Frequently Asked Questions… - KidsAbility

Frequently asked questions........................................................................................ 4 

Curl for a Cause .......................................................................................................... 6 

6th Annual KidsAbility 1km Fun Run/Walk............................................................... 6 

Farmer Fern and Friends Puppet Program ............................................................... 7 

LEGO Club.................................................................................................................. 7 

KidsAbility Choir ........................................................................................................ 7 

You Go Guys…PD Day Camp Program ...................................................................... 8 

Get Active ................................................................................................................... 8 

Sibshops...................................................................................................................... 8 

Super Sibshops!.......................................................................................................... 9 

Keeping in Touch........................................................................................................ 10 

Home Alone…PD Day Program ................................................................................. 10 

Adapted Aquatics - FERGUS ..................................................................................... 11 

Adapted Aquatics - GUELPH..................................................................................... 11/12 

Summer Opportunities .............................................................................................. 13 

Parent 2 Parent Networking Group ........................................................................... 14 

ACS Workshops.......................................................................................................... 15 

Parent Workshops...................................................................................................... 16 

Recreational Opportunities in the Community ......................................................... 17/18 

Clinics and Services.................................................................................................... 19 

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Table of Contents 

Attention parents of School Years 

Children. 

We would like to know whether you have accessed our 

programs/services in the past and whether you wish to 

stay on the mailing list. Please expect a call from one of 

our volunteers soon to discuss. 

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions… 

Tell me more about your programming? 

We strive to provide services that are supportive, accessible, inclusive, measurable, 

effective, fun and responsive to client and family needs. We value community 

connections and will link with community partners in the design and development of 

our school years services. 

Our programs are carefully and thoughtfully put together by a multidisciplinary clinical 

team, students and volunteers. Each program includes a goal-setting component and an 

evaluative component. 

Why do you need forms? 

Forms are required to help us gather required information, such as your child’s 

strengths, needs and goals. They helps us adequately plan for volunteer assistance 

during the program and lets us prepare our programming to meet the goals that you 

identify as being of importance. Please drop off or mail the forms to us to complete your 

child’s registration. 

Why do you have a Registration Deadline? 

Registration deadlines are 2 weeks prior to the start of the program. If there are not 

enough registrants by the deadline to run the program effectively, we will cancel the 

program. If there are enough registrants, registration closes so we can begin the process 

of getting the required materials and preparation customized to meet the individual 

goals of your child. 

The Registration Deadline is important! 

How do I pay? 

Please come by the office or mail your cheque to us upon registration. We do not have 

the staffing to take payments/ make receipts on the first night of the program. Debit or 

credit is not available at this time. Subsidy is available if you need it, ask when 

registering. 

How will I find out of you are closed due to weather or other 

circumstances? 

Call in to KidsAbility at 1-888-372-2259 and listen to the general greeting. Information 

can be found there regarding the closure and also local radio stations (Magic 106.1 FM 

and FM 96.7) 

What are your hours? 

September to June: 

Monday to Friday 8:30am—4:30pm; Tuesday’s 8:30am—7:30pm; 

Saturday’s 9:00am-noon 

July and August: 

Monday to Friday 8:30am—3:30pm 

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Farmer Fern & Friends Puppet Program 

Program Description: 

This program welcomes children ages 6-18 years, their siblings, family and supportive networks! Children 

will learn puppet-making, enjoy music, nature exploration activities and performances while building 

skills, making new friends and having fun! Workshops and healthy snacks are provided at no cost by 

Musagetes, Kidz Create, Spark of Brilliance and KidsAbility. 

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Ages: 6-18 years (children & youth will be grouped in appropriate ages) 

Dates: Tuesday’s, March 20 - April 10 (session #1) 

Tuesday’s, April 17 – May 8 (session #2) 

Tuesday’s, May 15 – June 5 (session #3) 

Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm 

Location: West End Community Centre – Clubhouse 

Cost: FREE 

To Register: www.kidsability.ca or 1-888-372-2259 ext. 6300 

Deadline: March 6 (session #1), April 3 (session #2), May 1 (session #3) 

New!!! Lego Club (2 age groups offered) 


This is a new group that will teach children social skills through the use of Lego and other building toys. 

The goal of this program is to teach children appropriate social skills for interaction with other children. 

Participants will be placed in small groups and given the roles of “builder”, “supplier”, and “engineer” 

throughout the program to practice the following social skills: greeting, problem-solving, joint attention to 

the task, turn taking, sharing, listening and general social communication skills. 

Ages: 5 - 8 years 

Date: Tuesdays starting April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 8, 15, 2012 

Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm 


Date: Tuesdays starting April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 8, 15, 2012 

Time: 5:45-7:00pm 

Location: KidsAbility Guelph site, Butterfly Room 

Cost: Free 


Deadline: May 25, 2012 

KidsAbility Choir 


Find your voice and experience community and friendship through song! Participants are led by a 

talented choir director through 7 sessions to make music through song, rhythm and simple instruments. 

No musical experience necessary to participate. A performance at the KidsAbility Fun Walk/Run will take 

place Sunday, June 3 rd at the West End Community Centre’s Rink. 

Ages: 8-18 years 

Dates: Saturday, April 21 – June 9 (except May 19) 

Performance date is Sunday, June 3 

Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am 

Location: KidsAbility – Butterfly Room 

Cost: $25 


Deadline: April 5, 2012

You Go Guys!!! PD Day Camp 


Come out and learn about self-esteem, body image/puberty, healthy living and friendship skills. 

We will also learn important social skills using Lego and other building toys. Please bring a 

backpack with lunch, water bottle, towel, bathing suit. 

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Ages: Boys, 9 – 13 years 

Date: Monday April 23, 2012 (P.D. Day) 

Time: 9-3:30pm 

Location: KidsAbility, Guelph site, Clubhouse 

Cost: $20; includes fee for swimming, healthy snacks and hygiene kit to take 

home! 

To Register: www.kidsability.ca or 1-888-372-2259 ext. 6300; 

Deadline: April 9, 2012 

Get Active 


A partnership program with Wellington Catholic District School Board. 

Get Active encourages high school students with developmental disabilities to enhance their 

physical fitness and participation in recreation. This spring, students from Our Lady of Lourdes 

and St. James Catholic High School’s will have the opportunity to learn about fitness, try new 

fitness and recreation activities, and learn about how to pursue activities in the community. 

Ages: 13 – 18 years 

Dates: Wednesday’s in April & May TBA (for 6 weeks) 

Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm 

Location: Various sites in the community 

Cost: FREE 

To Register: Speak to your teacher or EA if you are interested 

SibShops 

Workshops for brothers and sisters of individuals with special needs. 

In partnership with Playsense! 

Here’s a chance to have fun with new friends and for you to get out all of the “good stuff” and the 

“tough stuff” about having a brother or sister with special needs. Come out and have fun playing 

crazy games and activities together, eating lunch, and chatting it up with kids who know what 

it’s like to be a sibling! Come out and meet other siblings who “get it”!! 


Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012 

Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm (Family Time 12:30 pm-1:00pm) 

Location: Playsense Activity Centre, 20 Shelldale Crescent, Guelph 

Cost: $15; includes lunch and snacks 


Deadline: May 19, 2012

Super Kids! 

Supporting Siblings 

Clients (ages 5+) Workshop for Parents 

There is fun for everyone! Join other parents and 

Brothers & sisters get to play too! Play, discuss, & learn about 

the unique experiences siblings 

share and how to support 

these children. Leave re-energized 

with ideas to try at home. 

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A family event that has something for everyone! 

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012 

Time: 10:00am- 2:00pm 

Location: West End Community Centre 

Parkwood Gardens Community Room 

(Located in the wing closest to the Library) 

Fee: $30/family (includes activities and lunch for all) 

To Register: Call KidsAbility Hotline at 1-888-372-2259 x 6300 

Registration Deadline: March 30, 2012 

PLEASE NOTE: For siblings and clients who are younger than age 5, alternative 

childcare arrangements need to be made. 

