Special Needs & Accessibility in Recreation

Inclusion/integration with 1:1 support

Please indicate your special need on your registration form and staff will contact you for more information.

Group programs for people with special needs

While recreation programs are open to all participants, a number of specialized opportunities have been created to maximize fun and enjoyment for people with special needs (e.g., Soccer for adults with special needs). These programs are designed to support people with special needs. These programs are adaptable to the needs of the group, and are catered to the ability level of participants. If required, caregivers or support workers may attend. The Town of Halton Hills does not provide 1-to-1 support workers for this program for these programs.

Rec Partners

If you have a special need or health condition that makes it difficult for you to participate in recreation programs or activities on your own, you may benefit from the Rec Partner program. Rec Partners are granted free admission to support program participants who need support or assistance.

What is a Rec Partner?

A Rec Partner helps a participant with a special need or health condition who is attending a Recreation & Parks registered program, drop-in program, or Hillsview Active Living Centre activities. The Rec Partner must be at least 14 years old. The Rec Partner can participate in the program free of charge. Fees associated with the box office at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre or with meals and trips at the Hillsview Active living Centres cannot be waived.

What is the role of the Rec Partner?

Having been chosen by the participant, the Rec Partner:

• Accompanies the participant with a special need or health condition in his/her chosen program or activity to provide one-on-one assistance that is not provided by Recreation & Parks program instructors.
• Supports the participant with a special need or health condition in program participation.
• Provides full supervision throughout the entire program.
• Behaves in a manner that supports a positive program experience for all program participants.
• For aquatic activities, the Rec Partner must be comfortable in the water and demonstrate awareness of water safety.
• For care programs, the Rec Partner must have police clearance.

Rec Partner terms of use

• The person with a special need or health condition states they have a Rec Partner joining them for the program.
• The person with a special need or health condition and the Rec Partner enter, attend, and exit the activity together.
• The Rec Partner behaves in a manner that supports a positive program experience for all program participants.
• The registrant/guardian is responsible for ensuring the Rec Partner is aware of the Terms of Use.
• For fitness classes, the Rec Partner provides the instructor with a contact telephone number for emergencies.
• Fees associated with the box office at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre or with meals and trips at the Hillsview Active living Centres cannot be waived.
• The Terms of Use are subject to change without notice by the Town of Halton Hills.

Inclusion support - summer camps

When you register for summer camp, choose the “inclusion” program option. A staff member will contact you to learn more about your child's individual needs. Then the child will be registered within the camp programs (standard camp fees apply) and payment will be required. At the time of program start, we will provide a 1-on-1 support person who is aware of your child's needs. 

Registration for inclusion support will close 2 weeks in advance of the start of camp.

A child may require inclusion support if they:

• Have additional support or a safety plan in a school setting
• Require support for their safety or the safety of others
• Require extra support at home for personal care (e.g., washroom care, feeding)
• Are associated with a support agency

Group participation is a fundamental part of recreation and is what camp is all about! We strive to provide a fun and safe camp environment for each child. Our staff is trained in a variety of ways to encourage and support participants to join in with the group and be kind to their camper friends. We try to accommodate individual preferences within the group setting where possible. However, please consider whether your child enjoys interacting and participating in a group before registering. We want every child to thrive at camp!

If you require inclusion support for summer camps:

• Register your child for “Inclusion Support – Full Day Programs” or “Inclusion Support – Half Day Programs” for the week of your choice. Do NOT register for a space within the actual camp program, as this will be coordinated after the intake conversation.

• An initial $100 payment is required to register for Inclusion Support. The $100 will be applied to the actual camp fee. The remaining balance of the camp fee will be due after the intake conversation and your camp registration is confirmed.

• Registration for inclusion support will close two weeks in advance of the programs start date (e.g. registration will close on June 14 for camp starting on July 2). This time period allows the Town to ensure staff is trained appropriately and prepared to welcome the participant into our programs.

• The Town of Halton Hills sees parents/caregivers as partners and wants to work closely with each family to ensure we are properly prepared to welcome the child into our programs. The Recreation Coordinator will directly contact parents/caregivers to arrange a time to complete the intake process. During the meeting parents/caregivers will be asked to provide details about the child’s needs (e.g., successful strategies, common triggers). We want to know as much as we can about the camper so that the Town can offer the best possible support.

• Information provided during the intake process is confidential and will only be provided to staff working directly with the participant in a program. 

• The Recreation Coordinator will ensure the program is a suitable fit, review guidelines and let parents/caregivers know what camp will look like this summer.

Register for summer camps

This program is best for:

Participant with an intellectual/developmental disability, able to work with a ratio of 1 staff to 1 participant, willing to participate in group activities. There is no additional charge for support workers.

Group programs - baseball for adults with special needs

This baseball program was created to maximize the fun and enjoyment for teens and adults with special needs. This program focuses on many fundamental movement skills along with organized game play. Two trained Town of Halton Hills program facilitators along with volunteers will deliver this program weekly. Everyone is welcome; no experience necessary. Please bring your own glove. This program runs for 8 weeks, from June to August. In August we celebrate the end the season with a social gathering at Gellert Community Centre. 

This program is best for:

Participant with an intellectual/developmental disability, independent washroom care, able to work with a group ratio of 1 staff to 10 participants. If the participant requires assistance to participate in the program and to interact with friends, please provide a Rec Partner or a support worker to attend the program. There is no program fee for Rec Partners or support workers.

Learn about registration

Group programs - soccer for adults with special needs

This soccer program was created to maximize the fun and enjoyment for teens and adults with special needs. This program focuses on many fundamental movement skills along with organized game play. Two training Town of Halton Hills program facilitators along with volunteers will deliver this program weekly. Everyone is welcome; no experience necessary. This program runs for 8 weeks, from May to June. In August we celebrate the end of the season with a social gathering at the Gellert Community Centre.

This program is best for:

Participant with an intellectual/developmental disability, independent washroom care, able to work with a group ratio of 1 staff to 10 participants. If the participant requires assistance to participate in the program and to interact with friends, please provide a Rec Partner or support worker to attend the program. There is no program fee for Rec Partners or support workers.

Learn more about registration

Group programs - aqua fitness for people with special needs

Aqua Fitness specially designed for adults with a special need. Use the buoyancy and resistance of water to improve flexibility, cardiovascular health and to have fun! Personal assistants / workers can escort participants into the pool for free. Each participant must have a support person who is knowledgeable about their condition at the pool and available to get in the water if necessary during the class.

This program is best for:

Participants with an intellectual/developmental disability who are comfortable standing in chest deep water.

Learn more on our Aqua Fitness page

Group programs - Friday activity nights

The Friday Activity Night is a social recreation program for individuals ages 20-35 years old with exceptionalities. The program focuses on connecting with others, building relationships, trying new things and enjoying time together. Each week there will be a different activity scheduled. Participants can enjoy hanging out with others, cooking, playing pool, art nights, life skill building, and making new friends. Town trained staff will facilitate the program.

This program is best for:

Participants with an intellectual/developmental disability, independent washroom care, able to work with a group ratio of 1 staff to 10 participants. If the participant requires assistance to participate in the program and to interact with friends, please provide a Rec Partner or a support worker to attend the program. There is no program fee for a Rec Partner or support workers.

Learn more on our youth page

Therapy/recovery - T.I.M.E program (Together In Movement and Exercise)

The T.I.M.E. program is a group exercise program for individuals who have balance and mobility problems as a result of a condition such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, or weakness after a hospital stay. Designed by physiotherapists, this 1 hour program is led by T.I.M.E. certified fitness instructors.

Days: Monday/Thursdays. Health professional clearance is required. Email our Active Living Coordinator or call 905-873-2600 ext. 2360 for further information and to determine your suitability for this program. If you're interested in participating, please complete this medical clearance form in advance.

This program is best for:

Participants who have balance and mobility problems as a result of a condition such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, or weakness after a hospital stay. Participants must be able to walk 10 meters with or without an aid. Health professional clearance is required.

Learn more on our fitness page

Magnus Cards

Facility accessibility

The majority of our facilities have been designed or adapted to include accessibility features to reduce barriers for people with physical disabilities.

Accessibility features include but are not limited to:

• Barrier free entrances
• Accessible washroom facilities
• Accessible pools and arena ice pads
• Elevators for multi-level facilities

Support animals

Service animals, as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), are permitted in Town of Halton Hills facilities unless otherwise noted. Look for this sign at our facilities.

Please note that pets are not service animals and are not allowed in Town facilities.