Inclusive Recreation Services

The Town of Caledon offers both inclusive and adapted opportunities in all program areas for participants with a special need/disability.

Inclusion support is provided by Town staff. These staff receive general training on program adaptations, behavior management and how to verbally assist with basic personal care (verbal prompting through tasks). They are typically students, and do not provide the same level of support as educational assistants or behaviour therapists. 

Participants have the options of integrated and adapted program opportunities:

Integrated opportunities: 

The integrated program option is designed for individuals who require some additional assistance in order to participant in a recreational program such as:

    • Skating and Swimming Lessons
    • Skating Lessons
    • Camps
    • Fitness Programs
    • General Interest Programs
  • This option allows participants with special needs/disability to participate in any town program alongside others and with the support of an inclusion staff. 
  • Upon registering for any recreational program, participants must register for the “Inclusion Support Request” allocated to that program area.
  • Participants are welcome to register with support for one (1) seasonal program per session, subject to staff availability. Please note, support is not provided for single day program registrations. 
  • To ensure the integrated option is the best fit, please refer to our “Group Ready” tab. 
Adapted opportunities:

The adapted program opportunity is designed for individuals who have a special needs/disability and want to participate in a recreation program with others who have similar interests and abilities.

  • The program has been designed to meet the needs of a specific group of participants. This could be through equipment, content and rules, structure, support and/or environment.
  • Staff will support each participant as they engage in program activities. Please Note: registration for the “Inclusion Support Request” is not required for these programs.  
Group Ready for Integrated Opportunities 
To best support the success of all participant’s registered in Town of Caledon programs all participants need to be ‘Group ready’ to participate in a registered program. In our integrated opportunities participants will be alongside others who also enjoy the sport/activity, and who vary in skill and ability. These programs are designed for participants of a set age range and are progressive in nature. To be group ready, a participant must be able to:
  • Take direction and instruction from a staff person in a large group setting.
  • Comfortable in a group environment with peers within the same age group.
  • Participate in the program safely for themselves and others enrolled. Participation in programs is based on the participant’s individual needs; however, it is encouraged that the individuals have the ability to participate in the activities outlined (ex. indoor/outdoor group activities and games, crafts and experiments).

If a participant is being disruptive, displaying unsafe behaviour or unable to follow the direction of the group then staff may deem the participant not 'Group Ready'. The participant may be withdrawn and redirected to a better suited program.  

Adapted Programs
Fun Club 

Designed for participants with special needs/disability. this supported program will provide opportunities to socialize in an active gymnasium environment followed by time in the swimming pool. 

 

Activity Time

This program is for participants with special needs/disability. Participants will be exposed to a variety of activities; arts and crafts, physical activity, and group games in a supportive environment. 

 

Adapted Swimming Lessons

This program is for participants aged 13-21 years with special needs/disability. With each individual's needs in mind, the goal of this program is to provide basic water instruction and to teach water safety skills in a one-to- one setting. 

 

Social Hour - Adult 18+

Program staff will lead and encourage teamwork and socialization through group games and activities. Participants must be able to attend the program independently within a small group setting.

 

Adapted Basketball

This adapted basketball program will focus on developing basketball skills in a non-competitive environment. Drills will be geared to all skill levels and will be incorporated into gameplay at the end of each class. Participants must be able to attend the program independently within a small group setting.

 

Adapted Dance

This adapted dance program will introduce participants to a variety of dance styles, techniques and moves. The program will focus on flexibility, strength and endurance and is designed for participants with special needs/disability. Participants must be able to attend the program independently within a small group setting.

 

All participants must complete a profile prior to entry into any Town of Caledon Registered Program.

Drop-in Activities
Support Persons at any Drop-in Activity

Support persons are welcome in all registered and drop-in programs. Please notify customer service or the program area staff that they are joining the program/drop-in to provide support. Admission fee may be waived for support persons accompanying a person with a special need/disability. 

 

Adapted Swim

A shallow water swim designed for individuals with special needs and/or disabilities and their family. All participants must be accompanied by their own parent or caregiver. All ages welcome, admission standards apply.

For current drop-in swim offerings, click here.

Inclusion Support 

Support Options
Internal Support

Inclusion support is provided by Town staff. These staff receive general training on program adaptations, behaviour management and how to verbally assist with basic care (i.e. verbal prompting through tasks). They are typically students, and do not provide the same level of support as educational assistants or behaviour therapists. Inclusion support is recommended for participants with a special need/disability that require: 

  • Monitoring and verbal assistance with daily tasks (ex. verbal prompting for dressing and eating).
  • Hand over hand guidance or support.
  • Those who would benefit from reminders and redirection when participating in a group setting or completing daily tasks. 
  • Additional support at school, home or in the community. 

When Requesting Support:

  • Inclusion support requests must be requested at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date.
  • Support is subject to staff availability.
  • A Participant Profile must be completed and submitted to the Specialty Programs Coordinator/Programmer three (3) days prior to the program start date.
  • The profile will be reviewed by the Specialty Programs team to ensure we provide the best support option. You will be contacted to confirm your request and answer any additional questions.
External Support Worker 

Participants are able to bring their own external support worker to help assist in any program. If an external support worker is used, an External Support Worker form is to be completed and the worker must meet the expectations listed.