Subsidy is available to help with this cost if needed. Please inquire when registering. 

Activity Schedule: 10:00-12:00 

12:00-1:00: LUNCH! Pizza provided for the whole family!! 

Super Sibs! 

for Siblings (Ages 5+) 

Siblings will have a blast playing 

games together & doing fun activities 

with kids who “get it”! 

1:00-2:00: Shake it UP! A Family event 

A joy-FULL activity session for the whole family - good for your body, inside and out. 

"Move and Groove, Shake and Shimmy. High and Low, Fast and Slow. 

SHAKE IT UP is so much fun, for young and old, for everyone."

Keeping In Touch 


This is a service to support parents of children ages birth to 5, while they wait for their children 

to begin therapy. This is an opportunity to have questions answered and clarified by an 

Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist. You should bring your child. Therapists will 

make suggestions for the next steps in areas such as play, feeding, motor skills, and equipment 

needs. 


Date: Friday June 8, 2012 

Time: 9:00am—12:00pm, 1:00pm—3:00pm 

Location: West End Community Centre 

Cost: Free 


Please call to book a 1 hr session with an OT, PT or Both 

Home Alone - PD Day Camp 


Spend the day learning important safety skills about staying home alone including how to call 

911, what to do if someone comes to the door, leisure activities at home and computer safety. We 

will have two guest speakers; a police officer and an outreach worker from Women’s Community 

Services to facilitate the community safety game. We will also have fun going for a swim and 

practice swimming safety. Be sure to bring lunch, towel, bathing suit and a water bottle. 

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Date: Friday June 8, 2012 

Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm 

Location: Clubhouse, West End Community Centre 

Cost: $20; includes healthy snacks and fee for swimming 


Deadline: May 25, 2012

Adapted Aquatics in Fergus 

In partnership with the Township of Centre Wellington 

Adapted aquatics is for children and youth with a physical or developmental disability who need 

1:1 support to feel comfortable in the water and to progress in their swimming skills. 

Participants will be taught by an experienced aquatics instructor. 

Our spring session dates are as follows: 

Tuesday Wednesday Sunday 

Start / End Date April 17 - June 12 April 18 - June 13 April 15 - June 17 

Cancellations none none May 20 

Adapted Aquatics 4:00-4:30 

4:30-5:00 

5:00-5:30 

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5:30-6:00 

4:30-5:00 

5:30-6:00 

6:30-7:00 

7:30-8:00 

5:30-6:00 

7:00-7:30 

Adapted Aquatics will be offered at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex throughout the 

summer. Our summer session dates are as follows: 

Daily lessons (every day for 2 weeks between 9:00-11:45am): 

Session 1 July 2-13, 

Session 2 July 16-26, 

Session 3 July 30-August 10, 

Session 4 August 13-23. 

Twice a week lessons (Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:00): 

July 3-31, 

August 2-30 

Once a week lessons: 

Mondays 4:00-8:00pm, June 25 th – August 29 

Tuesdays 8:00-8:45am, July 3 – August 28 th , 

Wednesdays 4:00-8:00pm July 4 th – August 29 th . 

Summer Registration will start on Wednesday June 6 th . 

Registration Information: Call Centre Wellington Parks and Recreation Dept. at (519) 843-2800 Centre 

Wellington Community Sportsplex. Adapted Aquatics - Private Lessons 9 weeks, 30 min. each $64.00 

Adapted Aquatics in Guelph 

This program is designed for children with physical, developmental and communication disabilities who require 

specialized instruction in order to progress in their swimming skills. Each child will receive individual assistance from 

a specially trained swim instructor and One2One volunteers. 

Registration is Monday Mar 19 th , starting at 7:30 am. 

