of volunteers; the number of suitable players wishing to play and the overall manageability of the size of the league. 

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 8-18

  • Eligibility: Limited upper body strength and mobility

More Information

  • Website: www.tpwhl.com

  • Email:  torontopwhl@gmail.com

  • Address: Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) 33 Coatsworth Cres., Suite 117

  • Arena: Sunnyview Public School, 450 Blythwood Road, Toronto, ON

  • Season: All year

Sports – Multisport  

Laura Hunter’s STEPS Program (□☆)

Description

  • Offers a variety of recreation, fitness, life skills and social programs for people with disabilities and special needs such as gym skills, biking, and movement program.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 3-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

  • Website: www.stepsprograms.com

  • Phone: 416-723-4745

  • Address: WillowWood School on 55 Scarsdale Rd, Toronto, ON M3B 2R3
Sportball (□)

Description

  • Sportball offers a variety of multisport programs for children of all abilities, as well as an adapted program suited to children with special needs. Children and youth who participate in Adapted Sportball are able to enhance their physical and social skill and improve their self-image while developing their attention and listening skills

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 2 +

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Toronto Tornados (□☆)

Description

  • The Tornadoes ParaSport Club is targeted towards people with disabilities, but is open to people of all abilities and ages. The Tornadoes ParaSport Club has grown steadily since its inception in 2010. We currently provide sledge hockey and wheelchair basketball within our club to people of all abilities and skill levels.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 11-30

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Sports – Sailing and Canoeing

Blind Sailing Canada (△☆)

Description

  • Blind Sailing Canada provides opportunities for the blind to improve their quality of life by building self esteem and confidence through recreational sailing.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: Youth and adults

  • Eligibility: Visual impairment

More Information

Queens Quay Disabled Sailing Program ()

Description

  • QQDSP has specialized equipment to increase the accessibility of the program. From specialized Martin 16 sailboats, to lift systems, and staff and volunteers trained in approved transfer techniques, QQDSP can get you on the water!

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 8+

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

National Yacht Club Disabled Sailing Program (△☆)

Description

  • The NYC strives to provide fun, safe, accessible sailing in order to enhance independence, and empower individuals' enjoyment of the water, regardless of ability, age, or physical limitation

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: Youth and adults

  • Eligibility: Visual impairment

More Information

PaddleAll at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club (□)

Description

  • Recreational and sprint canoes and kayaks are used to introduce paddlers to sprint racing. The program includes a safety orientation, technical instruction, and on the water practice.

  • Fee: No

Eligibility

  • Age: 10+

  • Eligibility:  Physical disability or special needs

More Information

Pickering Rouge Canoe Club (□)

Description

  • Individuals with special needs can learn to canoe, kayak, or participate in dragon boat racing at the West Rouge Canoe Club.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 6+

  • Eligibility: Physical disability or special needs

More Information

Sports – Yoga, Dance, Gymnastics

Just Bounce Trampoline Club Inc. (□)

Description

  • Our mission is to provide quality athletic programs to our participants. We aim to raise self-esteem and teach athletes perseverance and focus while having fun!

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 3+

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Yoga 4 Kids (□)

Description

  • Offers an integrated and holistic program of yoga instruction that combines postures, dynamic movements, simple breath exercises, and meditation with yoga activities that children enjoy.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: Children

  • Eligibility: Developmental and learning disabilities

More Information

YogaBuds (□△)

Description

  • YogaBuds combines classical Iyengar yoga with elements of play, creative movement and various art modalities in a fun and non-competitive environment. Children with special needs can often be fully integrated into regular classes or benefit from one-on-one individualized private sessions

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 5-18

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Spiral Movement Centre (□❖)

Description

  • The Spiral Movement Center is a new Toronto resource offering yoga and movement programs for children and young adults with special needs. Our staff can work with children individually or in small groups.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 3-25

  • Eligibility: Developmental disability, learning

More Information

National Ballet School -  Kids Adaptive Dance Program (□)

Description

  • These 45-minute sensory-friendly dance classes provide opportunities for children to explore creativity and expression through the use of movement and music.

  • Creative 1 For dancers who benefit from a 1:1 support

  • Creative 2 For dancers who are both ready and working towards two step instructions and participating independently in programming.

  • Fee: Yes, options for financial assistance are available


Eligibility

  • Ages: 16+

  • Eligibility: children with disabilities


More Information

Dance Arts institute (□△)

Description

  • The Creative Movement Made for Me class provides opportunities for need-specific children with diverse learning styles to dance within the ability of their own form.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 3-16

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

C.A.R.D Community Association for Riders with Disabilities (❖)

Description

  • Since its incorporation in 1969, CARD has provided therapy in the fields of cognitive therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medicine, and adapted sport. CARD’s therapeutic horseback riding program benefits riders who seek physical or cognitive therapies, who have a variety of disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: all ages

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Giddy Up (□)

Description

  • Giddy Up provides private lessons that support the individual therapeutic and learning needs of each student. All Giddy Up staff are experienced therapeutic riding instructors.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 18 months+

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Visual Art, Music, and Drama

Aptus Treatment Centre (❖)

Description

  • In addition to day programs and clinical services, Aptus provides creative arts services for children and youth. These services include Expressive Arts Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, and Drama/psychodrama Therapy.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: All ages (camp offered to ages 10 - 21)

  • Eligibility: developmental disabilities dual diagnosis mental health disorder

More Information

DramaWay (△☆)

Description

  • Offers creative arts, music, drama and life skills programs for people of all abilities.  Programs offered include theatre, dance, film, music, visual arts and puppetry.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 14+

  • Eligibility: abilities

More Information

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital: Centre for the Arts (□☆)

Description

  • The Centre for the Arts offers a wide range of year round art, dance, drama, and music programs, workshops and camps for children and youth of all abilities. Programs are integrated with priority given to those with special needs.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-21

  • Eligibility: Special needs

More Information

VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto (❖)

Description

  • VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto is a choral organization for children and youth ages four to twenty-five. The choir is inclusive to children and youth with disabilities.

  • Fee: Yes

Eligibility

  • Age: 4-25

  • Eligibility: All abilities

More Information

Accessing Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Programs


The City of Toronto is committed to providing its entire community with high quality, accessible recreation and leisure opportunities. Whether it’s participating in one of our hundreds of recreation programs with a one-on-one support worker, taking a dip in one of the City’s warm-water pools, enjoying a week at one of our specialized summer camps, or joining in at one of our many adapted programs, the City of Toronto has some recreational fun for you!

How to register for Toronto Parks, Forestry, and Recreation programs:

 

  1. Your first step is to contact your local Accessible Program & Integration Staff to get a registration package mailed out to you. Staff may set up an informal meeting with the participant/family at a local community centre and help with program support and adaptation needs.

 

  • Etobicoke York District: 416-394-8746, TTY: 416-394-8534

  • North York District: 416-395-6183, TTY: 416-395-6115

  • Scarborough District: 416-396-7760, TTY: 416-396-4116

  • Toronto & East York District: 416-392-4677, TTY: 416-392-4773

 

  1. What types of support options are available?

  • Integration without support staff for individuals who can participate in programs independently

  • Integration with support staff provided by the city. There is a limited number of staff who can provide support for people to participate in various programs.

  • Integration with your own one-on-one support person.

  • Adapted programs. These are specialized or modified programs for individuals with special needs.

 

  1. Methods of registration: