We strive to understand and support all residents of Halton Hills’ access to recreation. This page gives an overview of the recreation programs and services available for residents with special needs, disabilities, and exceptionalities.
Staying active is great for everyone. It can help reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight, improve strength, boost both physical and mental health, lower the risk of disease, and provide chances to socialize with others.
Our team is here to help you, and your family, join recreational activities in Halton Hills. We can provide resources directly or connect you with other recreation providers who may better meet your needs.
1:1 inclusion support for pre-registered programs |
When you register, make sure to add your special need to the online or printed form. A staff member will contact you to discuss how we might accommodate you. Questions? Please contact our Program Registrar at 905-873-2600 ext. 2275 or by email. |
Group programs |
While all recreation programs are open to everyone, we also have programs designed for people with special needs in mind (like CHAMPS Soccer and Multi-Sport). These programs are made to adapt to the group’s abilities and make sure everyone can enjoy them. If needed, caregivers or support workers can come along to help. Please note that the Town of Halton Hills does not provide one to one support workers 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:
Rec Partner terms of use
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Drop-in programs |
If you’re interested in drop-in programs like recreational swimming and skating, please talk to the Facility Supervisor at the location you’ll be attending to discuss how we might accommodate you. |
Visiting recreation facilities |
When planning your visit to a recreation facility, speak to the Facility Supervisor to discuss how we might accommodate you. |
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:
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:
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 - CHAMPS Multi-Sport |
CHAMPS Multi-Sport is a recreation program for adults with exceptionalities. Multi-Sport participants are kept moving and engaged, learning a new skill from a different sport each class. Sports include soccer, baseball, football, ball hockey, volleyball, and badminton. Two trained Town of Halton Hills program facilitators along with volunteers will deliver this program weekly. Everyone is welcome; no experience necessary. This program runs for 6 weeks, from June to July. In August we celebrate the end of the season with a social gathering. |
Group programs - CHAMPS Soccer |
CHAMPS Soccer is a recreation program for adults with exceptionalities. 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. This program runs for 6 weeks, from May to June. In August we celebrate the end of the season with a social gathering. |
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. |
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. |
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 because 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. |
You know yourself the best! As much as possible, we want you to be in charge when it comes to managing your needs when it comes to participating in recreation programs. Here are a few ways we provide room for self support in recreation.
Magnus Cards |
Get the App!MagnusCards is more than an app – it’s a digital ecosystem that teaches essential life skills to people with cognitive disabilities. Card Decks take a step-by-step approach to help people navigate everyday tasks and activities, such as buying a pass, attending a recreational skate or a swim. MagnusCards is a Canadian application that allows people who are neurodivergent to live with independence and inclusion and affords their caregivers a greater peace of mind. It improves everyday experiences and enables people to participate in the world in ways that are meaningful to them. MagnusCards is an ever-expanding life skills library, with digital guides to popular destinations and activities. Each digital guide combines a proven method of instruction (applied behaviour analysis), visual cues and step-by-step instructions to map experiences throughout the day. Magnus provides prompts and positive reinforcement to support experiential learning. Learn more about MagnusMode and how they are supporting our disabled community members. MagnusCards are free to use and download for everyone and users and caregivers can get started by downloading the FREE MagnusCards App to a mobile device or tablet. The Town of Halton Hills has developed three sets of MagnusCard decks for ActiVan, Halton Hills Public Library and Recreation and Parks. ActiVan decks:
Halton Hills Public Library decks:
Recreation and Parks decks
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Facility accessibility |
Most 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:
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Support animals |
Please note that pets are not service animals and are not allowed in Town facilities. |
The Town provides additional resources to assist individuals with special needs.