Adapted Aquatics - Parent and Tot 

Programs for children with physical and mental disabilities. Water familiarization for parents and tots. Aims: 

introduction to water, supports, submersion, (optional), buoyancy and movement, front and back floats (assisted) 

water play and songs. 

Age: 4 mos-3 years Location: West End Community Centre 

Fri. Apr 13 - June 15 9:30-10 a.m. $65.90 

Fri Jul 6-Aug 31 9:30-10 a.m. $59.31 

Age: 4 mos-3 years Location: Centennial Pool 

Sat. Apr 14 – June 16 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $65.90

Adapted Aquatics - Preschool 

Aims: Water movement, entries and exits, assisted floats, glides, kicking and swims. 

Age: 3-6 years Location: Centennial Pool 

Sat. Apr 14 - June 16 12-12:30 p.m. $65.90 

Age: 3-6 years Location: West End Community Centre 

Wed. Apr 18 - June 20 6:45-7:15 p.m. $65.90 

Adapted Aquatics - School age - Just Starting 

Aims: Water movement, rhythmic breathing, front and back float with recovery; assisted rollover floats and glides. 


Sat. Apr 14 - June 16 12:30-1:15 p.m. $71.80 


Wed. Apr 18 - June 20 7:15-8 p.m. $71.80 

Adapted Aquatics – School-age - Next Steps 

Aims: Glides, front and back swims, deep water activities. 


Sat. Apr 14 - June 16 12:30-1:15 p.m. $71.80 


Wed. Apr 18 - Jun 20 6-6:45 p.m. $71.80 

Combined Next Steps and Starting Strokes 

Adapted Aquatics - School age - Starting Strokes 

Aims: Glides, front and back crawl, kneeling dives, surface support, deep water activities. 


Sat. Apr 14 - June 16 12:30-1:15 p.m. $71.80 


Wed. Apr 18 - June 20 6-6:45 p.m. $71.80 

Combined Next Steps, Starting Strokes 

Adapted Aquatics - Teen 

This program is designed for children with physical, developmental and communication disabilities who require 

specialized instruction in order to progress in their swimming skills. Each child will receive individual assistance from 

a specially trained swim instructor and One2One volunteers. Aims: Water familiarization and increased comfort level. 

Increased swimming ability, social interaction. 


Sat. Apr 14 - June 16 1:15-2 p.m. $71.80 

Adapted Private Lessons 

CENTENNIAL POOL 

Sat. Apr 16 9:30 a.m.; 10 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; 11 a.m. 

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My Life Unplugged 


Step out of your comfort zone and see what you can do! Join us for a week, preferably two, of summer fun where 

you’ll be part of choosing what we do. Activities may include rock climbing, eating out, shopping, movies or bowling. 

Learn the skills to manage money, get around the city, stay safe, plan outings with friends, and make healthy choices. 

You’ll get to choose personal goals related to life skills and active living. Come GET OUT and GET ACTIVE! Unplug 

from your everyday and stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone!! 

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Dates: Week #1 July 9-13 

Week #2 August 20-24 

Time: 9 am – 3 pm 

Location: West End Community Centre, Clubhouse 

Cost: $200 for one week ($150 for second week of participation) 


Deadline: Week #1 – June 8, 2012 and Week #2 – July 20, 2012 

Lose the Training Wheels 


KidsAbility is excited to be hosting our second summer of an amazing camp called Lose the Training Wheels! The goal 

of this camp is to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheeled bicycle and become lifelong 

independent riders. Lose the Training Wheels uses adapted bicycles to help the cyclist learn and master their cycling 

skills. Over the course of the week, the bikes are continually adjusted in an effort to challenge the rider appropriately 

as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. By the end of the week, most riders are able to successfully 

transition to a conventional bicycle! How does it work? Participants come out to ride for 75 minutes a day, for five 

days. Camp staff provides instruction and bicycle modifications, and volunteers run alongside the riders to help spot. 