  • The external support worker must be at least 16 years of age and know the participant.
  • Can assist participants with personal (ex. toileting needs) and medical care as arranged by the parent/guardian.
  • Actively takes part in fully scheduled activities where the participant is engaging.
  • Encourages the participant to follow the program rules and behavior guidelines.
  • Shall not supervise and/or support other children in the camp/program.
  • In the case of an emergency, they are to follow the instruction of program leaders and the Emergency Procedure Plan for the facility.
    • For more information on the external support worker process, please contact the Coordinator - Specialty Programs at Amy.Cauz@caledon.ca 

 

Note: If your child is attending any recreational activities with an external support worker, you must enroll into the inclusion support barcode, or contact Amy.Cauz@caledon.ca for more information. 

 

How To: Inclusion Support Request - General Programs | Skating
  1. Click Browse and Register
  2. Register your child into the program you would like them to attend (ex. art program or soccer lessons)
  3. Then go to: General Programs > Inclusion Support Request > Show Courses
  4. For Inclusion Support in Skating programs: Skating > Inclusion Support Request > Show Courses
    • Narrow your search by using the Filter to search by specific location.
  5. Select the location and program specific Inclusion Support request barcode (General Programs or Skating)
  6. Enroll the participant to the list.
  7. A staff member will contact participants to discuss individual needs, complete a participant profile and staffing availability.

Note: Space is limited, and support will be scheduled based on staff availability. Please refer to our 'Group Ready" tab to be sure the participant is group ready.

How To: Inclusion Support Request - Aquatic Programs
  1. Click Browse and Register
  2. Register your child into the Aquatics program you would like them to attend.
  3. Then go to: Aquatics > Inclusion Support Request > Show Courses
    • Narrow your search by using the Filter to search by specific location and
  4. Select in the location and program specific Inclusion Support request barcode (Swim Programs)
  5. Enroll the participant to the list.
  6. A staff member will contact participants to discuss individual needs, complete a participant profile and staffing availability.

Note: Space is limited, and support will be scheduled based on staff availability. Please refer to our 'Group Ready" tab to be sure the participant is group ready.

How To: Inclusion Support Request - Camps
 Winter Break | March Break | Summer Camp
  1. Click Browse and Register
  2. Select: Camp > Inclusion Support Request.
  3. Register under the Inclusion Support Request barcode
  4. Enroll the participant to the list.

Please refer to our 'Group Ready" tab to be sure the participant is group ready.

 

A Specialty Programs team member will contact participants to discuss individual needs, staffing availability, complete the camp registration process and answer any questions. Parents/Guardians are required to complete a Participant Profile and submit it to the Specialty Programs Coordinator at Amy.Cauz@caledon.ca 1 week prior to the Camp start date.

 

Note: Register only in the inclusion support request barcode. Once staffing availability is confirmed, families will be contacted to finalize camp registration. Space is limited, and support will be scheduled based on the registration queue OR time and date of registration and is subject to staff availability.

 

Participant Profiles

Participants with a special need/disability requiring support, will be asked to provide additional information. All participants requiring support must complete a Participant Profile prior to attending any Town of Caledon program. Participant Profiles are designed to:

  • Ensure a successful program experience for the participant and the inclusion staff member.
  • Details listed in the participant profile are kept confidential and will only be provided to the inclusion support staff working directly with a participant.
  • To ensure positive and safe experiences for all, Participant Profile must be submitted at least 3 days prior to the program start date and 1 week prior to the camp start date. If a participant’s profile is not submitted on time or completed to its fullest, entry into the program will be delayed or denied, at the discretion of town staff.

The Specialty Coordinator/Programmer will contact participants to discuss individual needs, staffing availability and answer any questions. Prior to attending a program for the first time, please complete the Participant Profile and submit it to the Specialty Programs Coordinator at Amy.Cauz@caledon.ca 

 Behaviour Guidelines

The goal of the Town of Caledon is to provide safe recreation programs that are barrier-free, fully accessible, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle. In an effort to ensure a positive, safe and secure environment for all involved, participants are asked to review and adhere to the Behaviour Guidelines for Recreation Programs/Camps.

  • In the case where a participant is causing harm to themselves, to another participant, to staff or engaging in unsafe play/behaviours; staff may be required to remove the participant from the program. The parent/guardian will be asked to pick up the participant immediately.  

Snoezelen Room 

Location: Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness (14111 Regional Road 50, Bolton)

The Snoezelen Room is a multi-sensory space where participants can guide their own experience in an environment designed with special sounds, visual effects, tactile, vibrations, and music options. Through this self-guided experience participants can gain a sense of control that offers opportunities for learning, stimulation, relaxation, communication and fun.

How to reserve the Snoezelen Room
  • Bookings are for 30-minute sessions.
  • A support person must be trained on using the room prior to first visit. A room orientation can be schedule with a Customer Service representative - there is no additional cost associated with the orientation.
  • It is highly recommended that a 1 to 1 ratio in the room is maintained for the most positive experience. However, multiple clients can participate only if the support person feels that it is appropriate – no more than 4 people in the room at one time.
  • Participants should not be left alone in the room without a support person, parents, or guardian.

 

Summer Hours (July and August)

Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 10:00am and 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Weekends: 8:00am - 4:00pm

 

To find out more information about the Snoezelen Room or to make reservations please contact Customer Service at

905-584-2272 ext.7322

 

Community Resources and Links

Partners for Planning 

Brampton Caledon Community Living 

Caledon Community Services

Kids Pathways Peel 

infoPeel

SNIP (Special Needs Information Peel)

Respite Services - Peel

Questions or Comments? 

Please contact the Coordinator - Specialty Programs at 905-584-2272 ext. 4204.