Inclusive Recreation Services

Adapted Programs

The City of Hamilton is committed to ensuring the rights of individuals with disabilities and/or with special needs. Adapted recreation is available at many centres through the use of activity modifications and assistive technology. Equitable access will be provided to support persons and individuals with assisted devices or animals.

Persons requiring assistance or accommodation at a City facility are encouraged to complete an Individual Accommodations Form to communicate their needs. Forms can be obtained at your local centre. 

Registered Programs

The City offers instructional recreation opportunities developed specifically for persons with disabilities and/or special needs. Age requirements and fees will be clearly noted and may vary according to program. Sign up for registered programs through RecConnect.

Adapted Yoga

Yoga will encourage you to explore fundamental movement to improve coordination and body awareness.  Yoga instructor will provide fun activities to nurture mindfulness, concentration and end with relaxation sequences.  Class is done in bare feet, each participant is required to bring their own yoga mat to each class.  Participant must provide their own support person. Offered at Dundas Lions Memorial Community centre

Cooking Social

Cooking Social is designed for adults 18+ with special needs to learn more about kitchen safety, snack preparation and healthy meals. The program is for adults who can participate with a ratio of 1 staff to 5 participants.  Participants will learn about healthy food choices and how to prepare them using good sanitary practise, while being safe and having fun!  Each participant will create a recipe book of the creations made during the classes. Offered at Huntington Park Recreation Centre.

Fit Social

This adapted format program is designed for adults ages 21 to 30 with disabilities and must be able to participate in a ratio of one staff to five participants. Fit Social is for those who want to get active, socialize and try something new. Participants will have the opportunity to try various fitness and social programs including yoga, basketball, swimming, and more. Available at Sir Winston Churchill.

Friday Framers

This recreational program is designed for teens and adults with special needs/ disabilities. Participants meet weekly at Thunder Alley and must provide their own support worker.

SwimAbilities

A Learn to Swim program for children and youth 3 to 18 years old with special needs/disabilities. Participants in this class must provide their own volunteer to be present in the water with the swimmer. Participants will progress through the skills at their own pace using adapted equipment as required. Available at Bennetto and Sir Winston Churchill.

4 SwimAbilities Levels

  • Beginner - Parent & Tot, Swimmer 2
  • Intermediate - for those who pass beginner, Swimmer 2/3/4
  • Advanced - for those who pass intermediate, Swimmer 4/5/6
  • Elite - for those who pass intermediate, Swimmer 4/5/6 or are working on specific intermediate/advanced skills. Participants registered in the Elite program do not require a volunteer to be present in the water with them.

Teen Connections

This recreational program is designed for teens ages 16 to 21 who have special needs and can participate semi-independently with a ratio of one staff to five participants. Participants can recreate and form connections with other teens and engage in activities including, cooking, active games, crafts, swimming, fitness, group team building and much more. Available at Bernie Morelli and Westmount.

Tween Connections

This recreational program is designed for tweens ages 13-15 years who have special needs and can participate semi-independently with a ratio of one staff to 5 participants.  Participants can recreate and form connections with other tweens and engage in activities including cooking, active games, crafts, swimming, fitness, group team building and more!  Offered at Bernie Morelli and Sir Allan Macnab.

Drop-In Programs

In addition to our regular registered programs, the City also offers instructional drop-in programs at recreation centres located throughout the city. Persons with disabilities and/or special needs are welcome to participate individually, with a support person, or with the use of an assistive device. Please be sure to contact the centre first to ensure staff and the facility are appropriately equipped to meet your needs.

Adapted Swim

Adapted Swim (Special Needs) - A recreational swim for individuals with special needs. Support staff or personal assistants are welcome at no additional cost.

The following locations offer adapted swim in their drop-in programs:

Community Sensory Room at Westmount Recreation Centre

The Community Sensory Room is a barrier free recreation space where individuals with disabilities and/or special needs can explore and develop their senses and skills.

The Community Sensory Room Features:

  • Textured floors and walls
  • Plush fabrics and toys
  • Pulsating wall-mounts
  • Multi-coloured displays and wall projections
  • Music
  • Snoezelen a la carte

Community Snoezelen

Snoezelen rooms are artificially engineered spaces that use music, lighting, gentle vibrations, tactile sensations and aromatherapy. Snoezelen equipment is available during scheduled times in the Community Sensory Room at Westmount Recreation Centre.

The Community Sensory Room with Snoezelen is available for rental. Please contact 905-546-2424 ext. 4932 for availability and rates.

Contact us

Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 1758
Email: accessiblerec@hamilton.ca