Eligibility: Participants must be 8 years or older, and have a disability. Participants must also: 

- be able to walk without an assistive device, 

- be able to sidestep quickly to both sides, 

- be willing and able to wear a properly fitted helmet, 

- be at least 40” tall or have a minimum inseam measurement of 22”, 

- weigh less than 220 lbs. 

Ages: 8 + years 

Dates: July 16-20 (There will be a parent info session meeting Sunday, July 15 @ 3pm) 

Time: 75 minute sessions each day (sessions scheduled between 8am-5pm) 

Location: Lions Arena, 20 Rittenhouse Rd, Kitchener 

Cost: $175 

To Register: Contact Meg Shirley at 1.888.372.2259 x.1302 or email mshirley@kidsability.ca 

Deadline: June 1, 2012 

Play Who You Are! 

Summer Opportunities at KidsAbility 

Interested in an exciting performance opportunity at the Guelph Jazz Festival?! This program is geared to youth with 

a variety of abilities and their siblings between 10-18 years of age. The workshops will provide an opportunity for 

youth to express themselves musically using instruments, voice and rhythm, guided by a professional musician. 

Participants will work together to showcase their musical improvisation at the Guelph Jazz Festival on the main stage. 

This program is a partnership with the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Improvisation, Community and Social Practice 

Project (ICASP) and Musagetes. Come explore musical improvisation with the 2012 Improviser-in-Residence. No 

musical experience necessary! 


Dates: Tues, Aug 28, Thurs, Aug 30, Wed, Sept 5 & Fri, Sept 7 

(4 evenings) plus a performance at the Guelph Jazz Festival 

Sat, Sept 8 th 12-1pm 

Time: 6 pm – 7 pm 

Location: West End Community Centre – Clubhouse Room 

Cost: $20 


Deadline: August 14, 2012

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Guelph-Wellington 

~Putting PARENTS of children, youth and adult children with special needs 

in touch with each other~ 

Parent 2 Parent is a new parent engagement initiative designed to create an active parent network to 

connect parents who are raising a child or an adult with special needs. The journey with special needs can 

be isolating and difficult. Parents have considerable knowledge to share and can also learn from each 

other. We want to try and ensure that all families living with special needs, regardless of diagnosis, age or 

circumstances has a supportive network when they need it. Many families share common challenges of 

diet, sleep disorders, social opportunities, IEP's and the school system, to name a few. 

The KidsAbility Centre of Excellence facilitated a similar initiative in Waterloo Region to help parents 

connect with parents. This resulted in the parents building the Waterloo Region Family Network. Parents 

in Wellington County have also expressed an interest in ‘finding each other’ and these meetings are being 

facilitated by KidsAbility and interested partner agencies to help support this formative process. 

MEETING SCHEDULE—4th Thursday of the month from March to June 2012 - 

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS 

Coming up… 

March 22 – ABA Services 

Kerry’s Place Autism Services, KidsAbility and Trellis Mental Health and Developmental 

Services are pleased to announce a new service for children and youth who reside in the city of 

Guelph and Wellington County living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This new initiative, ABA 

Based Services and Supports for Children and Youth, launched in the summer of 2011, is 

intended to provide hands on behavioural intervention and skill building for children and youth 

with ASD. Program options are flexible, with services being provided in small group formats or 

on an individualized basis depending upon the goal identified for each child. Support can occur 

in family homes, family resource centres, and in community settings. Information on eligibility 

and programming will be discussed on March 22 nd , 2012 at the Parent2Parent session. 

April 26 – Topic: Guardianship 

May 24 – Topics: Independent Facilitation Planning and From Tempers to Tranquility 

June 21 – Open 

Our fall session are planned for Sep 27, Oct 25, Nov 22, Dec 20 (tentative) 

Let us know if you would like to facilitate a topic for one of these dates! 

