Adapted and Inclusive Programming

The Recreation Division offers trained staff to support children and youth with disabilities or additional needs to participate in recreation programs offered. This service is subsidized by the Recreation Division, at no additional cost to the family or participants (program fees still apply). Support is available for select recreation programs based on resource availability.

Due to high demand, registration spots are limited.

Additional Service Details:

• Support staff are scheduled and paired with children/youth participants based on location, program and availability of staff. If support staff is confirmed – they will accompany the participant for the requested program based on the assigned day and hours (all year-round programming and Camp Kidaca).
• Increased supervision by a trained, support worker who is dedicated to the care and safety of the participant
• Assistance with bathroom, changing and eating
• Adaption of programs for all participants
• Facilitation and encouragement of friendships and appropriate social interaction.

To request a City Supplied Support Staff, please follow the below steps

Contact [email protected] to be added to our participant or agency email list to receive information on registration details.

Once on the contact list, the inclusion team will send out information via email prior to each session’s registration dates to families, participants and agencies who are on our email list.

Process Steps:

1. You will receive and email from [email protected] with steps on how to place your child or youth on our Support Staff Request Waitlist (there is a different waitlist per session – Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). You will be sent copies of all paperwork required (Support Program Registration Form & Individual Accommodation Plan). You will only receive this paperwork and information if you are added to the participant or agency email list.
2. The inclusion team will review and process all program support request via the waitlist and collect all required paperwork. 
3. Confirmation: The inclusion team will inform you if support has been confirmed and will require you to put a credit on your account for payment of programs.
4. Registration: The Inclusion team will process your registration, and ensure your support is confirmed.

Note: Step 1&2 MUST be completed in order to process your registration. 

Browse all courses including gym, club and aquatics.  

Subsidy is available for those who qualify through the Recreation Assistance Program.  

If you are new to our programs, create a family account.  If you have an existing account, please ensure that all contact information is correct before the registration period.

Adapted programs are designed specifically for persons with a disability or those who require additional support with reduced ratios. These programs can be found on the website.

Browse & Register for Programs

Please note, to view specific program, add course name to “Keyword” filter.

Programs available include:

Please note:

If you are unsure of program suitability or would like more information email [email protected]

Adapted program registration is completed by the families, support workers or participants online, not by the inclusion team. 

Check www.hamilton.ca/recreation for more information on “How to Register” and to view available programs with registration dates.

Each participant will need to contact [email protected] and complete a Individual Accommodation Plan if attending any of the following programs:

• Fit Social
• Teen Connections
• Tween Connections
• Cooking Social

Adapted drop-in programming is offered at various recreation location across the city. These drop-in programs are designed for children, youth, adults or seniors living with disabilities or additional needs who benefit from a adapted format program space.

If needed, participants should bring their own support person. Support persons are admitted free of charge.

Browse Adapted Drop-In Programs

Please note, to view specific program, add course name to “Keyword” filter.

You may provide your own support person or animal. We welcome support persons or animals who assist participants living with disabilities or additional needs. Support persons or animals are chosen by the participant to provide assistance as required. There are no additional fees charged for support persons or animals.

To ensure the safety and positive experience for all participants, we ask that Support Persons adhere to the following guidelines:

• Support persons should have the maturity and knowledge to make decisions and sound judgment relating to the participant’s wellbeing and care.
• Support persons may not leave the program/program area with the participant unless permission is received from parent/guardian.
• Support persons will provide the instructor with suggestions and input for adapted/ modified programming (if applicable).

To ensure the safety and positive experience for all participants, we ask that Support Animals adhere to the following guidelines:

• Service animals are individually trained to carry out tasks for a person with a disability or support their general health or wellbeing
• The animal can be readily identified as a result of visual indicators such as a vest or harness

Please note: Generally, support animals will not be permitted in pools and staff will accommodate by provided a designated space on the pool deck in relative proximity to the patron.