If you would like to join our network to receive meeting invitations and information of 

interest in our community about special needs, let us know! 

p2p@kidsability.ca 

TO RSVP or if you have questions, 

Email address: p2p@kidsability.ca 

Voicemail at KidsAbility: 1-888-372-2259 x 6300

2012 ACS Workshops 

Preregistration is necessary for these sessions. Please call 1-888-372-2259, ext. 1541 or email us at 

ACSInfo@kidsability.ca and indicate the date and time(s) of the session(s) you would like to attend. You do not 

need to attend all sessions on a day! You can choose to attend only those of interest to you. You must register by 

the Wednesday prior to the sessions you wish to attend. Please cancel if you cannot attend! 

Please note the location of the session that you are registering for. Take a look at our website at 

www.kidsability.ca/en/Workshops for workshop descriptions and handouts! 

April 10, 2012 – Guelph Site – register by Apr.4/12 

Supporting Early Communication 9:00am to 10:00am 

Using a Speech Generating Device Functionally 10:10am to 11:10am 

Vocabulary Selection and Developing Overlays 11:20am to 12:20pm 

Using Switches to Play 1:00pm to 2:00pm 

Computer Play for Young Children with Disabilities 

May 8, 2012 – Waterloo Site – register by May 2/12 

2:15pm to 4:00pm 

Visual Strategies for Communication 9:00am to 10:00am 

Adaptations to Support Shared Reading 10:10am to 11:10am 

Developing and Using Conversation Books 11:20am to 12:20pm 

June 5, 2012 – Cambridge Site – register by May 30/12 





Computer Play for Young Children with Disabilities 2:15pm to 4:00pm 

September 18, 2012 – Waterloo Site – register by Sept.12 /12 






October 9, 2012 – Guelph Site – register by Oct. 3/12 

2:15pm to 4:00pm 

Visual Strategies for Communication 9:00am to 10:00am 

Adaptations to Support Shared Reading 10:10am to 11:10am 

Developing and Using Conversation Books 11:20am to 12:20pm 

November 13, 2012 – Waterloo Site – register by Nov. 7/12 






January, July, August and December – no workshops 

2:15pm to 4:00pm 

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Parent Workshops

Parent Support Groups 

We are continuing our partnership with the Ontario Early Years 

Centre to offer parent support groups during their Something Special Play Drop In play groups. 

This spring we will be offering parent support groups in Fergus and Guelph. 

Something Special Drop-In Play Group is run by the OEYC and designed for children with 

exceptionalities and their parents. It includes free play, circle time with songs and stories and 

provides a relaxed environment where families can feel comfortable and have fun. Children and 

siblings up to age 6 are welcome to attend. No registration is required. 

New Beginnings – is a 6 week parent support group offered by KidsAbility during the 

Something Special Drop- In. It provides practical skills for parents, and a time to meet other 

families. Although the diagnoses may be different, many families have similar questions and 

concerns. Parents and children meet in the same room. Siblings up to age 6 welcome to attend. 

Fergus: 

Fergus New Beginnings will run on Thursday mornings April 26 – May 31, 10:00 – 11:30 

a.m. 

Location: Fergus - Early Years Centre, 160 St. David Street South 

Fee: Free 

Fergus Something Special Drop In runs every Thursday morning 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 year 

round. 

Guelph: 

Guelph New Beginnings will run Thursday mornings May 10-June 14, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. 

Location: Early Years Centre, Stone Road Mall, second level 

Fee: free 

Guelph Something Special Drop In runs every Thursday morning 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Until June 21, 2012 

To Register for New Beginnings call the KidsAbility Registration Hotline 

1-888-372-2259 x 6300 

Need more information? 

Call Rebecca Erickson, KidsAbility (Fergus) Social Worker ext. 6524 

Amanda Wood- Atkinson, KidsAbility (Guelph) Social Worker ext. 6228 

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Information and programs for children and youth with special needs 

in Guelph & Wellington 

Financial 

Assistance for 

Recreation 

Programs 

Parents and Tots 

Playtime at 

Playsense 

Horseback 

Riding 

Music 

Casual T-Ball 

Social 

Group 

Special 

Olympics 

Swimming 

lessons 

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Recreational Programs & Opportunities 

Do you need help paying for recreation programs for your 

child? Funding is available through the Children’s Foundation 

of Guelph Wellington. Call 519-826-9551 or to download an 

application form go to www.childrensfoundation.org/applying- 

for-funding 

Looking for something fun to do with your toddler? Playsense 

is a fully accessible play centre for individuals with 

developmental disabilities. Playsense offers a unique place for 

users to play at their own pace, fostering a variety of visual, 

auditory and tactile adventures. Cost is $5 (subsidy available). 

For more information, call Playsense at 519-780-5052. 

Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre offers 

therapeutic horseback riding lessons, farm discovery programs, 

and summer camps. For more information visit 

www.sunrise-therapeutic.ca or call (519) 837-0558 

Music for Children with Special Needs is a small group 

program for children ages 5-10, led by a certified music 

therapist. Contact the Guelph Youth Music Centre at (519) 837- 

1119 or www.gymc.ca for more info. 

Heavy Hitters A team for players of all Special Abilities all 

ages! Free for all players. T-ball, bowling, dancing, swimming, 

mini-golf and lots more activities. 

For more information please contact: Heather and Dean 

Clemmer 519-638-5001 racing_crew@sympatico.ca 

Friday Friends is a social program for teens and young adults 

with intellectual disabilities. See the Guelph Community 

Guide for more information. 

Guelph-Wellington programs include bowling, swimming, 

basketball, floor hockey and track and field. For more 

information contact Jenn Klaus at (519) 858-9523 or 

jenniferk@specialolympicsontario.com 

The City of Guelph & Centre Wellington offers adapted 

swimming lessons for children and youth who could benefit 

from having a small class and a volunteer assisting them in the 

water. See the schedule in this guide for more information. 

Sledge Hockey Demo Day - KidsAbility & KW Sidewinders are offering an opportunity to come out and try sledge hockey 

on Saturday, March 10 from 1-3pm at RIM Park in Waterloo. Sledge hockey is a form of hockey for kids with physical 

disabilities. To register call the School Years Registration Hotline at 1.888.372.2259 ext.1314. 

Wheelchair Rugby - If you are age 8 and older, come out and try your hand at wheelchair rugby Tuesday, April 7-8pm with 

the London Annihilators at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener. Wheelchair rugby is for athletes with physical 

disabilities including limited upper body strength (quadriplegia). To register call the School Years Registration Hotline at 

1.888.372.2259 ext.1314.

These local recreation providers have been working hard to offer 

inclusive programming. Give them a call to see if their program is a 

good fit for your child! 

Art Elora Centre for the Arts (519) 846-9698 or 

www.eloracentreforthearts.ca 

Guelph School of Art (519) 767-1317 

www.wyndhamARTsupplies.com 

Pablo’s World of Cartoons (519)731-2957 

www.guelpharts.ca/pablo 

7 Heather Studio (519) 824-2907—Barb Shaw 

City of Guelph See the Guelph Community Guide or visit www.guelph.ca 

One2One support is available upon request for all city run 

recreation programs. 

Dance Guelph Youth Dance Training Program — (519) 780- 

2220 www.guelphyouthdance.ca 

Flying Dance Company — (519) 767-2721 

Fitness and 

sport skills 

18 

www.flyingdancecompany.com 

Bulldog Fitness (519) 836-3838 

www.bulldoginteractivefitness.com 

"Shake It Up" fitness program by Karen Calzonetti 

YMCA-YWCA (519) 824-5150 www.guelphy.org 

Gymnastics The Little Gym— (519) 821-3547 tlgguelphon.com 

Karate Fighting Griffin Family Karate (519) 767-1637 

guelphfamilykarate.ca 

Swimming 

Guelph Marlins- (519) 836-3820 guelphmarlins.ca 

Club 

Drama Educational Theatre Collective offers evening youth drama 

classes. Youth will be supported in developing their own 

characters, writing scripts and practicing performance 

techniques. No previous experience necessary. Call Candice 

Barrett at 519-546-7801 or 

educationaltheratrecollective@gmail.com 

Afterschool 

City of Guelph Neighbourhood Groups—for programs in 

Programs 

your neighbourhood, visit Guelph.ca—recreation and culture— 

neighbourhood groups 

Power Wheelchair Power Wheelchair Hockey for power wheelchair users, 

Hockey 

any age! This sport gives individuals with mobility challenges 

and limited upper body strength the opportunity to develop 

sport skills, be part of a team, and experience friendly 

competition. Sticks may be held or fastened to the chair. 

Saturdays from 10am - noon at Lincoln Heights PS, 270 

Quickfall Dr. Waterloo. For more information or to register, 

contact Chris Hodnett at 519-885-6640 or email 

kwaa@kwa.on.ca 

Trampoline Airborne Trampoline KW 

Specific trampolining classes for children with special needs 

(519) 653-7713 or www.airbornetrampolinekw.com

Early Years Services birth until eligible for Senior Kindergarten 

For children with developmental or physical delays or disabilities. Services offered include: 

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Therapeutic Recreation, offered at the centre, in child care or 

in the home, as needed. Range of services may include assessment, individual or group intervention, consultation, 

mediator model, parent support/education, home programming, community training, equipment recommendations, 

monitoring, transition-to-school and referrals to other services. Child and parent groups. Partnerships and outreach 

to community. 

Keeping in Touch birth until eligible for Senior Kindergarten 

For families of children on the waitlist for assessment or intervention. Services offered include: 

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy support for families while children are on the waitlist. Range of services 

may include phone calls, home visits, centre-based visits to relieve worry, get started on some home programming, 

make other referrals, etc… 

Inclusion Support Services—birth to eligible for grade one. (Services funded by the 

County of Wellington) 

For children with developmental or physical delays or disabilities who attend a licensed centre-based or home 

childcare programs. Services offered include: 

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy offered at the childcare program. Range of services may include 

assessment, consultation, mediator model, provider support/education, home programming, community training, 

equipment recommendations, monitoring, transition-to-school and referrals to other services. 

School Years Services 5-18 years of age (Fees are applicable for some groups. Subsidy 

available) 

For children and youth with developmental or physical delays or disabilities. Services offered include: 

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Therapeutic Recreation offered at the centre or in the 

community, as needed. Goal based therapeutic groups aimed at promoting the development of recreation and leisure, 

physical, communication, social, and life skills. Range of services includes group intervention, parent 

support/education, community training and referrals to other services. Connections/partnerships with community 

programs including Yoga, soccer, swimming, etc. 

Resource Centre Services 

A Resource Centre is available to clients and community members where family resource materials as well as 

educational toys may be borrowed. Over 700 items are available as well as a family computer where Boardmaker may 

be accessed. 

Augmentative Communication Services (ACS) 

Augmentative communication services provide a variety of non-traditional methods of communication to assist 

individuals who are unable to communicate effectively, either verbally or through writing. 

Autism Intervention Services 

Intensive behaviour intervention services provided for children with autism. 

Inclusion Training for Recreation Providers 

Therapeutic Recreation Services offers free training workshops on how to adapt community programs to include 

children with physical or developmental disabilities. These workshops are appropriate for groups that provide 

recreation-based activities including summer camps, after school programs and community sport programs. 

Infant Hearing Program Auditory Verbal Therapy 

Auditory Verbal Therapy services provided for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Orthotics Clinics 

Orthotics clinics assess clients for specialized foot orthotics, in conjunction with Toronto Orthopedics. 

Seating and Mobility Clinics 

Seating and Mobility clinics assess clients for manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, stroller and postural seating 

systems. The assessment takes into account a child’s physical status, functional ability and mobility needs. 

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Clinic 

This clinic will be offered to clients with specific physical needs who may require services. 

19 

Clinics & Services—Guelph-Wellington 

1-888-372-2259. Call for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions… - KidsAbility

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